The Chicago White Sox have signed infielder Nick Madrigal, their first-round pick (No. 4 overall) in the 2018 First-Year Player Draft, to a Minor League contract with a $6,411,400 signing bonus.u5:p
Madrigal, 21, batted .367 (66-for-180) with eight doubles, six triples, three home runs, 34 RBIs, 41 runs scored, 15 stolen bases, a .428 on-base percentage and .511 slugging percentage in 42 games as a junior in 2018 to help Oregon State win the national championship. u5:p
"We are very pleased to add Nick to our organization following the conclusion of his season at Oregon State," said Rick Hahn, White Sox senior vice president/general manager. "Normally, our goal is to assimilate players as quickly as possible into our system, but in this case we are very happy for Nick and the Beavers that any delay was because of winning a national championship. Nick is a talented young player in many aspects of the game, and we look forward to adding his skills, drive and leadership to our organization as he joins a developing core of talented young prospects."u5:p
The 5-foot-7, 165-pound Madrigal, who bats right-handed, was named to the Pac-12 All-Conference and All-Defensive teams, and was a Third Team All-American selection by Baseball America. He was a semifinalist for the USA Baseball Golden Spikes and Dick Howser Awards. u5:p
"I'm excited to continue my baseball career with an organization like the Chicago White Sox that has such a great future," said Madrigal. "I wouldn't be where I am today without the love and support of my family, friends, coaches and teammates as their guidance helped make this day a reality. I want to thank Oregon State University and Beaver Nation for all the support they have given me over the years and making my college experience so special. I look forward to beginning my professional career in the White Sox organization."u5:p
Madrigal, an Elk Grove, Calif. native, joins third baseman Jake Burger (2017, 11th overall), catcher Zack Collins (2016, 10th), right-handed pitchers Zack Burdi (2016, 26th) and Carson Fulmer (2015, eighth), left-hander Carlos Rodón (2014, third) and infielder Tim Anderson (2013, 17th) as the White Sox most recent first-round selections.u5:p
Madrigal was recommended by White Sox scout Mike Gange.