White Sox sign 2nd-rounder Kelley to nearly double slot value
The Chicago White Sox announced Saturday that prep ace Jared Kelley has signed a $3-million signing bonus, almost double the $1.58-million slot value of the 47th overall pick the team used to select him.
"This is a moment I've been dreaming about for as long as I can remember and still can't believe it's real," Kelley said. "None of this would be possible without the love and support from my mom, dad, brother, and the many coaches and teammates I've had along the way.
"I'd like to thank the Chicago White Sox for taking a chance on me and I promise to give you, and White Sox fans everywhere, everything I've got."
Kelley was arguably the best high school pitcher available and projected by some to be a top 15 selection. However, he fell out of the first round due to signability concerns.
The hard-throwing righty is the first baseball player to be drafted out of Refugio High School in Texas. He had a verbal commitment to attend the University of Texas at Austin before he decided to turn pro.
Kelley can touch 98 mph and profiles as a future frontline starter. The 18-year-old was named the 2019-20 Gatorade Texas Baseball Player of the Year.