9:41am: Oakland has also agreed with supplemental first-round selection Kevin Merrell, per MLB.com’s Jim Callis (Twitter link). He’ll receive $1.8MM, leaving the club some savings on the $2,033,500 slot value at the 33rd overall selection.
8:15am: The Athletics have a deal in place with first-round pick Austin Beck, according to Joe Stiglich of CSNBayArea.com. He is expected to be introduced to fans at today’s game.
Beck, a high-school outfielder from North Carolina, was selected with the sixth overall pick of the draft. The slot value for that selection is $5,303,000, and that’s just what Beck will receive, per Baseball America’s Hudson Belinsky (via Twitter).
Prospect rankings expressed broad agreement on Beck’s placement in the pecking order. Each of Baseball America, MLB.com, and Fangraphs rated him the ninth-best draft-eligible prospect. ESPN.com’s Keith Law placed Beck at 16th on his board, though he didn’t disagree that Beck has significant tools and upside.
Credited with huge bat speed, projectable power, good wheels, and a big arm in the outfield, Beck has the profile of a star. It doesn’t hurt that he has a chance to stick in centerfield. But all of the evaluators cited the relative uncertainty he brings to the table. Beck missed significant time with an ACL tear, robbing scouts of a chance to see him put his tools to the test against the best prep arms with wood bat.
Oakland obviously believes that the youngster can make good on his talent; as Stiglich notes, the club had focused on him after an impressive recent workout out the Coliseum. As for Beck, he’ll forgo his commitment to the University of North Carolina in order to begin his professional career.
the first sentence says giants, you mean the athletics
Yes, I had some kind of strange, pre-coffee mix-up in my mind. It is now fixed on the site, though I’ll probably be referring to Beck as a member of the Giants when he’s reaching free agency in 2028.
Pssst, the A’s signed him, not the Gnats
I didn’t know the A’s were the Giants now
The only player in the draft with Trout comps – Beane reportedly said “I’m not skipping on Trout again”.
And that is why fans will be disappointed if he turns into a .280 20hr/20steals guy…. To give a high school kid the comp of the best player in the last 20 years sets him up to not live up to expectations
Can confirm fans will absolutely never be disappointed in a .280 20/20 guy.
This statement is true– no fan– no matter how dumb– will every be disappointed in .280/20/20.
I wonder what team Austin Beck will be traded to in 3 years?
Probably to the angels for Trout. 2 things that get old quick A’s trading players and Trout being traded.
how original
Maybe in six, as he approaches MLB free agency.
the As will groom him then trade him for 3 fringe prospects. same old song and dance.