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Tampa Bay Rays sign 4th overall pick Brendan McKay to record deal

The Rays have signed the best player of this year’s draft class to the highest amount ever in the bonus pool era.

https://twitter.com/RaysBaseball/status/879861409194156032

The Tampa Bay Rays have signed their first round selection and the 4th overall pick in the 2017 MLB draft, Brendan McKay, to a record amount.

The team made the announcement last night that McKay signed for $7,007,500, the most even given to a draftee during the bonus pool era.

Brendan McKay is considered one of the top two way talents in the history of the MLB draft and he is also considered one of the best college baseball players the game has even seen.

Tremendous skills, whether he is at the plate or on the mound, the Rays will give McKay the opportunity to pursue both avenues.

"Our scouting staff believes that Brendan has the ability to impact a major-league roster on the mound, in the batter's box and defensively at first base," - Rays Scouting Director, Rob Metzler

McKay is one of the most decorated players in NCAA history, but there is still one award we’re waiting to see if he’ll win, the coveted Golden Spikes award which is given to the top amateur player in the country. The winner will be announced some time tomorrow.

Brendan McKay will start right away on his professional career as he’ll go train and prepare at the team’s facilities in Port Charlotte, then he’ll eventually make his way up to the New York-Penn League where he’ll play his first games in Hudson Valley.

MLB Draft 2017

Pick Player School Position B/T Level Stats Pick Value Bonus
Pick Player School Position B/T Level Stats Pick Value Bonus
1 Lewis, Royce JSerra Catholic HS SS R/R HS 6'1" 185lbs DOB: 06/05/99 $7,770,700 $6,725,000
2 Greene, Hunter Notre Dame HS RHP R/R HS 6'3" 195lbs DOB: 08/06/99 $7,193,200 TBD
3 Gore, MacKenzie Whiteville HS LHP L/L HS 6'3" 180lbs DOB: 02/24/99 $6,668,100 TBD
4 McKay, Brendan Louisville LHP/1B L/L JR 6'2" 212lbs DOB: 12/18/95 $6,153,600 $7,007,500
5 Wright, Kyle Vanderbilt RHP R/R JR 6'4" 220lbs DOB: 10/02/95 $5,707,300 $7,000,000

Read More: Check out our Tampa Bay Rays draft tracker and signing board