The Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to a deal with 11th round pick Erich Weiss, according to Weiss on Twitter.
So thankful that the Pirates have given me the opportunity to chase my dream!! Can't wait to get started! UT has been great, I will miss it!
— Erich Weiss (@ErichWeiss6) July 7, 2013
Weiss had good numbers in his first two years with Texas, then slumped in his junior year, which could have been the reason he dropped out of the top ten rounds. He’s a line drive hitter with gap power, and while he was drafted as a third baseman he has poor range at the position and an average arm. Long term he profiles to have the upside of a utility player.
No word yet on his bonus. Weiss had been playing in the Cape Cod league since the draft.
UPDATE 12:55 AM: Dustin McComas of Orangebloods.com was the first to report the signing earlier tonight.
Reported this on OB earlier… #Longhorn infielder Erich Weiss now plans on signing with the #Pirates. He was an 11th round selection.
— Dustin McComas (@DustinLMcComas) July 7, 2013
McComas says he hears the deal is worth $305,000. That would mean the Pirates would be going over their bonus pool. They only have $107,800 to spend on over-slot deals before paying any penalties. That means they could give $207,800 to Weiss (the first $100,000 for each pick after the 10th round doesn’t count towards the pool). The Pirates can spend an additional $435,345 and only pay a 75% tax on the overage. They wouldn’t lose any draft picks in that scenario. So if they’re giving Weiss an extra $100,000, they’re basically paying an extra $175,000 to get him. A $305,000 bonus would make Weiss the eighth highest paid player by the Pirates in this draft. It would be surprising to see Weiss get that much when Nick Buckner and Billy Roth got less than that combined.
WEDNESDAY 4:50 PM: The Pirates confirm the signing of Weiss, who will be assigned to the short-season Jamestown Jammers.
FRIDAY 4:33 PM: Jim Callis confirms the $305,000 bonus.
#Pirates deal w/11th-rder Erich Weiss was for $305k. Texas 3B had rough junior year but showed solid line-drive bat in past. #mlbdraft
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) July 12, 2013
