7/13/25 : 2025 MLB Draft - 3rd Round Pick

RHP  Cody Bowker - 21 yrs old - Vanderbilt

“A two-way player as a Georgetown freshman in 2023, Bowker became a full-time pitcher last spring and earned Cape Cod League all-star honors during the summer. After transferring to Vanderbilt, he has become a solid No. 2 starter for the Commodores thanks to one of the more unhittable fastballs in the Draft. It's his lone better than average offering but could propel him into the top four or five rounds. Bowker usually operates at 90-95 mph with his fastball, but it's not velocity that makes it special. He uses a drop-and-drive delivery and a low arm slot, producing unusually high spin from an unusually low release height, which makes his heater appear to be rising more than most. He pounds the zone with his fastball and also gets chases with it, and it's almost impossible to deal with when he throws it at the letters. Bowker doesn't land his other pitches for strikes consistently, though he can entice batters to chase his sweeping low-80s slider. His cutter and sinking changeup both arrive in the mid-80s but can get pounded if he doesn't locate them well. Because he has just one weapon that can miss bats, he'll nibble around the strike zone with his other offerings.” - MLB

“A Maine native, Bowker started his career as a two-way player at Georgetown before transitioning to a full-time pitcher as a sophomore. He transferred to Vanderbilt for the 2025 season and impressed with a 4.38 ERA including 99 strikeouts and 28 walks across 72 innings. His game has continued to evolve since he’s focused on pitching. Listed at 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, Bowker is a funky and deceptive righty who works from a low slot that creates an unusual look for hitters. His 92-94 mph fastball will touch 95, but the pitch plays up thanks to its unique shape and ride through the zone. Bowker primarily operates with a fastball-slider-cutter mix, though the slider and cutter can blend together at times in the low-to-mid 80s. His best secondary offering is a changeup that features excellent depth and tumble with well-maintained arm speed. It’s an effective offspeed weapon against lefties and righties alike with a chance to be an above-average offering. He’ll likely need to further separate the shape and velocity of his breaking pitches or add a softer offering to give hitters a different look. Bowker has the pitch mix and enough control to start and could have back-of-the-rotation upside. He fits as a solid performer in rounds 3-6.” - Baseball America