Update Thursday 8:30 PM ET: Jim Callis of Baseball America reports Zimmer has signed for $3 million.
So far we've seen reports on two first-round draft picks that are close to signing on the dotted line with their respective teams. Now it appears we could be adding a third player to that list, in Kansas City Royals fifth-overall draft pick Kyle Zimmer.
According to Rustin Dodd and Bob Dutton of KansasCity.com, the Royals and Kyle Zimmer appear close to signing a deal that would pay the fifth-overall draft pick a bonus around the slot amount of $3.5 million. Dodd and Dutton add Zimmer was at Kauffman Stadium on Wednesday to take a physical, hinting that a deal could be in place.
ESPN's Keith Law ranked Zimmer 10th on his big board, noting the USF pitcher is in the discussion for top college arm in this year's draft.
In other Royals draft news, the club announced the signing of five of their top 15 picks, including third-round selection Colin Rodgers.
With the MLB draft officially over, it's time for teams and player to begin negotiations for signings. Some players will sign quickly, others may wait until the deadline, and the small majority of top draft picks may not sign at all. To stay up to date on first-round signings, keep an eye on our tracker.