BALTIMORE -- The Orioles agreed to terms on Friday with Cody Sedlock, their first-round selection of the 2016 MLB Draft, the team announced.
"Ever since I heard my name called, I wanted to get right here and sign the papers and get to it as quick as possible," said Sedlock, who added that the O's made his childhood dream come true.
• 2016 Draft: Signing and Bonus Tracker
The No. 26 overall Draft prospect according to MLBPipeline.com, Sedlock went 10-6 with a 2.96 ERA over three seasons at the University of Illinois, where he racked up 175 strikeouts in 47 career games. The Orioles selected Sedlock, the 2016 Big Ten Pitcher of the Year, with the No. 27 overall pick in the Draft, and he is their first selection to sign.
Sedlock said part of the reason he signed quickly was to get back on the mound as soon as possible. Because Illinois missed the Big Ten Tournament, he said it's been a month and a day since he last pitched in a game.
While Orioles director of scouting Gary Rajsich said he doesn't know the exact plans for Sedlock, he said the right-hander will head to Florida for an orientation before he's assigned to a Minor League affiliate.
"He will throw a couple bullpens," Rajsich said. "We'll see how far he is and how far along he is and how close he is to getting in a game. He may even throw one or two innings down there, but they'll evaluate where he's at, and as soon as they think he's ready, they'll send him up."
A 6-foot-4, 204-pound righty with four pitches, Sedlock made a successful transition from reliever to starter this season with the Illini, setting the school's single-season strikeout record in the process. He relies primarily on a heavy sinker that he throws between 91-93 mph to go along with a four-seamer that can touch 96.
In his past five starts at Illinois, Sedlock went at least nine innings four times, something he said he prides himself on. That competitiveness is something the Orioles noticed.
"What we particularly like about Cody … is that he has the ability to take his stuff up a notch with runners on base," Rajsich said. "His compete level is really good."
Sedlock, an Illinois native, said he's spent the past couple of days in Baltimore and has enjoyed his time in the city. He noted that everyone he's seen while driving around is clad in Orioles gear.
Plus, he's eager to try the food Baltimore's known for.
"I can't wait to get myself some crab cakes," Sedlock said. "I haven't gotten any of those yet."