Brewers, top Draft picks appear close

MILWAUKEE -- The Brewers reportedly had an agreement in place Sunday with the second of their two Day 1 selections in the First-Year Player Draft, Florida prep infielder Tucker Neuhaus, and were bringing top pick Devin Williams to Milwaukee for a physical exam.

Brewers amateur scouting director Bruce Seid followed policy by declining to comment on signings before they were official.

"I will say this," Seid said. "We're definitely very confident about signing most of our guys in the top 10 rounds."

Patrick Ebert of Perfect Game USA, which organizes showcases for Draft prospects, reported that Neuhaus had a deal in place for a $771,000 bonus. That is exactly Major League Baseball's slot recommendation for the 72nd overall pick.

Meanwhile, Williams, a right-handed pitcher who went to the Brewers in the second round at No. 54 overall, posted Sunday on Twitter that he was, "Heading to Milwaukee Wednesday then I'm off to AZ Thursday!"

Milwaukee would be the site of a physical, and the Brewers' summer rookie league team is in Phoenix. But Williams' agent, Jason Wood, said no agreement was in place as of midday Sunday.

MLB assigned a value of $1,017,300 for the 54th overall pick, but Wood said the Brewers and other clubs were aware going into the Draft that Williams sought a bonus above that figure. Williams, of Hazelwood West High School near St. Louis, has said he hoped to be a first-rounder.

"They know exactly what Devin wants and I'm very confident that something will get done," Wood said.

The Brewers have a $3,944,600 bonus pool allotted for their top 10 selections. If the team exceeds its amount, it faces financial penalties or the loss of future picks.