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There will be no last-minute drama signing this year’s first-round pick as the Orioles have reportedly come to terms on an agreement with high school pitcher Hunter Harvey.
The 22nd overall pick and son of former major league closer Bryan Harvey, the 18-year-old agreed to the slot value of roughly $1.947 million, according to The Sun. Harvey made it known shortly after being drafted that he had no intention of doing anything but signing with the Orioles and beginning his professional career after starring at Bandys High School in North Carolina.
He will reportedly take his physical early next week before the deal becomes official.
His fastball has been clocked in the mid-90s this season, and Harvey is projected by most as a starting pitcher if he can harness command issues common for a talented arm out of high school. His curveball is regarded as a plus-pitch for a high-school talent as well, but Harvey will need to develop a third pitch, according to many talent evaluators.
“Harvey is a future front-line starter,” directot of scouting Gary Rajsich said when the talented pitcher was drafted two weeks ago. “He is a tall, lean projectable right-handed pitcher with a good fastball, good curve, and a change. He throws strikes, competes, and comes from a baseball family.”
His father collected 177 major league saves and posted a 2.49 earned run average in his nine-year career split between the California Angels and the Florida Marlins.
With Harvey’s selection, the Orioles drafted a pitcher with their first-round pick in five of the last six years. High school shortstop and current Orioles third baseman Manny Machado was the lone exception in 2010 when he was selected third overall.
The only Orioles selection of the first 10 rounds not to come to terms so far is seventh-round third baseman Drew Dosch of Youngstown State.
