Orioles Closing In On Deal With First Round Pick

Dan Connolly and Mike Klingaman of The Baltimore Sun are reporting that California high school RHP Matt Hobgood, the fifth overall pick in last week's amateur draft, is expected to take a physical in Baltimore in two weeks.

"That's the plan. We've pretty much got [the contract] set," said Hobgood, a 6-foot-4, 245-pound right-handed pitcher from Norco High in suburban Los Angeles. "Nothing is final, but [the Orioles] presented us a deal and we'll work something out. I'll for sure sign on that Saturday."

"We don't have anything finalized yet. We're going to have to get him into town; we never sign any of these kids without a complete physical," Orioles director of amateur scouting Joe Jordan said. "We are getting close, but we have a few things to get settled first."

The recommended slot bonus for the fifth overall pick is expected to be around $2.25MM after MLB reduced their recommendations 10% across the board.