The Baltimore Orioles had a solid signing day today where they signed some prospects, but nothing topped the signing of Adley Rutschamn. With the first overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, the Orioles selected the versatile catcher from Oregon State University. Rutschman was pretty much locked in as the number one overall pick for some time before the draft.
The signing itself shattered the previous signing bonus money since Gerrit Cole’s $8 million bonus from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Orioles gave Rutschman an $8.1 million bonus with his signing, which was actually under the $8.42 million initial slot money the Orioles had. The deal became official earlier, making him the new holder for the largest bonus.
Breaking: Adley Rutschman and the Orioles have a deal for $8.1M. That represents a record bonus.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) June 24, 2019
The highly coveted, first overall pick spent his college ball days with the Oregon State Beavers where he was a true force. Rutschman’s intrigue from a player archetype point of view, would be a switch-hitting, two-way catcher who is really good. Rutschman posted a .411/.751/.575 slash line with seventeen home runs and fifty-eight RBI for the Beavers in 2019. Rutschman was incredible defensively as well, he should be the franchise catcher for years to come when he reaches the big leagues.
The first round of the draft had some surprises like the Tigers opting to go with Riley Greene rather than CJ Abrams, but Rutschman being selected first overall is definitely no shock at all. The Orioles are hoping this huge bonus will pay off for them in the long run while they continue their rebuild in hopes to craft a playoff contending baseball team.
