The Tampa Bay Rays have reached an agreement with first-round pick (21st) Nick Ciuffo according to Jim Callis of Baseball America. The South Carolina high school catcher signed for $1.974 million. The slot value for the 21st pick is $1,974,700.
The Rays hope that Ciuffo to develop into an office of catcher with the defensive abilities, something that the organization has lacked. He batted .468/.562/.723 with five home runs in his senior year, striking out just six times all season.
Before the draft Matt Garioch of Minor-League Ball, said, Ciuffo may be the best all around catcher in this class and could develop quicker than a lot of prep catchers because of his present skills.
#Rays, 1st-rder Nick Ciuffo agree on $1,974,700. South Carolina HS C, strong arm & receiver, pop in bat, South Carolina recruit. #mlbdraft
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisBA) June 20, 2013