The Phillies' deal with first-round pick Jesse Biddle is done, tweets Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Gelb notes that the deal can't be made official until after Biddle graduates high school Friday. Once signed the local lefty will join the rookie league GCL Phillies.
The Phillies drafted Biddle 27th overall, with scouting director Marti Wolever comparing him to Clayton Kershaw. MLB.com's Todd Zolecki notes that the Mariners signed the #27 pick last year for $1.28MM, which is around slot. Baseball America ranked Biddle 116th overall, while ESPN's Keith Law had him at 90.
Um Marti, if he compared at all to Kershaw, he wouldn’t have fallen to you.
It kind of confuses me when people take a prospect on sign-ability instead of actual talent. The goal should be to get the best talent available.
Sometimes you sign slot early in order to bust slot later on. Some of the Phils best picks of recent years were later round picks signed for earlier round money. Brody Colvin, for example, was picked in the 7th and signed for 1st/2nd round bonus money.