Mariners Sign Steve Baron

by ~ July 9th, 2009 at 1:22 pm

The Seattle Mariners have signed their highest draft pick so far, inking 33rd overall pick Steven Baron for $980K, according to Baseball America.

As we’ve mentioned before, Baron supposedly agreed to a pre-draft deal with the Mariners before having second thoughts after Duke upped their scholarship to full-ride.  This was obviously concerning because he was supposed to be a signibility pick.  I know I couldn’t turn down a full-ride scholarship to Duke.

BA mentions that $980K is about $40K more than slot, which is a bit frustrating considering Seattle could have gotten a legitimate first round player for about the same price (Rex Brothers, anyone?).  I was told after the Duke scholarship news came out that Seattle wanted him at about $780K and Baron wanted about $1.3M.  I think that they just really like him.

Still, he’s a talented player and I’m glad he’s in our system.  He’ll be starting his pro career in Pulaski and we’ll see him in big league camp for the next two seasons as stated in the terms of his contract.

Baron is a stud defensive catcher but will be a project at the plate.

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  • Slurve

    “We have to teach him to hit” was th quote I believe. Well at least this isn’t Rob Johnson reloaded where his defensive reputation was built on the fact that he was a nice guy. His bat never really comes around he’s a Dan Wilson type player. If it does hmm who knows.