Marlins sign top pick Morlando for $3.4 million (source)
MIAMI -- The Marlins on Friday signed first-rounder PJ Morlando for $3.4 million, according to MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis. That total is under slot value for the 16th overall pick ($4,704,700) of the 2024 MLB Draft.
The 19-year-old Morlando, who was the Gatorade South Carolina prep player of the year, ranked as MLB Pipeline's No. 43 overall Draft prospect and one of the top prep hitters.
A University of South Carolina commit, Morlando led Summerville High School with a .403 batting average, 26 runs, seven doubles, two home runs, 10 RBIs, a .602 on-base percentage and a 1.173 OPS in 32 games his senior year despite often being pitched around.
Morlando captured the High School Home Run Derby and the MVP award at the High School All-American Game at the All-Star Game last July in Seattle, spent two seasons on USA Baseball’s U18 team and impressed at the MLB Draft Combine in June.