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Royals reportedly agree to terms with first-round pick Bobby Witt, Jr.

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The deal is for full slot money.

By Max Rieper
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Baseball: 2018 Perfect Game All-American Classic Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

It has been quite a week for Bobby Witt, Jr. of Colleyville, Texas. On Monday, the Royals made him the second-overall pick in the 2019 draft. This weekend, Witt led his Colleyville Heritage Panthers to their first ever 5A state championship. And today, he is a multi-millionaire.

According to reporter Jon Heyman, Witt has signed with the Royals for a full-slot bonus of $7,789,900. Witt would receive the largest draft bonus in Royals history.

Largest draft bonuses in Royals history

Player Year Overall Bonus
Player Year Overall Bonus
Bobby Witt, Jr. 2019 2nd $7,789,900
Bubba Starling 2011 5th $7,500,000
Eric Hosmer 2008 3rd $6,000,000
Brady Singer 2018 18th $4,250,000
Mike Moustakas 2007 2nd $4,000,000
Alex Gordon 2005 2nd $4,000,000
Sean Manaea 2013 34th $3,550,000
Luke Hochevar 2006 1st $3,500,000
Nick Pratto 2017 14th $3,450,000
Aaron Crow 2009 12th $3,000,000
Kyle Zimmer 2012 5th $3,000,000

Bonus pools were instituted in the 2012 draft.

Witt hit .489 with 15 home runs for the Colleyville Heritage Panthers, and was widely considered one of the top two players in the draft.

Witt is not the only first-rounder reported to have signed, the Braves have reportedly come to terms with Baylor catcher Shea Langeliers, the ninth-overall selection. But it is surprising to see a prep player sign so quickly. It is a good sign that Witt wants to get his professional career started.

With his high school career now complete, Witt will likely head to Arizona to train at the Royals’ facility. He could be assigned to the rookie-level team in Burlington, North Carolina, or spend the summer with the Arizona Summer League team.

Wednesday update: The signing is official.

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