July 2, 2016 at 2:07 PM
Red Sox sign third-round pick Shaun Anderson
The Red Sox have reportedly signed this year's third-round pick Shaun Anderson (pictured). The deal, first reported by Jim Callis of MLB.com, is worth $700,000, just above the slot value of $697,300. The Red Sox used the 88th-overall pick on the right-handed pitcher, a junior from the University of Florida.
Anderson served as the closer for a tremendous Florida pitching staff, but could be transitioned to a starter with the Red Sox. In 43 innings out of the bullpen this season, he posted a 1.04 ERA and stellar 56-to-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He showed promise as a starter in the Cape Cod League last summer, starting three games and posting a 0.82 WHIP in 22 total innings.
He has an ideal pitcher's build at 6-foot-4, and can get his fastball up into the mid-90s, to go along with three secondary pitches. Baseball America noted a promising change-up and slider in his arsenal during his Cape League stint. He throws his changeup in the low-80s and an 81-83 mph curve/slider hybrid. He also works in an 86-88 mph cutter.
The over-slot signing bonus could affect the chances of signing the team's first-round pick Jason Groome, who is reportedly asking for significantly more than the $3,192,800 slot value.
Below is a list of official and reported (denoted by italics) 2016 draft signings so far, listed by round:
2 - CJ Chatham, SS - $1,100,000 (slot: $1,232,800)
3 - Shaun Anderson, RHP - $700,000 (slot: $697,300)
6 - Steve Nogosek, RHP - $250,000 (slot: $281,100)
7 - Ryan Scott, OF - $10,000 (slot: $210,700)
8 - Alan Marrero C - $160,000 (slot: $180,300)
9 - Matt McLean, OF - $10,000 (slot: $168,400)
12 - Matthew Gorst RHP - $115,000 ($15,000 towards cap)
14 - Robby Sexton, LHP
17 - Nick Sciortino, C
19 - Kyle Hart, LHP
20 - Nick Lovullo, SS
22 - Granger Studdard, OF
24 - Hunter Smith, RHP
26 - Jared Oliver, RHP
Total cap (cap + 5%): $6,997,400 ($7,347,270)
Cap spent so far (amount +/- cap for picks signed): $2,245,000 ($525,600)
Photo Credit: Shaun Anderson courtesy of floridagators.com