NC State had eight players taken in the MLB Draft earlier in the week, and already half of them have indicated that they are going to sign professional contracts. This is not a surprising development.
Centerfielder Tyler McDonough, a third-round pick of the Red Sox, was the first to agree to terms—he’ll get the full slot bonus due the No. 75 overall selection, which is $831,100. Pretty good chunk of change!
This afternoon, Inside Pack Sports reported that both left fielder Jonny Butler and pitcher Reid Johnston intend to sign. Butler was a 14th-round selection by the A’s, while Johnston went to Cleveland in the 19th. Neither one would be likely to improve their bonus offers by returning for one more season at NC State.
Additionally, Pack The Bases reported Wednesday that Evan Justice will be signing with the Rockies. The slot value for the No. 140 overall pick is $394,300.
It’d be a shocker if either of the other two State players taken in the first 10 rounds—Jose Torres and Austin Murr—do not sign, as they are looking at slot bonuses of around $667,900 and $309,500, respectively.
That leaves Terrell Tatum and Luca Tresh as potential returnees.