The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed 18th round pick John Kuchno for $125 K, according to Jim Callis of Baseball America. Kuchno is a hard throwing right hander with a fastball that can touch 95, and a power curve. Both pitches have the potential to be plus offerings.
The deal was for more than the $100,000 limit for picks after the tenth round, which means $25,000 counts towards the overall bonus pool. In the big picture, that reduces the available money the Pirates have to give Mark Appel.