Nationals Sign Drew Ward

The Nationals have signed third-round pick Drew Ward to a deal worth $850K, according to Jim Callis of Baseball America (via Twitter).  The Oklahoma high schooler was set to attend Oklahoma University, but the allure of joining the Nats' system coupled with the lucrative deal was apparently too much to resist.

The third baseman boasts serious power and a strong arm according to  Baseball America, who has Ward ranked as the 87th best prospect in the draft.  The prospect is a unique case as he graduated high school in three years and was granted special permission to enter the 2013 draft rather than 2014.  Because he was pegged for '14, scouts didn't bear down on him last summer, making it difficult to evaluate him. 

Ward got considerably more than the slot recommendation as the value of the No. 105 pick is $491K.  The youngster is advised by The Legacy Agency.