Colorado Rockies select RHP Mike Nikorak with No. 27 overall pick

The Colorado Rockies selected right-handed pitcher Mike Nikorak with the No. 27 overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft on Monday.

Nikorak, a graduate of Stroudsburg (Pa.) High School, shows plus-plus velocity with his fastball and possesses a pair of decent, developing secondary pitches in a curveball and changeup. The 18-year-old righty has the type of frame -- 6'5, 215 pounds -- that scouts like, and a fastball that reportedly peaked at 97 mph this spring doesn't hurt.

From Baseball America:

Nikorak will need to tighten his curveball, which has lacked consistency, and develop the stamina to hold his velocity deep into outings, but he has the potential to develop into an impact starter at the major league level.

Nikorak said on a conference call shortly after he was drafted that he and fellow first-round pick Brendan Rodgers will mean big things for the future of the franchise. The two played on the same team in the Under Armour All-America Game last summer.

Steve Nikorak, Mike's older brother, plays professionally for the independent St. Paul Saints and spent a season in the Chicago White Sox organization. Having Steve in that situation has been hugely beneficial to the younger Nikorak.

"His work ethic is my work ethic," Nikorak said on the call.

Nikorak was selected with the compensatory pick the Rockies received for losing Michael Cuddyer to free agency. He was ranked No. 16 on Baseball America's big board prior to the draft.