ST. LOUIS -- The Cardinals have reached an agreement with first-round pick Dylan Carlson, who was selected 33rd overall in last week's MLB Draft.
According to a source, the two sides agreed on a signing bonus of $1.35 million, which is $550,500 under slot value for that spot. With those savings, the Cardinals will have the flexibility to offer above-slot bonuses to other picks.
Carlson, an outfielder who recently graduated from Elk Grove (Calif.) High School, had been committed to play collegiately at Cal State Fullerton. However, Carlson was candid on Draft night that he intended to forgo college to begin his professional career.
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Carlson did not rank on MLB.com's Top 200 Draft prospect list, but he put scouts on notice with a terrific senior season. The switch-hitter, who made the transition from first base to the outfield this year, hit .407 with 40 RBIs, 13 doubles and nine homers in 36 games.
He also contributed on the mound, where he finished 6-0 with a 1.44 ERA. In his team's championship game, Carlson threw a four-hit complete game and struck out 10. In four years on the varsity team, which his father, Jeff Carlson, coached, Carlson captured three championships.
The Cardinals plan to develop Carlson as an outfielder.