The Toronto Blue Jays say they don’t expect to sign their first-round draft pick.
General manager Alex Anthopoulos told reporters that a deal with high school right-hander Phil Bickford seems unlikely.
Listen to Alex Anthopoulos’ discussion with reporters | Audio link
The Blue Jays chose Bickford with the 10th overall selection last month. MLB recommends a $2,921,400 bonus for the 10th pick, though the Blue Jays have the flexibility to spend more or less than that amount.
The Blue Jays appeared to be seeking a slight discount in negotiations with Bickford, Shi Davidi reported Thursday.
The deadline for teams to sign college juniors and high school seniors is Friday at 5 p.m. ET. Teams that fail to sign their first-round selections obtain compensatory picks the following year.
The Blue Jays would not be able to re-allocate Bickford’s bonus money toward another player unless they sign him.
Jake Brentz and Rowdy Tellez are among the late-round Blue Jays picks who could require bonuses that exceed MLB’s recommendations.
Even if Bickford does not sign, the Blue Jays will have approximately $1.773 million in pool room available. They can exceed MLB’s recommended bonuses by 4.99 per cent without forfeiting draft picks if they are willing to pay a tax. That could provide enough flexibility to sign both Brentz and Tellez.
It may be in the Blue Jays’ best interest to suggest that they’re unlikely to sign Bickford. The news puts pressure on the player, who may react by lowering his demands.
Bickford has committed to playing college baseball at Cal State Fullerton. Tim Penprase, who coached Bickford at Oaks Christian High School in Westlake Village, Calif., for four years, told Sportsnet Monday that the right-hander was pleased the Blue Jays selected him.
“I think he’s ready for whatever comes to him,” Penprase said. “He would love to sign. He’s really happy about the organization that chose him.”
The Legacy Agency represents Bickford, who turned 18 Tuesday.
Recommended slot value of the Blue Jays’ selections through round 10: