No. 1 pick: ‘I’ll leave the negotiations to Boras’
The Nationals introduced one prized prospect to Washington on Tuesday. Meanwhile, their next top draft pick will wait on the other side of the country until his status with the organization is clear.
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While the Nats chose Bryce Harper with the No. 1 pick in Major League Baseball’s draft on Monday night, they still have to sign him to a contract before the Aug. 16 deadline. Otherwise, Harper goes back to college and can re-enter next year’s draft. While he waits, the 17-year-old says he will put baseball aside for a few weeks as he recovers from a long season at the College of Southern Nevada.
“I’ll leave the negotiations to Boras,” Harper said, referring to his advisor, Scott Boras, who is one of the game’s toughest agents. It was Boras who represented Nats pitcher Stephen Strasburg last summer when he was the No. 1 overall pick and received a $15.1 million contract from Washington.
It is likely Harper’s deal also will come down to the last minute. Until then, he will spend time with his family and train in preparation for his pro debut — whenever that may be.
“I’m just trying to enjoy this and have a little fun over the summer,” Harper said. “Go do some fishing.”
Harper said he has no issue moving from catcher to the outfield. The Nats believe he can reach the big leagues faster that way. Scouts see Harper’s bat as one of the best ever for such a young prospect. He was expecting to miss Strasburg’s debut on television Tuesday night because of a flight home to Las Vegas.
“But it would be absolutely amazing to come in and play with [Strasburg] and try to build a winning team with the Nationals,” Harper said.
The Nats weren’t finished drafting for the future. Tuesday was Rounds 2 through 30 of the draft, giving the organization a chance to stockpile its minor league system. Washington took left-handed pitcher Sammy Solis (San Diego) with its second-round pick — No. 51 overall. The 6-foot-5, 225-pounder redshirted as a sophomore thanks to a herniated disc in his back. But he rebounded with a strong junior season and the 21-year-old could move quickly through the farm system.
Rice shortstop Rick Hague was the No. 83 pick. In the fourth round, the Nats took a chance on right-handed pitcher A.J. Cole, a prep player from Florida. Scouts say Cole had first-round talent, but slipped over concerns about signability. He has a scholarship offer from Miami.
