Kansas City Royals: 2020 Final Mock Draft

Kansas City Royals Mock Draft – Round 3, Pick 76: Ian Bedell, Starting Pitcher (RHP)

Ian Bedell is a 20-year-old, 6’2”, 203 lb., right-handed pitcher out the University of Missouri. Bedell has been used mostly as reliever at Missouri, but was absolutely dominant in transitioning into a starter during the 2019 Cape Cod league season.

• 2019 stats (NCAA): 1.56 ERA, 0.992 WHIP, 36 Ks, 12 BB with 5 saves in 40.1 innings
• 2019 stats (Cape Cod): 0.59 ERA, 0.652 WHIP, 36 Ks, 3 BB in 30.2 innings
• 2020 stats (NCAA): 3.70 ERA, 0.986 WHIP, 35 Ks, 4 BB in 24.1 innings

According to the Draft Prospect Rankings at mlb.com, Bedell has future value of 45 (out of 80), with the following future tool grades:

• Overall: 45
• Fastball: 55 (low 90s mph)
• Curveball: 55 (high 70s mph)
• Cutter: 50 (mid 80s mph)
• Changeup: 55 (low 80s mph)
• Control: 55

According to the scouting report on Bedell at mlb.com;

"“Bedell has a sound delivery and the athleticism to repeat it with ease. He attacks hitters with confidence because he can locate his pitches where he wants. Fellow Missouri hurler T.J. Sikkema rode pitchability and a high floor into the supplemental first round in 2019, and Bedell could take a similar path this year.”"

According to the scouting report on Bedell at fangraphs.com;

"“Emerged on the Cape, taking a step forward with starter traits and a solid average four pitch mix: 89-94, above average curveball, solid average changeup.”"

My draft analysis on Bedell in Mock Draft 2.0;

"“Bedell has four solid pitches and looked good in his Friday night starts for the Missouri Tigers in 2020. He was bitten by the homerun ball as he gave up five home runs in his four starts, but he showed excellent control and filled up the strike-zone, limiting his walks. His stuff as it stands, appears to be that of a back-end of the rotation type 4/5 pitcher (4.20 FIP).”"

Bedell’s success is centered around his command and knowledge of how to use his pitch arsenal. His stuff won’t blow hitters away, but he will get his fair share of strike outs with location and pitch sequencing.

Bedell is a high floor-type prospect with the mental maturity to climb the farm system quickly. Having a pitcher in command of pitch arsenal is a valued commodity in this new age of swing-for-the-fences baseball.

Other possibilities: Tyler Gentry, Nick Swiney, and Hudson Haskin.