2023 MLB Draft: Signing Status of First 39 Picks Revealed
As the 2023 MLB Draft continues to unfold, baseball fans are eager to learn about the signing status of the top prospects. With Round 1, the Prospect Promotion Incentive selection, and Competitive Balance Round A completed, we now have a closer look at which players have come to terms with their respective clubs.
Each team has until 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, July 25, to finalize their contracts with their drafted players. However, players who have exhausted their collegiate eligibility can still sign at any time up until a week prior to next year’s draft.
It’s important to note that the reported bonuses mentioned below have not been confirmed by the clubs unless otherwise stated.
Rhett Lowder, right-handed pitcher from Wake Forest, was chosen as the 7th overall pick. His pick value was $6,275,200, but he signed for a slightly lower amount, receiving a $5,700,000 signing bonus. Lowder had an outstanding junior year, setting single-season records for wins (15) and strikeouts (143) at Wake Forest. His impressive performance on the mound and his remarkable 1.83 ERA make him an exciting prospect for the Cincinnati Reds.
The Kansas City Royals selected Blake Mitchell, a catcher from Sinton High School in Texas, with the 8th overall pick. Mitchell, known for his exceptional hitting and power tools as a left-handed hitter, signed a contract with a signing bonus of $4,900,000. With his agility and strong throwing arm, Mitchell’s potential has garnered attention.
Colt Emerson, a high-school shortstop from John Glenn HS in Ohio, was the 22nd pick and is joining the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners went over-slot to secure Emerson, who had committed to Auburn University. While Emerson is a steady defender at shortstop, it’s possible he will transition to a different position in his professional career. He signed a contract with a signing bonus of $3,800,000.
Hurston Waldrep, a right-handed pitcher from Florida, was chosen as the 24th overall pick by the Atlanta Braves. The Braves wasted no time and quickly reached an agreement with Waldrep just four days after making him a Day 1 pick. Waldrep signed for $273,000 less than slot value, allowing the Braves to allocate those savings towards second-rounder Drue Hackenburg. Hackenburg agreed to a bonus that was $628,200 over slot.
Brice Matthews, a shortstop from Nebraska, was chosen by the Houston Astros as the 28th pick. He had an impressive year at Nebraska, posting a batting average of .359, along with 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases over 54 games. Matthews’ athleticism shines through, as he was also an all-state quarterback in Texas during his high school years. He signed a contract with a signing bonus of $2,478,200.
The Seattle Mariners made another significant pick in the Competitive Balance Round A, selecting Tai Peete, a shortstop from Trinity Christian School in Georgia, as the 30th overall pick. Peete agreed to a contract that is $232,500 below slot value. With the signing of Peete, the Mariners have managed to lock up almost all their drafted players except for second-rounder Jonny Farmelo and 20th-rounder Will Watson.
Colin Houck, a shortstop from Parkview HS in Georgia, was chosen as the 32nd pick by the New York Mets. Houck signed a contract with a signing bonus of $2,750,000. The Mets also unveiled the signing of second-round pick Brandon Sproat and six other players selected in this year’s draft. Both Houck and Sproat will begin their professional careers in the Florida Complex League in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
As the signing deadline approaches, teams and players will work diligently to finalize their contracts. Baseball enthusiasts will be eagerly watching as talented prospects make their way towards the Major Leagues.