The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed second round pick Travis McGregor to a $900,000 bonus, which is $48,900 below the slot value. They have now saved $344,100 on signing bonuses from players in the top ten round. Along with the 5% teams are allowed to go over-slot without incurring severe penalties, the Pirates can now spend an extra $684,425 on over-slot deals (updated below). The Pirates have yet to sign 41st overall pick Nick Lodolo, third round pick Stephen Alemais, and fourth round pick Braeden Ogle. Those are the last three picks from the top ten rounds who are still unsigned. Ogle and Lodolo could received over-slot deals, while 11th round pick Max Kranick would be the top target for an over-slot deal after the tenth round.
MacGregor was a surprise pick in the second round according to numerous sources, but Prep Baseball Report did mention that he had a really good showing within two weeks of the draft and moved up significantly in their rankings. He is a 6’3″ righty out of East Lake HS in Florida. The 18-year-old MacGregor can hit 94 MPH with his fastball and his changeup and curve are average pitches at this point. You can view his player page here. Our draft tracker has been updated.
Seen it out there, but not widespread… @Pirates have agreed on $900K bonus w/2nd rder Travis MacGregor (pick 68 value=$948,900). @MLBDraft
— Jonathan Mayo (@JonathanMayo) June 16, 2016
UPDATE: 6:20 PM: Well, that didn’t take long to get another bonus number and more savings for the Pirates. Third round pick Stephen Alemais signed for $500,000, which is 68,400 below slot. Just to update those numbers from up top, they now have $752,825 to spend on over-slot deals. Alemais is a glove-first shortstop, who projects to stay at the position. His bat does not get good marks, so he may top out at a utility player in the future, but the glove will add value. You can view his player page here.
3rd-rder Stephen Alemais signs w/@Pirates, $500k (pick 105 = $568,400). Tulane SS, can stay there, contact bat, solid run underway @MLBDraft
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) June 16, 2016
UPDATE 6:30 PM: Pirates Prospects has learned that the following draft picks have been signed and will be heading to Bristol:
John Pomeroy, 13th round
Adam Oller, 20th
Mark Eckelman, 21st
Garrett Brown, 23rd
Robbie Coursel, 26th
Tyler Leffler, 27th
Geoff Hartlieb, 29th
Jordan Jess, 31st
Craig Dedelow, 34th (UPDATED: Dedelow agreed to a deal and was going to be assigned to Bristol, but he has since decided to return to school)
Pasquale Mazzoccoli, 35th
You can find all of the player pages here on our updated draft tracker.
