Happy Tuesday A’s fans!
The club announced yesterday that the team and its first two picks in this year’s draft, Georgia Tech outfielder Drew Burress and second round left-hander Mason Edwards, have agreed to their first big league contracts, with both getting above-slot signing bonuses:
The front office isn’t waiting around to get these two guys signed. They’re now ready to officially begin their
pro careers, with both likely ticketed for the low minors to start. That said, with both being college guys either or both of them could be fast risers through the system. How aggressive will the organization be with their newest prospects?
Burress, as we all know, was the eighth overall pick in last week’s draft, falling right into the Athletics’ lap and instantly becoming one of the club’s top prospects. The short outfielder (he stands at 5’9”) has plenty of pop for someone his size and has enough speed to swipe an occasional base here and there. Whether he’s able to remain in center field will be a storyline to watch as he ascends the minor league ladder but if he does need to get pushed to a corner he’ll profile as a potential Gold Glover in right field with his solid speed and plus-arm.
Edwards also gets an above-slot bonus to forgo his final college year. The left-hander was a starting pitcher for the USC Trojans over the past couple of years and dominated the Big 10 this past season, posting a 2.07 ERA in 17 starts. The 21-year-old has a true feel for pitching, and he uses that to make his three-pitch repertoire play up. A little bit of deception in his delivery also helps his low to mid-90’s fastball work a lot better than others in that velocity range. Considered to have the best curveball in this year’s draft, Edwards has all the makings of a mid-rotation arm that could make an impact sooner than later.
Those weren’t the only two to sign on the dotted line today however. The team was busy with all of their draftees as they also inked supplemental second round right-handed pitcher Gabe Gaeckle…
…third round righty Jacob Dudan…
…fourth round middle infielder Jacob Martin….
… and fifth-rounder Alex Hernandez, who has been a two-way player in college but will likely focus on hitting in the pro ranks:
They also came to terms with their 6-10 picks, locking in the entire top 10 rounds:
Another game against the Diamondbacks tonight, with first pitch at 6:40 again. Until then, have a great day everyone.
A’s Coverage:
- Hot Topic: Who Is The “Real Langeliers”?
- Another ‘step in the right direction’ for Lopez in hunt to regain rookie form
- Blogfather Saves The Day With Pearls Of Most Excellent Advice
- Thinking out loud: Mic’d up Cease, Langeliers work through 3-K 1st in ASG
- What will the Athletics do leading up to Trade Deadline after cold streak?
- A’s Add Next Wave of Prospects in 2026 Draft
- Athletics Get Hitting Help by Claiming Hot Bat off Waivers
- Langeliers’ 5-year journey from top prospect to All-Star starter
- Injuries Providing Cover For Some Inconvenient Truths
- Breaking Down the A’s Alarming Trends Heading into the Break
- Jamie Arnold can’t wait for the A’s future. Triple-A Vegas is another story.
- Langeliers savoring 1st All-Star start; injured Kurtz to enjoy homecoming
- Athletics Select Outfielder Drew Burress With 8th Overall Pick
- Athletics Select Left-hander Mason Edwards With 47th Overall Pick
- Athletics Select Gabe Gaeckle With 73rd Overall Pick
- A’s Select Jacob Dudan With 83rd Pick, Roman Martin With 111th Pick
MLB News and Interest:
- Dodgers to acquire flamethrowing RHP Halvorsen from Rockies (source)
- Marlins Place Max Meyer On Injured List
- Shohei Ohtani Scratched From Wednesday Start, Won’t Pitch For “Some Time”
- Trade rumors: Padres, Angels starters, Dodgers’ plans, Yanks vs. Rays
- Report: Giants Have Not Discussed Extension With Luis Arraez
- Pirates rookie Esmerlyn Valdez up to 12 homers in 31 games
- Could Smith’s neck injury change Dodgers’ Trade Deadline plans?
- Mets Reinstate Luis Robert Jr. From 60-Day IL
- Padres Place Miguel Andujar On IL With Wrist Fracture
- Today in Baseball History
Best of X:
Nick Kurtz coming back this weekend?
Who thinks Shea’s getting traded in the next two weeks?
ICYMI:
