Blue Jays unveil top picks Warmoth, Pearson
Both first-rounders signed deals over recommended slot value
TORONTO -- The Blue Jays officially unveiled their top two picks from this year's MLB Draft on Wednesday afternoon, and MLBPipeline.com's Jim Callis had the terms of their deals the following day.
University of North Carolina shortstop Logan Warmoth received $2,820,200, which was $25,000 over the recommended slot value for pick No. 22. Junior college right-hander Nate Pearson received $2,452,900, which was $150,000 over slot for the No. 28 pick.
The Blue Jays have yet to announce where either player will report, but the expectation is that both will end up in short-season Class A Vancouver. With Warmoth and Pearson both signed, Toronto has all 11 of its players selected in the top 10 rounds under contract.
"It's an unbelievable feeling," Warmoth said on Wednesday, shortly after taking batting practice with the big league team at Rogers Centre. "It's a dream come true. I just can't thank this organization enough. ... I'm so lucky and blessed to be given this opportunity. I'm ready to turn the page to the next chapter of my life."
Pearson was considered a relatively tough sign because of his commitment to Louisiana State University. Toronto saved money by signing some of its lower picks in the top 10 rounds to below-slot contracts and used the extra funds to change Pearson's mind about going to school instead of turning pro.
The 20-year-old Pearson hits the upper 90s on a fastball that some scouts have deemed "big league ready." He said on Wednesday that a changeup is his best secondary pitch, but his offspeed repertoire still needs a lot of refining. At the very least, Pearson should be able to turn into a late-inning reliever, but the Blue Jays intend on developing him as a starter.
"Overall, I want to get to the big leagues," Pearson said. "Whatever they want me to do, I'll be good."
Warmoth finished second in the Atlantic Coast Conference with 91 hits this season, and he earned selections as a first-team All-American and first-team All-ACC player. He led the Tar Heels with a .336 batting average, .554 slugging percentage, 60 runs, 19 doubles and 10 home runs.
"Playing good defence first and then spraying the ball around the field -- not trying to get too pull-happy," Warmoth said, when asked to describe his play. "Trying to get my pitch to hit and then drive it."