The Cleveland Indians have signed first round draft pick Tyler Naquin to a $1.75 million bonus, reports Jim Callis of Baseball America.
The left-handed hitting outfielder out of Texas A&M, taken 15th overall in this month’s draft, signed for well below his assigned draft slot value of $2.25 million, which leaves Cleveland with $500,000 to spend on other draftees.
Ranked #25 in Baseball America’s draft preview, Naquin put up a .380 batting average this year as a junior at Texas A&M, hitting 18 doubles, six triples and three home runs.
Naquin was the second college position player taken in the draft, behind only Florida catcher and No. 3 pick Mike Zunino, who has yet to sign with the Mariners.
The 6’ 3" Naquin played right field at A&M but the Indians believe he has the range and strong enough arm to make the shift to center. Naquin’s deal with the Indians is still pending a physical, which he will undergo soon.