Top pick Wilson agrees to deal with Angels

June 11th, 2019

ANAHEIM -- The Angels agreed to terms with No. 15 overall pick Will Wilson from North Carolina State University, the club announced Monday. The Angels signed him for $3.4 million, according to a Major League source. It's under the slot value of $3,885,800.

Wilson was at Angel Stadium on Monday to undergo a physical and officially sign the paperwork. He took in the game with his mom, dad and fiancee, Victoria, and said he’s set to fly to Utah to begin his professional career with Rookie-level Orem.

"It's unbelievable,” Wilson said. “It's been a week since the Draft, and just to get out here and enjoy some time with family. My fiancee is out here with me. Just letting everything soak in, finally signing on the dotted line. It's just unbelievable, a dream come true."

Wilson, who turns 22 on July 21, is coming off an impressive three-year career with NC State, as he was one of the better power hitters in the Atlantic Coast Conference while also winning the conference's defensive player of the year honors as a shortstop this year as a junior.

This season, he batted .335/.425/.661 with 16 homers, 20 doubles and 57 RBIs in 55 games. The right-handed batter also hit 15 homers and 16 doubles in '18 and was one of only four players to hit 10 homers in ACC play. An aggressive hitter, Wilson has worked to improve his eye at the plate and drew 33 walks against 46 strikeouts in 261 plate appearances this season.

He said he spoke with general manager Billy Eppler after being drafted and liked what he heard from him about the Angels’ hitting philosophy. Angels superstar Mike Trout also texted him after being selected in the first round last week.

"It's been great,” Wilson said. “[Eppler] told me one thing when he called me on the phone. He called me and told me the Angels' philosophy was to hit strikes hard. I thought this was a place I was going to fit in really well because that's what I love to do, hit."

Wilson has below-average speed for a middle infielder and has just four career stolen bases in his three seasons with the Wolfpack. His lack of speed has scouts divided on whether he can stick at shortstop, but his bat would still profile with a move to second base.

The Angels, though, believe he can remain a shortstop as a professional and are going to let him develop at that position in the lower Minors, according to scouting director Matt Swanson.

“It’s a really good blend of defense and there is a high-end upside here as a hitter as well,” Swanson said. “I think Will is very athletic and carries that upside in his own right.”