Welcome to Baseball America’s 2013 MLB Draft Signings Central. We’ll use this space to highlight all signings for $750,000 or more, plus any other significant transactions. We’ll also cover many more draft signings via Jim Callis’ Twitter feed (@jimcallisBA).
For complete signing data and more detailed scouting reports, please visit our 2013 Draft Database.
July 11: Yankees, Judge Agree On $1.8 Million
The Yankees have locked up all three of their first-rounders and their top 17 selections after landing No. 32 overall selection Aaron Judge for $1.8 million. He has agreed to terms and will sign his contract after passing a physical today.
The Fresno State outfielder exceeded his assigned pick value ($1,677,100), making him just the third of the 31 first-rounders who have signed to do so. The other two were both Rangers: righthander Alex Gonzalez at No. 23 and shortstop Travis Demeritte at No. 30. PSI Sports Management advises Judge, while Arland Sports represents Gonzalez and ACES reps Demeritte.
Before taking Notre Dame third baseman Eric Jagielo (26th overall) and Judge in June, the Yankees hadn’t drafted a college hitter in the first round since Florida State outfielder John-Ford Griffin in 2001. Jagielo’s $1,839,400 and Judge’s $1.8 million bonuses are the two largest New York ever has given to a college position player. Michigan catcher David Parrish set the previous standard with $1,425,000 as a 2000 first-rounder.
Judge batted .369/.461/.655 with 12 homers this spring, cementing his reputation as one of the best power hitters available in the 2013 draft. An exceptional athlete for a 6-foot-7, 255-pounder, he often draws physical comparisons to NBA star Blake Griffin. Judge has solid speed and arm strength and profiles as a quality defender in right field.
Only two first-round picks remain unsigned: North Carolina third baseman Colin Moran (No. 7, Marlins) and California high school righthander Phil Bickford (No. 10, Blue Jays).
–Jim Callis
July 10: Cubs, Bryant Agree To $6,708,400
The Cubs and No. 2 overall pick Kris Bryant have agreed to a $6,708,400 bonus deal that will be finalized once he passes a physical. That’s the largest bonus in the 2013 draft and the biggest in the two years under the new draft rules, surpassing the $6.35 million that the Astros paid Mark Appel, this year’s No. 1 choice.
Bryant’s bonus also sets a franchise bonus record, beating the $6 million that Chicago paid Cuban defector Jorge Soler as part of a $30 million major league contract last summer. The Cubs’ previous draft bonus standard was $4 million, which Mark Prior got as part of a $10.5 million big league deal as the No. 2 overall pick in 2001.
Bryant’s bonus matches the assigned pick value at No. 2, making him just the third player among the top 11 selections to sign for full value. The others are Twins righthander Kohl Stewart ($4,544,400 at No. 4) and Pirates outfielder Austin Meadows ($3,029,600 at No. 9).
Baseball America’s 2013 College Player of the Year, Bryant led NCAA Division I with 31 homers, more than 223 of the 296 teams at that level this season and more than any player has hit since college bats were toned down three years ago. He also topped Division I in runs (80), walks (66), total bases (187) and slugging (.820) while batting .329 and setting a San Diego career record with 54 homers. He’s the highest draft pick in Toreros history, outdoing Brian Matusz, who went fourth overall to the Orioles in 2008.
Bryant was the best power hitter available in the 2013 draft and the best college power hitter in years. His arm strength and patience at the plate are two more assets, and he’s also an average runner wtih good athleticism for a 6-foot-5, 215-pounder. He played third base at San Diego but may wind up in right field in the long run.
–Jim Callis
July 8: Padres Land Renfroe For $2,678,000
The Padres will sign No. 13 overall pick Hunter Renfroe for $2,678,000 on Tuesday. His bonus matches the assigned value for his slot.
After playing sparingly as a Mississippi State freshman in 2011 and turning in a lackluster sophomore season in 2012, Renfroe led the Bulldogs to a runner-up finish at the College World Series this spring. He batted .345/.431/.620 and led the Southeastern Conference in homers (16) and total bases (158). He has prototypical right-field tools, starting with well above-average power and arm strength, and he also has plus speed.
With Renfroe’s signing, San Diego now has each of its first 18 choices under contract and has spent $82,900 less than its allotted $6,808,900 bonus pool for the top 10 rounds. Only four first-rounders remain unsigned: Kris Bryant (No. 2, Cubs), Colin Moran (No. 6, Marlins), Phil Bickford (No. 10, Blue Jays) and Aaron Judge (No. 32, Yankees).
–Jim Callis
July 2: Stanek Signs With Rays For $1,758,300
The Rays have signed Ryne Stanek, their second of two first-round selections, for $1,758,300. That amount matches the assigned value for his No. 29 slot.
Stanek turned down an $800,000 offer from the Mariners as a third-round pick out of a Kansas high school in 2010, opting instead to attend Arkansas. He led the Southeastern Conference with a 1.39 ERA (the third-lowest in school history) this spring while going 10-2 with 79 strikeouts in 97 innings.
A 6-foot-4, 190-pound righthander, Stanek has a pair of overpowering pitches in his 92-98 mph fastball and his 84-87 mph slider. He doesn’t always generate as many swings and misses as might be expected, however, because he lacks some command and deception. Some scouts see him as a potential No. 2 starter, while others think he has a better chance of becoming a big league closer.
Tampa Bay now has signed all of its picks in the top 16 rounds with the exception of sixth-rounder Stephen Woods, a righthander from Hall Hollow Hills East High in Dix Hills, N.Y.
July 5 update: For bonus-pool purposes, Stanek’s bonus will be calculated as $1,755,800.
–Jim Callis
June 27: Pirates Sign Meadows For $3,029,600
The Pirates have agreed to terms with No. 9 overall choice Austin Meadows for $3,029,600, matching the assigned value for his pick. The deal should get finalized Friday after Meadows passes a physical.
Eight of the draft’s top 11 picks now have turned pro, and only Meadows and Kohl Stewart (No. 4, Twins) have received full pick value.
Baseball America rated Meadows as the best athlete and as having the best strike-zone judgment among high school players in the 2013 draft. A center fielder from Grayson High in Loganville, Ga., he could have four above-average tools with only his arm not receiving kudos. The 6-foot-3, 210-pounder had committed to Clemson.
–Jim Callis
June 27: Twins Ink Eades For $1,294,100
The Twins have signed second-rounder Ryan Eades for $1,294,100, matching his assigned value as the 43rd overall selection.
Eades went 8-1, 2.79 wtih 78 strikeouts in 100 innings this spring, helping Louisiana State reach the College World Series. The 6-foot-3, 198-pound righthander works primarily with a 90-95 mph fastball and a hard curveball. He’s one of the few pitchers who has made a successful comeback from labrum surgery, which he had before his senior season at Nortshore High (Slidell, La.) in 2010.
Minnesota has invested heavily in pitching in this draft. The Twins have given out their three highest bonuses to arms, including $4,544,400 to No. 4 overall pick Kohl Stewart and $700,000 to fourth-rounder Stephen Gonsalves.
–Jim Callis
June 26: A’s Land Injured Overton For $400,000
The Athletics have signed second-round pick Dillon Overton for $400,000. He likely would have received the full assigned $885,600 value for his No. 63 slot, but he failed his postdraft physical and will require Tommy John surgery.
A 6-foot-2, 160-pound lefthander, Overton went 9-3, 3.02 with 79 strikeouts in 92 innings as an Oklahoma junior this spring. He had a chance to go in the first round before straining his forearm on April 20, an injury that caused him to miss two starts and foreshadowed his eventual need for elbow reconstruction. When healthy, Overton can show three plus offerings: a low-90s fastball that hits 95 mph and features deception and life, a slider that can be a wipeout pitch and a changeup with fade.
Oakland now has signed all 12 of its picks in the first 10 rounds and has spent $417,700 less than its allotted $6,036,800 bonus pool. That means the A’s could sign a late-rounder for as much as $517,700 without paying a tax penalty, and for as much as $819,540 without forfeiting a 2014 first-round selection.
–Jim Callis
June 26: Farinaro’s $750,000 Sets New Standard
The Cardinals officially have signed 11th-rounder Steven Farinaro for $750,000. Since the new draft rules came into play last year, that’s the most ever for a player drafted after the 10th round. Ty Bashlor, the Mets’ 11th-rounder in 2013, held the previous record with a $550,000 bonus.
The assigned value for all picks after the 10th round is $100,000. As a result, $650,000 of Farinaro’s bonus will count towards St. Louis’ $6,907,900 bonus pool for the first 10 rounds. The Cardinals previously had spent $325,500 less than their allotment, so Farinaro’s signing will take them $324,500 above their pool, resulting in a tax penalty of $243,375.
If St. Louis were to spend another $20,896 more than its pool (by signing a player after the 10th round for $120,896 or more), it would forfeit a first-round pick in the 2014 draft.
Farinaro is a 6-foot-2, 190-pound righthander from Head Royce High in Oakland. He usually pitches at 88-91 mph with his fastball but can run it up to 94, and he has a tight curveball. Scouts also laud his makeup.
A UCLA recruit, Farinaro also received $250,000 under MLB’s College Scholarship Plan, which eventually could bring the total value of his deal to $1 million.
–Jim Callis
June 22: Diamondbacks Sign Aaron Blair For $1,435,000
The Diamondbacks have signed supplemental first-rounder Aaron Blair for $1,435,000. His bonus is $112,700 less than the assigned value for the 36th overall selection.
Blair, a Marshall righthander, led the Cape Cod League with a 1.17 ERA last summer and went 5-5, 2.85 with 84 strikeouts in 82 innings this spring. The 6-foot-5, 220-pounder throws a heavy 88-95 mph fastball and backs it up with a fading changeup.
Arizona now has signed all of its picks in the top 20 rounds with the lone exception of Oregon righthander Jimmie Sherfy (10th round).
–Jim Callis
June 22: Angels, Green Agree On $942,000
The Angels and top pick (second round) Hunter Green have agreed on a $942,000 bonus, matching the assigned value for his No. 59 slot. Green will sign the deal on Monday, and he’ll receive an invitation to big league camp as part of it.
A product of Warren East High in Bowling Green, Ky., Green was one of the top high school lefthanders available in the draft. The 6-foot-4, 180-pounder has a lively low-90s fastball that reaches 95 mph, and he also shows the potential for a plus curveball and changeup. He had committed to Kentucky.
–Jim Callis
June 21: Mariners Pay Wilson $1.7 Million
The Mariners have signed Austin Wilson for $1.7 million, the largest bonus paid in the second round this year. He received $590,000 more than the assigned value for his No. 49 slot.
Wilson could have commanded a seven-figure bonus out of a California high school three years ago, but he wasn’t signable away from his commitment to Stanford. He batted .288/.387/.475 in 31 games as a junior this spring, missing about half the season with a stress reaction in his right elbow.
One of the more physical position players available in the draft, Wilson is a 6-foot-5, 245-pounder with prototypical right-field tools. Both his power potential and arm strength grade as well above average. There has been some concern about his ability to make consistent contact, but he fanned only 18 times in 118 at-bats this spring.
–Jim Callis
June 21: Marlins Sign Williams For $1,261,400
The Marlins have signed second-round pick Trevor Williams for $1,261,400, matching the assigned value for his No. 44 slot.
Williams went 6-6, 4.12 in 16 starts for Arizona State this spring, striking out 81 in 111 innings. A 6-foot-3, 228-pound righthander, he has very good command of his fastball, which sits in the low 90s and reaches 95 mph. His changeup is his best secondary pitch, and he’s still trying to decide between a curveball and a slider as his breaking ball.
Miami still hasn’t signed its top two picks: North Carolina third baseman Colin Moran (No. 7), who’s at the College World Series, and San Francisco high school lefthander Matt Krook (No. 35).
–Jim Callis
June 21: Tigers, Ziomek Agree On $956,600
The Tigers have agreed to terms with second-rounder Kevin Ziomek. He’ll receive a $956,600 bonus, matching the assigned value for his No. 58 slot.
Ziomek earned third-team All-America honors this spring at Vanderbilt, where he went 11-3, 2.12 with 115 strikeouts in 119 innings. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound lefthander has a sneaky-fast 89-92 mph fastball that tops out at 94. He backs up his fastball with an average slider and changeup.
Detroit also reached an agreement with another college righthander today, landing Rice’s Austin Kubitza for $401,200 in the fourth round.
–Jim Callis
June 21: Royals, Manaea Agree On $3.55 Million
By starring in the Cape Cod League last summer, Indiana State lefthander Sean Manaea put himself in position to go at the top of the 2013 draft. While that didn’t happen–he slid to the 34th overall pick after battling a hip injury–he’ll get paid as if it did.
Baseball America has learned that Manaea and the Royals have agreed on a $3.55 million bonus that should become official by the end of the weekend. It’s more than double the assigned value for his slot ($1,623,000) and slightly more than the value of the No. 6 pick ($3,516,000).
For more on this story, click here.
–Jim Callis
June 21: Reds Land Lorenzen For $1.5 Million
The Reds and supplemental first-rounder Michael Lorenzen have agreed on a $1.5 million bonus that will become official when he signs today. He received $29,500 more than the assigned value for his No. 38 slot.
The best college two-way prospect in the 2013 draft, Lorenzen hit .335/.412/.515 with seven homers and 12 steals as a Cal State Fullerton center fielder this spring. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound righthander also saved 19 games and won three others in 22 appearances on the mound, striking out 20 in 22 2/3 innings while posting a 1.99 ERA.
The Reds announced Lorenzen’s selection as a pitcher but also will give him a chance to hit in pro ball. On the mound, he throws a mid-90s fastball with an effortless delivery, and he also shows the potential for a plus curveball. As a position player, he offers a strong arm and quality center-field play as well as solid speed and power potential. But there is some question about his ability to make consistent contact.
–Jim Callis
June 20: Rays Nab Ciuffo For $1,974,700
The Rays have agreed to terms with first-rounder Nick Ciuffo for $1,974,700. His bonus matches the assigned value for his No. 21 slot.
Along with Reese McGuire (Pirates, No. 14 overall), Ciuffo rated as one of the top two catchers in this year’s draft. The Lexington (S.C.) High star combines tools and skills, showing fine receiving ability, arm strength, hittability and at least average power. He’s 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, and he draws comparisons to A.J. Pierzynski for his game and his competitiveness. He had committed to South Carolina.
Tampa Bay still is negotiating with its second first-round selection, Arkansas righthander Ryne Stanek (No. 29).
–Jim Callis
June 20: Orioles Lock Up Top Three Picks
The Orioles have agreed to terms with their first-round pick, Hunter Harvey, and announced the signings of their next two selections, supplemental first-rounder Josh Hart and second-rounder Chance Sisco.
Harvey will receive $1,947,700, matching the assigned value for his No. 22 slot. Hart’s $1.5 million bonus is $29,500 more than the value of his No. 37 pick. Sisco’s $785,000 bonus is $128,300 less than the value of his No. 61 choice.
The son of former all-star closer Bryan Harvey, Hunter is a 6-foot-3, 175-pound righthander who created buzz early in the spring when his fastball hit 97 mph. The Bandys High (Catawba, N.C.) product usually works at 89-92 mph and also has a sharp breaking ball. He hadn’t signed with a college.
Hart helped Parkview High (Lilburn, Ga.) win the national high school title in 2012. A 6-foot-1, 180-pound center fielder, he has above-average speed and defensive skills. He also has the bat speed, hand-eye coordination and polished approach to hit for average. He had committed to Georgia Tech.
Sisco began his career at Temescal Canyon High (Lake Elsinore, Calif.) as a shortstop but has taken well to catching in the last year. He has soft hands and solid arm strength. At the plate, the 6-foot-2, 180-pounder barrels balls consistently and could develop average power. He was an Oregon recruit.
–Jim Callis
June 19: Indians Pay Brady $800,000
The Indians have signed Florida high school lefthander Sean Brady for $800,000. That nearly doubles the previous high bonus in the fifth round so far this year ($450,000 to Diamondbacks shortstop Jamie Westbrook) and is $452,900 more than the assigned value for his No. 141 slot.
A product of Baker High (Cape Coral, Fla.), Brady gets swings and misses with an 88-91 mph fastball that he sustains deep into games. The 6-foot-1, 185-pounder also flashes a pair of above-average secondary pitches in his curveball and changeup. He had committed to Florida.
–Jim Callis
June 19: Red Sox Sign Ball For $2.75 Million
The Red Sox have signed Trey Ball, the 2013 draft’s best two-way talent, for $2.75 million. That comes in below the assigned $3,246,000 value for his No. 7 slot but is the second highest-draft bonus in franchise history behind Casey Kelly’s $3 million.
A two-way star at New Castle (Ind.) High, Ball entered the year with scouts uncertain whether he was a better prospect as an outfielder or a lefthanded pitcher. The projectable 6-foot-6, 180-pounder ended that debate by throwing 91-94 mph fastballs throughout a spring of bad weather in the Midwest. He also has developed a plus curveball despite not throwing it before his junior season, and he gets good deception and fade with his changeup. He had committed to Texas.
Ball is Boston’s highest draft choice since it selected Trot Nixon at No. 7 in 1993. Before that, the Red Sox hadn’t had a top-10 pick since the first three drafts in 1965-67.
–Jim Callis
June 19: Braves Land Hursh For $1,704,200
The Braves have signed first-rounder Jason Hursh for $1,704,200, matching the assigned value for his No. 31 selection.
A redshirt sophomore, Hursh missed the 2012 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery before returning to go 6-5, 2.79 with 86 strikeouts in 106 innings this spring. The 6-foot-1, 197-pound righthander had one of the draft’s best fastballs, a heavy 92-98 mph heater that was clocked at 103 mph on the notoriously jacked-up scoreboard radar gun at the 2012 National Baseball Congress World Series. He’s still working on his secondary pitches, showing an average slider and decent changeup.
–Jim Callis
June 19: Hannemann Gets $1 Million In Third Round From Cubs
The Cubs have agreed to a $1 million bonus with third-rounder Jacob Hannemann. He’s the first player this year to get a seven-figure bonus outside of the top two rounds, and he got $263,800 above the assigned value for his No. 75 slot.
A 48th-round pick by the Royals out of a Utah high school in 2010, Hannemann spent the next two years on a Mormon mission. He spent the fall redshirting as a cornerback on Brigham Young’s football team, then hit .344/.415/.553 with five homers and 14 steals as a freshman this spring.
A 6-foot-1, 195-pound center fielder, Hannemann is an athlete with several intriguing tools. He has the well above-average speed to steal bases and provide quality defense, and he has the short stroke and the strength to hit for average and power. His arm is his only subpar tool. He hasn’t played as much baseball as most 22-year-old draftees, so his instincts need some fine-tuning.
–Jim Callis
June 19: Twins Add Stewart For $4,544,400
The Twins have signed the 2013 draft’s top high school pitcher, Kohl Stewart, for $4,544,400. That matches the assigned value for his No. 4 overall slot and is the third-highest bonus in franchise history, behind only Byron Buxton ($6 million) and Joe Mauer ($5.15 million). Stewart was the first prep player selected in the 2013 draft.
A righthander from St. Piux X High in Houston, Stewart also was a star quarterback who passed for 8,803 yards and 87 touchdowns in three seasons and had a Texas A&M football scholarship. He’s an athletic 6-foot-3, 190-pounder who can show four plus pitches at times, most notably a 91-96 mph fastball and a power mid-80s slider. When he’s at his best, he draws comparisons to Justin Verlander.
–Jim Callis
June 19: Diamondbacks, Williams Agree On $1.05 Million
The Diamondbacks and second-rounder Justin Williams have agreed to terms on a $1.05 million bonus. That’s slightly more than the $1,049,200 recommendation for his No. 52 selection.
Williams, a shortstop at Terrebonne High (Houma, La.), had some of the best raw power in the draft. He’s a strong 6-foot-2, 215-pounder who can drive balls out to any part of the ballpark. Though he’s athletic, many scouts project that he’ll move to the outfield. He had committed to Louisiana State.
–Jim Callis
June 19: Yankees Land Clarkin, Katoh
The Yankees have signed first-rounder Ian Clarkin and second-round Gosuke Katoh. Both San Diego high schoolers received the full assigned value for their slots, $1,650,100 for Clarkin at No. 33 and $845,700 for Katoh at No. 66.
A product of Madison High, Clarkin starred with the gold medal-winning U.S. 18-and-under team last summer. He’s a 6-foot-2, 186-pound lefty with three quality pitches: a 90-92 mph fastball that hits 94, a sharp curveball and a fading changeup. He had committed to San Diego.
The highest-drafted Japanese-born player ever, Katoh also had a big summer in 2012, performing well at the Area Code Games. A second baseman from Rancho Bernardo High, he excels at making contact and has some sneaky pop in his 6-foot-2, 180-pound frame. Though his arm precludes him from playing shortstop, he’s a very good athlete and an above-average defender at second base. He has committed to UCLA.
New York now has signed two of its three first-round choices, with Notre Dame third baseman Eric Jagielo (No. 26) previously joining the fold. Fresno State outfielder Aaron Judge (No. 32) continues to negotiate.
–Jim Callis
June 19: Paroubeck Joins Padres For $650,000
The Padres have agreed with supplemental second-rounder Jordan Paroubeck on a $650,000 bonus. His bonus is $157,500 below the assigned value for his No. 69 slot.
Paroubeck is a product of Serra High in San Mateo, Calif., also the alma mater of baseball stars Barry Bonds, Jim Fregosi and Gregg Jefferies as well as football standouts Tom Brady and Lynn Swann. Paroubeck is an athletic 6-foot-2, 185-pound outfielder who switch-hits. He has solid tools across the board, with his power potential, speed and arm strength standing out the most. He had committed to Fresno State.
San Diego has signed all of its selections in the first 18 rounds with the exception of No. 13 overall pick Hunter Renfroe, a Mississippi State outfielder who’s still playing at the College World Series.
Correction: We originally reported Paroubeck’s bonus as $750,000.
–Jim Callis
June 18: Diamondbacks Land Shipley For $2.25 Million
The Diamondbacks have signed first-round selection Braden Shipley for $2.25 million. His bonus is $184,500 less than the assigned pick value for his No. 15 slot.
The consensus third-best college pitcher available in the draft after top-three-overall picks Mark Appel (Astros) and Jonathan Gray (Rockies), Shipley is the first-ever first-rounder in University of Nevada history. The Western Athletic Conference pitcher of the year in 2012, he shared the same honors in the Mountain West Conference this spring after going 7-3, 2.77 with 102 strikeouts in 107 innings.
A cousin of NFL wide receiver Jordan Shipley, Braden is extremely athletic for a pitcher and spent most of his freshman year at shortstop. The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder works at 93-95 mph with his fastball, runs it up to 98 and backs it up with a quality changeup. He shows a feel for his curveball and also incorporates a cutter.
–Jim Callis
June 18: Phillies Sign Crawford For $2,299,300
The Phillies have signed the consensus best shortstop in the 2013 draft. First-rounder J.P. Crawford received a bonus of $2,299,300, matching the assigned value for his No. 16 slot.
A cousin of Carl Crawford and the son of former Canadian Football Leaguer Larry Crawford, J.P. is a product of Lakewood (Calif.) High—which also spawned Philadelphia’s top pick in 2012, supplemental first-round righthander Shane Watson. Crawford is a fluid defender with a plus arm at shortstop, and he has the hand-eye coordination to become a solid hitter once he tightens his swing and gets stronger. The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder also has solid speed. Like Mets first-rounder Dominic Smith, who agreed to terms earlier today, Crawford was a Southern California recruit.
–Jim Callis
June 18: Mets Nab Smith For $2.6 Million
The Mets have landed potentially the best all-around hitter in the 2013 draft, agreeing to terms with first-round choice Dominic Smith for a bonus of $2.6 million. The assigned value for his No. 11 slot was $2,840,300.
A first baseman from JSerra High in Gardena, Calif., Smith has the bat speed, hand-eye coordination and strength to produce for both average and power. He’s also a talented defender at first base and can hit 90 mph off the mound. He had committed to Southern California.
–Jim Callis
June 18: Nunez Lands $800,000 From Rockies In Sixth Round
The Rockies have signed sixth-rounder Dom Nunez for $800,000. That’s roughly three times the assigned $265,000 value for the 169th overall selection, and the $535,000 gap between the two figures is the second-highest so far in the 2013 draft. Rangers 10th-rounder Cole Wiper signed for $700,000, which was $564,700 more than his assigned value at No. 310.
A shortstop for most of his career at Elk Grove (Calif.) High, Nunez showed promise as a catcher this spring. Colorado will play the 6-foot-1, 175-pounder at third base, shortstop and catcher as he breaks into pro ball. His arm strength and instincts make him a good defender at multiple positions. The UCLA recruit can hit too, displaying a short lefthanded swing and good pitch recognition.
–Jim Callis
June 18: Pirates Sign McGuire For $2,369,800
The Pirates have signed Reese McGuire, the second of their two first-round selections, for $2,369,800. That’s $200,000 less than the assigned value for his No. 14 slot.
A product of Kentwood High (Covington, Wash.), McGuire was the best catcher in the draft. He was named USA Baseball’s Dick Case player of the year in 2012 after batting .400/.522/.514 for its gold-medal winning 18-and-under squad. Six-foot-1 and 190 pounds, McGuire is very athletic for a catcher and has above-average arm strength and receiving skills. His bat is another plus and he could have average power. He had committed to San Diego.
Pittsburgh still is negotiating with No. 9 overall choice Austin Meadows, a Georgia high school outfielder.
Correction: We originally reported McGuire’s bonus as $2,369,000.
–Jim Callis
June 18: Giants Land Arroyo For $1,866,500
The Giants have signed first-rounder Christian Arroyo for $1,866,500, matching the assigned value for his No. 25 slot.
A shortstop at Hernando High (Brooksville, Fla.), Arroyo won MVP honors at the 2012 world 18-and-under championships in Seoul, leading Team USA to its first gold medal in a world championship in 13 years. A 6-foot-1, 180-pounder, he stands out most with his bat and projects as a solid hitter with surprising power for a middle infielder. He has a chance to stick at shortstop but some scouts think he might have to move to second or third base. He had committed to Florida.
Arroyo and White Sox second-rounder Tyler Danish are both advised by O’Connell Sports Management. Both players ranked as late third-round talents on the BA 500—Arroyo was No. 102, while Danish was No. 96–yet went in the top 55 selections and received seven-figure, full-pick-value deals.
–Jim Callis
June 17: Cubs Ink Zastryzny For $1.1 Million
The Cubs have signed second-rounder Rob Zastryzny for $1.1 millon. His bonus is $261,900 less than the assigned value for his No. 41 overall slot.
One scout described Zastryzny as “the best 2-9 pitcher in America.” He took a series of tough losses for Missouri in the Tigers’ first year in the Southeastern Conference, posting a 3.38 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 90 2/3 innings. He excels at using his fastball, which he can locate to both sides of the plate and throw anywhere from 86-95 mph. His changeup shows signs of becoming a plus pitch, but his breaking ball needs more work.
–Jim Callis
June 17: Astros Sign Thurman For $1,397,200
The Astros announced the signing of second-round pick Andrew Thurman today. He received a $1,397,200 bonus, matching the assigned value for his No. 40 overall slot.
Thurman went 6-4, 3.23 with 91 strikeouts in 100 1/3 innings as a UC Irvine junior this spring. The highest draft pick (June regular phase) in Anteaters history, he’s a 6-foot-3, 205-pound righthander with a 90-95 mph fastball. His changeup gives him a second plus pitch at times, and he’s working on refining a breaking ball.
–Jim Callis
June 17: Mets Pay Church $850,000
The Mets have signed second-rounder Andrew Church for $850,000. His bonus saves the team $288,800 compared to the assigned value for his No. 48 slot.
Church began his prep career at Bishop Gorman High (Las Vegas) in 2010, then tranferred to Palo Verde High (Las Vegas) but didn’t pitch in 2011 (transfer rules) or 2012 (dispute with coach). He transferred again this year to Basic High (Henderson, Nev.), moving into an apartment by himself at age 18 to get into the school district, but was initially ruled ineligible.
Church successfully appealed that decision and was reinstated to the Basic roster in April. An athletic 6-foot-1, 185-pounder, he has a 90-95 mph fastball and shows flashes of an above-average curveball. He had committed to San Diego.
–Jim Callis
June 17: Tigers Land Knebel For $1,433,400
The Tigers have signed supplemental first-round pick Corey Knebel for $1,433,400, matching the assigned value for his No. 39 overall selection.
Knebel went 10-11, 2.07 with 180 strikeouts in 169 1/3 innings during three years at Texas, finishing second in school history with 37 saves and holding opponents to a .175 average. A potential closer, he should be one of the first 2013 draftees to reach the majors. The 6-foot-4, 205-pounder has a 91-98 mph fastball and can unleash a hard downer curveball in the low 80s. His deception and control are two more assets.
The Longhorns suspended Knebel twice this spring, once for a confrontation with a coach and once for reportedly substituting his urine for a teammate’s drug test. The incidents didn’t affect his draft status, with some scouts attributing them to his extreme competitiveness.
–Jim Callis
June 16: Cubs Bag Skulina For $800,000
Fourth-rounder Tyler Skulina has signed with the Cubs for $800,000. That’s a 67 percent increase over the $477,300 assigned value for the pick (No. 108) with which he was drafted.
Skulina tied a Kent State record with 11 victories in 2012, when the Golden Flashes made their first-ever College World Series appearance, and he went 6-4, 3.36 with 102 strikeouts in 94 innings this spring. A 6-foot-6, 225-pounder, he has a 91-96 mph fastball with tailing action and maintains his velocity into the late innings. His 80-84 mph slider is his second-best pitch, and he also uses a curveball and changeup. If he improves his control and command, he could be a No. 2 starter.
–Jim Callis
June 16: Brewers Sign Top Choice Williams For $1.35 Million
The Brewers have signed their top choice, second-rounder Devin Williams, for $1.35 million. The Hazelwood (Mo.) West High righthander’s bonus is 33 percent higher than the assigned value of $1,017,300 for his No. 54 overall pick.
Williams went from thowing 85-88 mph last summer at the USA Baseball Breakthrough Series to 88-92 mph with a peak of 96 this spring. The 6-foot-3, 172-pounder still has room to add more strength. His secondary pitches are in progress, but he can flash a low-80s slider and a changeup with sink and fade. He had committed to Missouri.
–Jim Callis
June 15: Astros, Appel Agree On $6.35 Million
The Astros are still finalizing details with No. 1 overall pick Mark Appel, but two sources have told Baseball America that the sides have agreed on his bonus. Appel, a Stanford righthander, will receive $6.35 million and is expected to sign the deal early next week.
For more on this story, click here.
–Jim Callis
June 15: Giants Ink Jones For $880,000
The Giants have signed second-rounder Ryder Jones for $880,000, slightly above the assigned $872,100 value for his No. 64 slot. Though San Francisco has yet to announce the deal, Jones tweeted on Monday that he had turned pro.
A shortstop at Watauga High (Boone, N.C.), the 6-foot-3, 185-pound Jones figures to move to third base in pro ball. He has a chance to hit for solid average and power, and his plus arm and instincts should make him a good defender at the hot corner. He also has shown a low-90s fastball on the mound. The son of Appalachian State head coach Billy Jones, Ryder had committed to Stanford.
–Jim Callis
June 15: Nationals Land Ward For $850,000
The Nationals have signed third-rounder Drew Ward for $850,000. His bonus is 73 percent more than the assigned $491,200 value for his No. 105 slot.
Ward successfully lobbied Major League Baseball to make him eligible for the 2013 draft after his third year of high school. He created mixed opinions among scouts because he was difficult to evaluate, with his biggest backers viewing him as a second-round talent. Scouts didn’t bear down on him last summer because they didn’t think they’d have to worry about him until 2014, and he played against poor competition at the Class B level of Oklahoma high schools (six below the top classification).
Ward’s best tool is his huge lefthanded power, and he also has arm strength. A shortstop at Leedey (Okla.) High, he’ll probably take his 6-foot-4, 210-pound frame to third base as a pro. He had committed to Oklahoma.
–Jim Callis
June 15: Padres Sign Peterson For $1.4 Million
The Padres have signed second-rounder Dustin Peterson for $1.4 million. His bonus represents a 29 percent increase over the $1,082,000 assigned value for his No. 50 selection.
Peterson is the younger brother of D.J. Peterson, who signed with the Mariners for $2,759,100 as the 12th overall pick of the draft. With a quick bat and the ability to hit for average and power, Dustin is reminiscent of his brother. The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder also is more advanced at the same stage. A shortstop at Gilbert (Ariz.) High, Peterson projects as a third baseman. He had committed to Arizona State.
–Jim Callis
June 14: Pirates Land Taylor For $750,000
The Pirates announced the signing of second-round choice Blake Taylor today. Baseball America has learned that his bonus is $750,000, which is $315,400 below the assigned value for his No. 51 slot.
A lefthander from Dana Hills High (Dana Point, Calif.), Taylor is an athletic 6-foot-3, 210-pounder with an 88-94 mph fastball. He also flashes a tight curveball and some feel for a changeup. He was a Hawaii recruit.
–Jim Callis
June 14: Red Sox, Denney Agree On $875,000
The Red Sox have agreed to terms on an $875,000 bonus with third-rounder Jonathan Denney, contingent on him passing a physical. That’s well in excess of the $671,200 assigned value for his No. 81 slot and more reflective of his status as the draft’s third-best catcher.
Among backstops, Denney ranked behind only first-round choices Ryan McGuire (No. 14, Pirates) and Nick Ciuffo (No. 21, Rays). Denney had a chance to go in the first round as well but unexpectedly lasted until the second day of the draft.
A product of Yukon (Okla.) High, Denney starred on the showcase circuit last summer, repeatedly showing above-average power. The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder also has solid arm strength and still is cleaning up his receiving. He had committed to Arkansas.
–Jim Callis
June 14: Indians, Frazier Agree On $3.5 Million
The Indians and No. 5 overall choice Clint Frazier have come to terms on a $3.5 million bonus agreement. He’s expected to finalize his deal tonight or tomorrow.
Frazier’s bonus is less than his assigned pick value ($3,787,000) but more than what last year’s No. 5 selection, Royals righthander Kyle Zimmer, received ($3 million).
An outfielder from Loganville (Ga.) High, Frazier ranked as the best high school prospect in the 2013 class and had the best bat speed in the entire draft. The 5-foot-11, 190-pounder is a fast-twitch athlete with well above-average raw power. He has plus speed and has shown plus arm strength at times, with scouts divided as to whether he’ll be a center or right fielder. He had committed to Georgia.
–Jim Callis
June 14: Tigers Sign First-Rounder Crawford For $2,001,700
The Tigers have signed No. 20 overall pick Jonathon Crawford for $2,001,700, matching the assigned value for his slot.
The seventh first-round pick in University of Florida history, Crawford went 3-6, 3.84 with 69 strikeouts in 87 innings as a junior. In 2012, he threw a no-hitter against Bethune-Cookman in the NCAA regionals and starred with the U.S. national collegiate team. A 6-foot-1, 205-pounder, he maintains a 92-96 mph fastball deep into games and can throw and above-average slider at 82-84. Some scouts think his inconsistency repeating his delivery could make him a late-inning reliever rather than a starter.
–Jim Callis
June 14: Rockies Land McMahon For $1,327,600
The Rockies have inked second-rounder Ryan McMahon for $1,327,600, equalling the assigned value for his No. 42 selection.
A third baseman from Mater Dei High (Santa Ana, Calif.), McMahon made a name for himself by starring at the National High School Invitational and the Boras Classic the last two years. Also a star quarterback at Mater Dei, the 6-foot-3, 190-pounder offers a solid bat and power potential to go with an average arm. He had committed to Southern California.
–Jim Callis
June 14: White Sox Pay Danish $1,001,800
The White Sox have landed second-rounder Tyler Danish for $1,001,800, which equals the assigned value for his No. 55 slot.
A Durant High (Plant City, Fla.) righthander, Danish has a heavy 90-93 mph fastball and advanced feel for his secondary pitches, a hard breaking ball and a changeup. He’s a bit undersized at 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds and he features sommer effort in his delivery, but he draws comparisons to Jake Peavy. He had committed to Florida.
–Jim Callis
June 14: Braves Ink Caratini For $800,000
The Braves have signed second-rounder Vince Caratini for $800,000. That’s slightly below the assigned $858,800 value for the No. 65 slot, but more than the money he would have received as a third- to fifth-round pick, which is where Baseball America had pegged him.
Caratini spent 2012 at Southern but didn’t play there before transferring to Miami Dade JC. He batted .377/.467/.549 for the Sharks while making the transition to catcher. He’s a solid hitter with gap power, and his soft hands have served him well behind the plate. Caratini also has plus arm strength.
–Jim Callis
June 13: Phillies, Knapp Agree On $1,033,100
The Phillies and second-rounder Andrew Knapp have agreed to terms on a $1,033,100, matching the assigned value for his No. 53 slot. He’s expected to finalize his contract on Monday.
The best college catching prospect in this year’s draft, Knapp batted .350 with eight homers at California this spring. A switch-hitter, he stands out most with his power and arm strength. He needs to improve his receiving but has the athleticism to do so.
–Jim Callis
June 13: Rockies Sign Balog For $795,200
A day after signing No. 3 overall pick Jonathan Gray for $4.8 million, the Rockies nabbed the second pitcher they selected in the 2013 draft. Supplemental second-rounder Alex Balog signed today for $795,200, matching the assigned value for his No. 70 slot.
A righthander, Balog went 3-4, 3.63 with 67 strikeouts in 92 innings this spring at San Francisco. His record belies the fact that the 6-foot-5, 210-pounder will show three plus pitches at times. His best offering is a heavy 92-95 mph fastball, and he also has a low-80s slider and a hard curveball.
–Jim Callis
June 13: Bellinger Lands $700,000 From Dodgers
The Dodgers have signed fourth-rounder Cody Bellinger for $700,000. His bonus represents the highest percentage over pick value thus far for a play selected in the first five rounds. It’s 71 percent over the assigned $409,000 value for the No. 124 slot.
The son of former big leaguer Clay Bellinger, Cody is a first baseman from Hamilton High (Chandler, Ariz.). He has a smooth lefthanded swing and should have some power once he fills out his 6-foot-4, 180-pound frame. He’s also a quality defender at first base and shows an 87-89 mph fastball on the mound. He had committed to Oregon.
–Jim Callis
June 12: Rockies Land No. 3 Overall Choice Gray For $4.8 Million
The Rockies have signed No. 3 overall selection Jonathan Gray for a franchise-record $4.8 million. That represents both a Colorado franchise record and a savings of $826,400 compared to the assigned pick value. Gray is both the highest choice to sign and the recipient of the largest bonus so far in 2013.
Gray matches Bobby Witt (1985) as the highest draft pick in University of Oklahoma history. To give you a taste of the scouting reports available at baseballamerica.com, here’s what we wrote about Gray when we ranked him as the No. 1 prospect available in the draft:
Gray’s metamorphosis from a live-armed but chubby high schooler to a potential No. 1 overall choice is reminiscent of Stephen Strasburg’s. His stuff calls to mind Gerrit Cole, another top overall pick. Drafted in the 13th round out of an Oklahoma high school in 2010 by the Royals and in the 10th round out of Eastern Oklahoma State JC in 2011 by the Yankees, Gray steadily improved before exploding in his second season with the Sooners. After maxing out at 94 mph in high school, he now works comfortably at 94-97 and can hit 100 mph while looking like he’s just playing catch. Gray’s fastball also features heavy life. He shows the ability to dial it down to 92-94 in the middle innings before turning it back up toward the end of games, a la Justin Verlander. He has refined his slider into a wipeout pitch with depth and bite, and he can make hitters look silly with an improved changeup that bottoms out at the plate. Gray has firmed up his frame to a solid 6-foot-4 and 239 pounds, and he has his delivery and his pitches more under control than ever.
–Jim Callis
June 12: Rays Land Unroe For $1 Million
The Rays and second-rounder Riley Unroe have agreed to a $1 million bonus that will become official when he signs his contract on Friday. His bonus is 8 percent more than the $927,500 assigned value for his No. 60 selection.
A shortstop from Desert Ridge High (Mesa, Ariz.), he’s the son of former big league Tim Unroe. A switch-hitter, Riley has a quick bat and could have average home run power, impressive for a 6-foot, 180-pounder. He’s a versatile defender whose plus speed and arm allow him to play all over the diamond. He had committed to Southern California.
June 18 update: For bonus-pool purposes, Riley’s bonus will be calculated as $997,500.
–Jim Callis
June 12: Mariners, Peterson Agree On $2,759,100
The Mariners and first-round choice D.J. Peterson have reached agreement on a $2,759,100 bonus. That’s the largest draft bonus so far in 2013 and matches the assigned value for his No. 12 overall slot.
The highest pick in New Mexico history, Peterson ranks first in NCAA Division I in on-base percentage (.520), second in slugging (.807), third in homers (18) and fourth in batting (.408) through super-regional play. The co-Mountain West Conference play of the year has exceptional bat speed and repeatedly barrels the ball. Some scouts considered him the best all-around hitter available in the draft. He has above-average arm strength, though his lack of speed could push him to first base.
The Padres drafted Peterson’s younger brother Dustin, an Arizona high school shortstop, in the second round.
–Jim Callis
June 12: Cardinals Agree To Two More Seven-Figure Deals
After agreeing to terms with top choice Marco Gonzales yesterday, the Cardinals have landed their next two picks with additional seven-figure bonuses.
Their second first-rounder, Rob Kaminsky, will get $1,785,300, matching the assigned value for his No. 28 overall selection. Second-rounder Oscar Mercado will receive $1.5 million. Mercado’s bonus is $528,600 more than the assigned value for his No. 57 pick, making it the biggest above-slot deal thus far in 2013.
A lefthander from St. Joseph Regional High (Montvale, N.J.), Kaminsky is just 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds but has big stuff. His fastball sits at 89-92 mph and touches 94, while he has one of the best curveballs among high school prospects in the 2013 draft. He also has good feel for a changeup. Kaminsky had committed to North Carolina.
The Colombian-born Mercado played at Gaither High in Tampa. The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder is an outstanding defender who has the hands, feet and arm to make all the plays at shortstop. He batted just .286 as a senior this spring, however, so there are some questions about his bat. Mercado was a Florida State recruit.
–Jim Callis
June 12: Dodgers Secure Top Two Choices
The Dodgers have agreed to terms with their top two selections. First-rounder Chris Anderson will sign for $2,109,900 and second-rounder Tom Windle will get $986,500. The two Minnesota natives matched the assigned values for their picks at No. 18 and No. 56, respectively.
The first first-rounder ever from Jacksonville University, Anderson went 7-5, 2.49 and led the Atlantic Sun Conference with 101 strikeouts in 105 innings this spring. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound righthander works from 90-96 mph and throws strikes with his fastball, and he also can show a plus slider and an average changeup. He has a ceiling as a No. 2 starter.
Windle, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound lefthander, went 6-4, 2.14 this spring, throwing a no-hitter against Western Illinois and leading the Big Ten Conference with 86 whiffs in 93 innings. He usually pitches at 90-94 mph with his fastball, and his slider grades as an even better pitch. His ceiling is as a No. 2 starter, while others think his stiff delivery will lead him to the bullpen, where he could become a closer.
–Jim Callis
June 12: White Sox Ink Anderson For $2,164,000
The White Sox have signed first-rounder Tim Anderson for $2,164,000, matching the assigned value for his No. 17 overall pick.
A shortstop at East Central (Miss.) CC, Anderson led all Division II juco players in hitting (.495) and on-base percentage (.568) while stealing 41 bases in 45 attempts. His best tool is his plus-plus speed, which serves him well as a basestealer and a defender. The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder has good pop for a middle infielder, too, with some scouts projecting him as a shortstop version of Brandon Phillips. Some evaluators wonder if his average arm might lead him away from shortstop and to center field. He had committed to Alabama-Birmingham.
–Jim Callis
June 12: Yankees, First-Rounder Jagielo Agree On $1,839,400
The Yankees and Eric Jagielo, the first of their three first-round selections, have agreed to terms on a bonus $1,839,400. The bonus, which equals his assigned value as the No. 26 overall pick, is contingent on a physical.
A Notre Dame third baseman, Jagielo is the fifth Fighting Irish player ever drafted in the first round. He was a Cape Cod League all-star last summer, when he ranked second in the circuit with 13 homers, and the Big East Conference player of the year in 2013, when he batted .388/.500/.633 with nine homers. Lefthanded power always has been Jagielo’s strong suite, but he has made significant strides with his plate discipline and defense this spring.
–Jim Callis
June 12: A’s, Pinder Agree On $750,000
Athletics supplemental second-round pick Chad Pinder revealed <a href="https://twitter.com/ChiVT5/status/344685517171998721" targe