The Toronto Blue Jays announced that they have agreed to terms with 16 of the 40 players they selected in the 2013 MLB draft, including three of their top five selections. Third round selection Patrick Murphy, fourth round selection Evan Smith and fifth round selection Daniel Lietz were among the 16 picks signed.
Jim Callis of Baseball America reported Thursday that Murphy will obtain a bonus of $500,000. That amount is less than MLB’s recommended bonus of $650,000.
Murphy, a high school right-hander, posted a 2.66 ERA during his junior season in 2012 but missed his senior season to recover from Tommy John ligament replacement surgery.
The 18-year-old Chandler, Arizona native stands 6’4″ and had committed to playing college baseball at the University of Oregon. Callis notes that Murphy has shown a 93 m.p.h. fastball and a solid curve in the past.
By signing Murphy for less than $650,000, the Blue Jays free up $150,000 to spend on other draftees without exceeding their allotted bonus pool of $6,398,200 and facing penalties. The Blue Jays have until July 12 to sign college juniors and high school seniors.
Right-handed pitcher Conner Greene, catcher Garrett Custons, left-hander Tim Mayza and infielder Timothy Locastro were among the other players signed by the team.
