Padres agree with top 18 Draft picks

July 23rd, 2021

The Padres have agreed to terms with their first 18 selections from the 2021 MLB Draft, including the 27th overall pick, Jackson Merrill. According to MLB's Jim Callis, the prep shortstop's signing bonus of $1.8 million came under the slot value of $2.57 million, leaving almost $800,000 for the Padres to distribute to other Draft picks.

Second-round pick James Wood is also among the drafted players who agreed to terms. The 6-foot-7 outfielder has shown raw power at the plate, earning him the designation of the 44th-ranked prospect in the 2021 Draft, according to MLB Pipeline. Wood agreed to a $2.6 million signing bonus, well above the slot value at No. 62 ($1.1 million). The over-slot bonus encouraged the lefty to sign with the Padres rather than attend Mississippi State University.

Players drafted in rounds 3-17 also agreed to terms with San Diego, including the 71st overall pick -- from Competitive Balance Round B -- Robert Gasser. The No. 88 prospect leading up to the Draft signed at slot value ($884,200).

Following a selection of high school players in the first two rounds, the Padres selected nine straight college players -- six pitchers, a few infielders and a catcher. Each pick from Day 2 of the MLB Draft has now agreed to terms, leaving only San Diego’s 18th- and 19th-round picks up in the air prior to the Aug. 1 signing deadline.

The Padres' 20th-round pick, Chase Burns, who was ranked the No. 47 prospect entering the Draft, has decided to continue with his collegiate career. The righty will honor his commitment to pitch for the University of Tennessee.