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First-round draft pick Shane Baz will sign with the Pirates, reports Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston.
Shane Baz(@thewizardofbaz)to sign w/@pirates:"It was a family decision.I kind of have the final say. It turned into an opp I can't pass up"
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) June 14, 2017
Baz, a right-handed pitcher from Concordia Lutheran High School in Texas, was tabbed as one of the toughest signs among first-round prospects, with a commitment to attend TCU. Though no figures have surfaced, the Pirates appear to have quickly bought him out of that.
The 12th overall pick the Pirates used to take Baz carries a $4.032 million slot value. It was likely the Pirates would have to surpass that total for Baz, though it’s unclear how much they can do that without having many other picks signed, as they’d need to go under slot on some to free the extra money for Baz.
The Pirates have been reported to be signing sixth-round pick Cody Bolton, though. Interestingly, he’s another high school pitcher with a strong college commitment, considered to be a tough sign.
UPDATE: Alan Saunders says Baz will officially sign on Thursday.
Hearing #Pirates 1st rd pick Shane Baz is expected to be in town Thursday to officially sign his contact.
— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) June 14, 2017