HOUSTON -- The Astros on Friday announced the signing of first-round Draft pick Walker Janek, a catcher from Sam Houston. Janek signed for the full slot value of pick No. 28, agreeing to a $3,132,500 signing bonus, according to MLB.com’s Jim Callis.

MLB.com's No. 24 overall Draft prospect, Janek was the top-ranked catcher in this year’s class after being overlooked by big league clubs and major college programs out of high school. As a junior at Sam Houston, he hit .368/.480/.714 with 17 home runs and 13 stolen bases this season en route to winning the Buster Posey Award as the best catcher in college baseball.

“He was the top guy on our board for nine or 10 picks,” Astros director of amateur scouting Cam Pendino said on Draft day. “We did not think he was going to be there, frankly. For him to get all the way down there, we were pumped."

Janek has proven himself a strong defender behind the plate, with solid blocking and framing skills and a strong throwing arm to hold baserunners at bay. He was awarded for his work with the gear on this season, winning Conference USA's 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Award.

The deadline for teams to sign their Draft picks is Thursday.