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The Royals have signed first-round pick Nick Pratto, according to MLB.com reporter William Boor. The California high school first baseman signed for a $3.45 million bonus, under the $3.727 million slot value for the #14 pick. Boor reports Pratto is on his way to Kansas City to make the deal official tomorrow.
The Huntington Beach native is known for a smooth left-handed swing and a solid glove at first base. John Sickels at Minor League Ball praised his hitting ability, writing:
Drawing praise for his pure hitting ability, Pratto combines above-average bat speed, consistent hitting mechanics, and an exceptional feel for the strike zone, showing the ability to handle both fastballs and breaking balls. He may be the best pure hitter in the prep ranks, and he has enough strength to hit for substantial power as he matures.
Pratto was a Little League World Series hero in 2011, getting the game-winning hit in the championship game. Pratto could be assigned to short-season affiliates in Idaho Falls or Burlington, North Carolina, which begin play next week, or he could spend time at the Royals’ extended spring training facility in Arizona.
Below are the players in Kansas City's draft class that have had their signing made public, and if known, their reported bonus. Players in bold have signed.
Rd | Player | Pos | School | Bonus | Slot | Margin |
1 | Nick Pratto | 1B | Huntington Beach HS | $3,450,000 | $3,727,600 | $277,600 |
2 | MJ Melendez | C | Westminster Christian HS | $2,100,000 | $1,295,700 | ($804,300) |
2 | Evan Steele | LHP | Chipola Junior College | $826,500 | $791,700 | ($34,800) |
3 | Daniel Tillo | LHP | Iowa Western CC | $557,500 | $607,300 | $49,800 |
4 | Michael Gigliotti | CF | Lipscomb University | $397,500 | $441,700 | $44,200 |
5 | Charlie Neuweiler | RHP | Msgr McClancy Memorial HS | $397,500 | $329,800 | ($67,700) |
6 | Tyler Zuber | RHP | Arkansas State University | $2,500 | $251,700 | $249,200 |
7 | Brewer Hicklen | CF | University Alabama-Birmingham | $337,500 | $196,900 | ($140,600) |
8 | Holden Capps | LHP | University of Central Oklahoma | $2,500 | $158,900 | $156,500 |
9 | J.C. Cloney | LHP | University of Arizona | $2,500 | $141,900 | $139,400 |
10 | Jordan Floyd | LHP | Kansas State University | $2,500 | $133,700 | $131,200 |
$8,076,500 | $8,076,900 | $4,000 | ||||
11 | Sal Biasi | RHP | Penn State University | $125,000 | ||
12 | Collin Snider | RHP | Vanderbilt University | $125,000 | ||
13 | Cason Sherrod | RHP | Texas A&M University | $125,000 | ||
14 | Isaiah Henry | OF | North Shore HS | $125,000 | ||
15 | Robert Garcia | LHP | University California-Davis | $125,000 | ||
16 | Christopher Hudgins | C | Cal State Fullerton University | $125,000 | ||
17 | Julio Gonzalez | SS | Florida Gulf Coast University | $125,000 | ||
18 | Marlin Willis | LHP | McEachern HS | $125,000 | ||
19 | Korry Howell | SS | Kirkwood CC | $125,000 | ||
20 | Bryar Johnson | RHP | Carolina Forest HS | $125,000 | ||
21 | Isaiah Smith | OF | Battle Ground HS | $125,000 | ||
22 | Josh Mitchell | LHP | University of Pittsburgh | $125,000 | ||
23 | Matt Morales | SS | Palm Beach Community College | $125,000 | ||
24 | Connor Mayes | RHP | University of Texas | $125,000 | ||
25 | Tyler James | CF | William Carey University | $125,000 | ||
26 | Garrett Suchey | RHP | University of Alabama | $125,000 | ||
27 | Nick Hutchins | C | Southern Illinois Univ-Carbondale | $125,000 | ||
28 | Tylor Fischer | RHP | Langham Creek HS | $125,000 | ||
29 | Travis Jones | UTL | University of Texas | $125,000 | ||
30 | Adam Bainbridge | LHP | Old Dominion University | $125,000 | ||
31 | Justin Vought | C | Wyoming Valley West HS | $125,000 | ||
32 | Andrew Beckwith | RHP | Coastal Carolina Universiy | $125,000 | ||
33 | Damon Olds | RHP | Indiana State University | $125,000 | ||
34 | Jackson Klein | RHP | Stanford University | $125,000 | ||
35 | Reed Rohlman | OF | Clemson University | $125,000 | ||
36 | Brady Cox | C | University of Texas-Arlington | $125,000 | ||
37 | Trevor Hauver | SS | Perry HS | $125,000 | ||
38 | Montae Bradshaw | CF | Patrick Henry CC | $125,000 | ||
39 | Justin Mitchell | C | Platte County R-3 HS | $125,000 | ||
40 | Yaniel Ramos | SS | Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy | $125,000 |