NEW YORK -- Anthony Seigler said that there was "no doubt in my mind" that he would sign with the Yankees and begin his professional career. The first-round pick followed through on that promise on Saturday, agreeing to a full slot bonus of $2,815,900.
The Yankees' pipeline grew richer with the addition of Seigler, the 23rd overall selection in the 2018 MLB Draft who headlines the incoming roster of talent joining the organization. Including Seigler, the Yankees have signed six of their top 10 picks.
"I knew I was on their radar," Seigler said. "I didn't really get too much into that, but just being able to hear my name called from them was a tremendous honor. I thank God for it. Just being able to put on that jersey is an unbelievable experience."
:: 2018 Draft coverage ::
Seigler joined right-hander Frank German (fourth round), outfielder Brandon Lockridge (fifth round), and pitchers Connor Van Hoose (eighth round), Mick Vorhof (ninth round) and Josh Maciejewski (10th round) in coming to terms.
A switch-hitting high school catcher from Cartersville, Ga., the 18-year-old Seigler is bypassing his commitment to the University of Florida.
The 6-foot, 200-pounder hit .421 (45-for-107) with 26 extra-base hits, 13 home runs and 16 stolen bases as a senior to earn 2018 First Team All-American and Southeast All-Region First Team honors, leading Cartersville to the Georgia 4A State Championship, where it finished as the runner-up.
"I feel like I could, hitting-wise, hopefully get some more power," Seigler said. "That's what I love to do. Going down and signing with the Yankees, I feel like I'll be able to get on a strength program with them and tap into some more power."
The second catcher selected in this year's Draft, Seigler threw out 12 of 21 potential basestealers this season and was the starting catcher on the USA Baseball national team last summer, winning the 18-and-under World Cup.

While the Yankees plan to develop Seigler as a catcher, he is also an ambidextrous pitcher and posted a 1.09 ERA in 25 2/3 innings this season, striking out 29.
"I feel like my strength is catching," Seigler said. "I feel like I'm a great receiver and I have a pretty good arm, but obviously I'm not going to be satisfied with where I'm at. I'm going to keep working on those things."