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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.
OFFICIAL: The #Rays have signed their first overall draft pick, LHP/1B Brendan McKay.
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) June 28, 2017
McKay will join Short-A @HVRenegades in July. pic.twitter.com/v0gdeZ9FfE
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