Marlins closing in on signing top Draft picks

June 21st, 2017

MIAMI -- The Marlins are closing in on signing their picks from the first 10 rounds of last week's MLB Draft. For many, including 13th overall pick Trevor Rogers, deals are nearly completed.
Rogers, a left-hander from Carlsbad (N.M.) High School, is expected to agree to a bonus of $3.4 million, per sources, pending completion of his physical.
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An announcement on Rogers could come later this week, perhaps as early as Thursday.
On Wednesday, the Marlins opened mini-camp for players on their Gulf Coast League squad at the Roger Dean Stadium complex in Jupiter, Fla. Once Draft picks sign, they will filter into mini-camp as well.
President of baseman operations Michael Hill said the organization is constantly looking to build through scouting, drafting and developing.
"That's how we're built," Hill said. "That's the foundation of this organization; it's through our scouting and development. We're never going to have the highest payroll. We have to be aggressive -- be smart, draft smart and develop smart."
Hill points to the current Marlins' roster, with a number of core players either drafted or signed internationally: (second round), (first round), J.T. Realmuto (third round) and (international signing).
The Marlins' top-10 round picks this year were: Rogers (first), Brian Miller (Competitive Balance Round A), Joe Dunand (second), Riley Mahan (third), Colton Hock (fourth), Ryan Lillie (fifth), Taylor Braley (sixth), Sean Guenther (seventh), Jared Barnes (eighth), Cameron Baranek (ninth) and Denis Karas (10th).
Worth noting
• A couple of major performers were announced for this year's All-Star Week festivities. Grammy Award-winning artist Lil Jon will headline MLB's first-ever Electric Run MLB All-Star 5K, presented by Nike, on July 8. Latin Grammy Award-winner Don Omar will perform during the inaugural MLB All-Star Zumba experience on July 9.
• Best-case scenario is third baseman will return to the roster during next week's series with the Mets, beginning on Tuesday at Marlins Park. Prado, on the disabled list since May 8 with a right hamstring strain, is on rehab assignment with Class A Advanced Jupiter.
• Shortstop (left oblique strain) is on a similar schedule as Prado, but he appears to be a little behind. He may not be ready until early July.