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.<\/p>\n
After struggling with consistency as a freshman, Bedell emerged as one of the nation\u2019s best bullpen arms. Despite pitching in the Southeastern Conference, widely considered the toughest in the country, Bedell compiled a 1.56 ERA over 40 \u2153 innings, even 19 innings without allowing a run over six appearances, two of them against top-10 powerhouses LSU and Georgia. Bedell\u2019s ability to throw multiple innings in relief was crucial to the success of the Tigers\u2019 staff. In 13 of his 18 appearances, he threw at least two innings, working efficiently and quickly through lineups.<\/p>\n