When Ian Bedell reclassified from the high school class of 2018 to 2017 and committed to the University of Missouri, he cited the stellar coaching staff and player development record as key in his decision. Three years later, it is clear that decision has paid off immensely. Bedell did not post stellar numbers in his shortened 2020 season (3.70 ERA, five home runs allowed in four starts). However, his sophomore season in 2019 showed just what the righty from Davenport, Iowa could do at the college level.
After struggling with consistency as a freshman, Bedell emerged as one of the nation’s best bullpen arms. Despite pitching in the Southeastern Conference, widely considered the toughest in the country, Bedell compiled a 1.56 ERA over 40 ⅓ innings, even 19 innings without allowing a run over six appearances, two of them against top-10 powerhouses LSU and Georgia. Bedell’s ability to throw multiple innings in relief was crucial to the success of the Tigers’ staff. In 13 of his 18 appearances, he threw at least two innings, working efficiently and quickly through lineups.
Strengths
Ian Bedell’s decision to reclassify from the 2018 class, where he was ranked as the #32 overall prospect by Perfect Game, and enroll at Mizzou in the spring of 2017 has paid great dividends. Bedell’s combination of youth and high-level experience is tantalizing to many risk-averse organizations. At just 20 years and nine months old, Bedell is one of the youngest college players in this year’s MLB draft, but still has the development of three years within a respected college program.
Bedell’s greatest strength is his command, especially considering the limitations of his pure stuff. In the 2019 Cape Cod league, a summer league featuring many of the nation’s top collegiate bats, he struck out 36 to just three walks, posting a 0.59 ERA while showcasing his ability to pound the strike zone consistently.
Many pitching-hungry organizations are also intrigued by his ability to change speeds and locate his off-speed well. Bedell features a low-to-mid-90s fastball, as well as a low-80s changeup and a curveball that sits in the high 70s. He has also mixed in a cut fastball, which could be useful against lefthanded hitters from his ¾ arm slot.
Weaknesses
Despite Bedell’s consistency and stellar command, his arsenal itself leaves room for improvement. Per MLB.com, none of Bedell’s four pitches are rated higher than 55 on the
typical scouting scale of 20-80. At higher levels of the minor league system, small mistakes and missed location often result in hard-hit balls flying all over the place, and pitchers like Bedell are not able to rely on their pure stuff as others like Texas A&M’s Asa Lacy and Georgia’s Emerson Hancock can do.
Unless Bedell can improve the velocity of his fastball and/or the movement profile of his off-speed, he will be walking a very fine line when it comes to professional success. Bedell also needs to improve his ability to throw his changeup for strikes. Although the pitch has shown great movement and change in speed, to prove effective he must command it better.
MLB Player Comp
Ian Bedell compares best to veteran New York Mets starter Rick Porcello. Bedell’s consistency and durability project him as a starter, featuring an arsenal similar to the former Cy Young winner. Both feature a fastball that sits in the low-90s with good arm-side run, effective for inducing groundballs from righthanded hitters.
Porcello has also used a low-80s changeup, similar to the young righthander, to effectively keep hitters off balance for years. And while neither one of them throws a curveball with a whole lot of vertical movement, their consistent spin rate and ability to locate have taken their breaking balls to new heights.
Bedell’s pitch ability and command have him in a position to succeed in the professional ranks. However, it remains to be seen whether he will develop and refine his arsenal to contribute to a major league roster.
Sources: MLB.com, Perfect Game, Pitcher List, mutigers.com
Main Image
Embed from Getty Images
