Cubs sign third baseman Kris Bryant

CHICAGO - The Chicago Cubs today announced they have signed third baseman Kris Bryant, the club's first round pick (second overall) of the 2013 Draft. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

Bryant, 21, was selected out of the University of San Diego following his junior season in which he hit .329 with 80 runs scored, 13 doubles, three triples, 31 home runs and 62 RBI in 62 games. His 31 home runs led the nation and are a University of San Diego single-season record.  

The 6-foot-5, 215-pound Bryant also led the nation in runs scored, walks (66) and slugging percentage (.820). His 54 career home runs in three years at the University of San Diego are a school record. The right-handed batter and thrower also led the Toreros in total bases (187), while striking out just 44 times in 302 plate appearances.

A finalist for the 2013 USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award, Bryant was named the Louisville Slugger National Player of the Year, the Baseball America Player of the Year, a first-team All-American and the co-WCC Player of the Year. He was also presented with the Dick Howser Trophy, which is awarded by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association to the player who best represents courage, character, leadership and performance. The USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award, presented annually to the nation's top amateur player, will be announced next Friday, July 19.

Prior to the draft, Baseball America listed Bryant as the top position prospect available. The publication also ranked him as the top college power hitter available and third-best with regards to strike zone judgment.  

In 2012, Bryant hit .366 and led the team in RBI (57), home runs (14), runs scored (59), hits (79), walks (39), on-base percentage (.483) and slugging percentage (.671). Bryant earned All-Conference honors for the second-straight year, and was named to the WCC All-Academic Team after posting a 3.34 G.P.A. He was named WCC Co-Player and Co-Freshman of the Year in his first year at USD in 2011. 

Originally from Las Vegas, Nev., Bryant graduated from Bonanza High School in Las Vegas. As a senior, he hit .489 with 22 home runs and 51 RBI en route to AFLAC All-American honors. He was drafted by Toronto in the 18th round of the 2010 MLB June draft, but did not sign, electing to attend San Diego.  

Bryant was recommended by area scout Alex Lontayo.

Overall this year, the Cubs signed 24 draft picks, including each of their first 13 picks, 19 of their first 20 and 22 of their first 25.