June 14, 2016 at 11:00 PM
Red Sox sign second-round pick C.J. Chatham
The Red Sox have agreed to terms with second-round pick C.J. Chatham (pictured), as first reported by John Manuel of Baseball America. Chatham is a shortstop out of Florida Atlantic University. The deal is reportedly worth $1.1-million, just below the $1,232,800 slot figure for the 51st-overall selection.
Chatham stands 6-foot-4 but is a good athlete with solid defensive instincts by all reports. Chatham's arm rates as a plus tool and he has enough range that most evaluators expect him to stick at shortstop. He is currently a contact hitter with an advanced approach at the plate, but he has the potential to grow into some power as he fills out. In his junior season at Florida Atlantic, Chatham slashed .357/.422/.554 with 17 doubles and eight home runs in 58 games. Baseball America named Chatham a second-team All-American and Louisville Slugger named him a first-team All-American.
Some of the money saved with below-slot deal will likely go towards the team's pursuit of first-rounder Jason Groome. Chatham signed for just under the slot value, allowing the team to save $132,800 towards their bonus pool on the deal as reported.
Photo Credit: CJ Chatham by fausports.com