The Athletics have signed first-round pick Billy McKinney for a bonus of $1.8MM, according to Jim Callis of Baseball America (on Twitter). Oakland signed the high school outfielder nearly $100K under slot, as Baseball America previously reported that the assigned value of the No. 24 selection is $1,893,500.
McKinney, who is being advised by the BBI Sports Group, ranked 27th on BA's Top 500 draft prospects, 34th on Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com's Top 100 and 28th on Keith Law of ESPN's Top 100 (Insider required). All three outlets praise his smooth swing, with BA calling it "one of the sweetest swings in the draft." Mayo feels that McKinney may be the best high school bat in the draft. He projects to hit for both average and power, but his below-average speed and arm will limit him to corner outfield duties.
McKinney is the third member of this year's first-round class to sign. He marks the second straight high school bat taken by the A's, as Oakland selected high school shortstop Addison Russell in the first round of the 2012 draft.
