Dodgers' top three Draft picks remain unsigned

With deadline approaching, MLB.com's Callis expects trio to sign

July 6th, 2017

LOS ANGELES - The Dodgers' top three picks from the June Draft are still unsigned, and the deadline to get it done is Friday at 2 p.m. PT.
The slot money for first-rounder Jeren Kendall, an outfielder from Vanderbilt, is $2,702,700. For second-rounder Morgan Cooper, a pitcher from the University of Texas, it's $1,018,200. And for third-rounder Connor Wong, a catcher from the University of Houston, it's $537,100.
The Dodgers are roughly even with the recommended slot salaries for their next seven picks, so they have about $4.2 million remaining in its bonus pool to distribute to the trio. The club would be entitled to a compensatory pick in next year's Draft if a pick goes unsigned, but MLBPipleline.com expert Jim Callis said all three are expected to agree to a deal.
:: 2017 MLB Draft coverage ::
A club that outspends its pool by 0-5 percent pays a 75-percent tax on the overage. At higher thresholds, teams forfeit future selections: a first-rounder and a 75-percent tax for exceeding their pool by more than 5 and up to 10 percent; a first- and a second-rounder plus 100-percent tax for more than 10 and up to 15 percent; and two first-rounders and 100-percent tax for more than 15 percent. The Draft Tracker lists all signings and bonuses.
Kendall, 21, bats left-handed and throws right-handed. He is 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds and has elite speed but a high strikeout rate. He hit .307 (80-for-261) with 10 doubles, five triples, 15 home runs, 53 RBIs and 20 stolen bases in 2017 as a junior for Vandy. He led the team in runs scored (59), hits and home runs, while posting a .372 on-base percentage and a .556 slugging percentage. In 2014, he was drafted in the 30th round by the Red Sox, but went to college.
Cooper, 22, is 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds. He went 6-3 with a 2.32 ERA with 110 strikeouts in 89 1/3 innings this year as a starter. Cooper missed the 2015 season following Tommy John surgery, but bounced back strong this year.

Wong, 21, is 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, built like current Dodgers catcher because the Dodgers value smaller, agile, athletic catchers who they can refine as receivers. Like Barnes, Wong has basestealing speed and a plus throwing arm.