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Draft  | Signing Bonuses | 5/9/2011

Signing Bonuses: No. 1 Overall Picks Year-by-Year

Photo: Ryan Young

Baseball signing bonuses to first-round picks have grown exponentially since 1965, when the draft was instituted ostensibly to reverse the growth of bonuses. From a first-round average of less than $50,000 in the first several years of the draft, that average has grown to a figure consistently in excess of $2 million over the last several years.
 
Following is a year-by-year breakdown of signing bonuses, and includes the average first-round signing bonus each year, the annual percentage increase/decrease, the first overall pick in the June regular phase and his cash bonus, and the player that received the next-largest bonus (if the player differs from the No. 1 pick).
 
Year Round 1 Avg % Change First Overall Pick Bonus Largest Bonus (Pick Number) Bonus
1965 $42,516 n/a  Rick Monday, of, Athletics $100,000 Alan Foster, rhp, Dodgers (28) $96,000
1966 $44,430 4.5 Steve Chilcott, c, Mets $75,000 Reggie Jackson, of, Athletics (2) $80,000
1967 $42,898 -3.4 Ron Blomberg, 1b, Yankees $75,000 #Mike Adamson, rhp, Orioles $75,000
1968 $43,850 2.2 Tim Foli, ss, Mets $74,000 Lloyd Allen, rhp, Angels (12) $75,000
1969 $43,504 -0.8 Jeff Burroughs, of, Senators $88,000 Noel Jenke, of, Red Sox (13) $85,000
1970 $45,230 3.9 Mike Ivie, c, Padres $75,000 #Dave Kingman, 1b, Giants (sec./1) $80,000
1971 $45,197 -0.1 Danny Goodwin, c, White Sox Did not sign Ed Kurpiel, 1b, Cardinals (8) $83,750
1972 $44,952 -0.5 Dave Roberts, 3b, Padres $70,000 Jamie Quirk, ss, Royals (18) $78,000
1973 $48,832 8.6 *David Clyde, lhp, Rangers $65,000 ^Alan Bannister, ss, Phillies (Jan./1) $85,000
1974 $53,333 9.2 *Bill Almon, ss, Padres $90,000 Willie Wilson, of, Royals (18) $90,000
1975 $49,333 -7.5 *Danny Goodwin, c, Angels $125,000  
1976 $49,631 0.6 Floyd Bannister, lhp, Astros $100,000 Ken Landreaux, of, Angels (6) $82,000
1977 $48,813 -1.6 Harold Baines, of, White Sox $32,000 Paul Molitor, ss, Twins (3) $77,500
1978 $67,892 39.1 *Bob Horner, 3b, Braves $162,000 Kirk Gibson, of, Tigers (12) $150,000
1979 $68,094 0.2 Al Chambers, 1b, Mariners $60,000 Todd Demeter, 1b, Yankees (51) $208,000
1980 $74,025 8.7 Darryl Strawberry, of, Mets $152,500 Jeff Pyburn, of, Padres (5) $103,500
1981 $78,573 6.1 Mike Moore, rhp, Mariners $100,000 Terry Blocker, of, Mets (4) $127,500
1982 $82,615 5.1 Shawon Dunston, ss, Cubs $135,000 Kenny Williams, of, White Sox (78) $160,000
1983 $87,236 5.6 Tim Belcher, rhp, Twins Did not sign Kurt Stillwell, ss, Reds (2) $135,000
1984 $105,392 20.8 Shawn Abner, of, Mets $150,500 Mark McGwire, 1b, Athletics (10) $145,000
1985 $118,115 12.1 B.J. Surhoff, c, Brewers $150,000 Bobby Witt, rhp, Rangers (3) $179,000
1986 $116,300 -1.6 Jeff King, 3b, Pirates $180,000 Kevin Brown, rhp, Rangers (4) $174,500
1987 $128,480 10.5 Ken Griffey Jr., of, Mariners $160,000 Mark Merchant, of, Pirates (2) $165,000
          Jack McDowell, rhp, White Sox (5) $165,000
1988 $142,540 10.9 Andy Benes, rhp, Padres $235,000 Steve Avery, lhp, Braves (3) $211,500
1989 $176,008 23.5 *Ben McDonald, rhp, Orioles $350,000 *John Olerud, 1b, Blue Jays (79) $575,000
1990 $252,577 43.5 Chipper Jones, ss, Braves $275,000 *Todd Van Poppel, rhp, A’s (14) $500,000
          Tony Clark, 1b, Tigers (2) $500,000
1991 $365,396 44.7 Brien Taylor, lhp, Yankees $1,550,000 Shawn Green, of, Blue Jays (21) $725,000
1992 $481,893 31.9 Phil Nevin, 3b, Astros $700,000 Jeffrey Hammonds, of, Orioles (4) $975,000
1993 $613,037 27.2 *Alex Rodriguez, ss, Mariners $1,000,000 Darren Dreifort, rhp, Dodgers (2) $1,300,000
1994 $790,357 28.9 Paul Wilson, rhp, Mets $1,550,000 Josh Booty, ss, Marlins (5) $1,600,000
1995 $918,019 16.1 Darin Erstad, of, Angels $1,575,000 Jaime Jones, of, Marlins (6) $1,337,000
1996 $1,794,317 95.4 Kris Benson, rhp, Pirates $2,000,000 Matt White, rhp, Giants (7) $10,200,000
1997 $1,330,536 -25.8 Matt Anderson, rhp, Tigers $2,505,000 Rick Ankiel, lhp, Cardinals (72) $2,500,000
1998 $1,637,667 23.1 *Pat Burrell, 3b, Phillies $3,150,000 Corey Patterson, of, Cubs (3) $3,700,000
1999 $1,809,767 10.5 Josh Hamilton, of, Devil Rays $3,960,000 *Josh Beckett, rhp, Marlins (2) $3,625,000
2000 $1,872,586 3.5 Adrian Gonzalez, 1b, Marlins $3,000,000 Joe Borchard, of, White Sox (12) $5,300,000
2001 $2,154,280 15.0 Joe Mauer, c, Twins $5,150,000 *Mark Teixeira, 3b, Rangers (5) $4,500,000
2002 $2,106,793 -2.2 Bryan Bullington, rhp, Pirates $4,000,000 B.J. Upton, ss, Devil Rays (2) $4,600,000
2003 $1,765,667 -16.2 *Delmon Young, of, Devil Rays $3,700,000 Rickie Weeks, 2b, Brewers (2) $3,600,000
2004 $1,958,448 10.9 Matt Bush, ss, Padres $3,150,000 Jered Weaver, rhp, Angels (12) $4,000,000
          Stephen Drew, ss, Diamondbacks (15) $4,000,000
2005 $2,018,000 3.0 Justin Upton, ss, Diamondbacks $6,100,000 Alex Gordon, 3b, Royals (2) $4,000,000
2006 $1,933,333 -4.4 *Luke Hochevar, rhp, Royals $3,500,000 Andrew Miller, lhp, Tigers (6) $3,550,000
2007 $2,098,083 8.5 *David Price, lhp, Vanderbilt $5,600,000 Matt Wieters, c, Orioles (5) $6,000,000
2008 $2,458,714 17.2 Tim Beckham, ss, Rays $6,150,000 Buster Posey, c, Giants (5) $6,200,000
2009 $2,434,800 -1.0 *Stephen Strasburg, rhp, Nationals $7,500,000 Donovan Tate, of, Padres (3) $6,250,000
2010 $2,220,966 -8.8 *Bryce Harper, c, CC Southern Nevada $6,250,000 Jameson Taillon, rhp, Pirates (2) $6,500,000

* Signed major-league contract; cash bonus only reported
# Selected in June secondary phase
^ Selected in January draft
@ Includes four loophole free agents; White signed with Devil Rays
 
NOTE: The signing bonus average for first-round picks from 1965-82 includes the value of college scholarship plans and incentive bonus plans, in addition to the cash bonus paid. From 1983-2004, the amount represents only the cash bonus paid. 

Draft | Prospect Scouting Reports | 11/12/2026

2027 Draft Board Update: Biggest Risers

Tyler Henninger
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2027 MLB Draft Content Hub With our latest draft board update, several prospects have made significant moves up the rankings following strong performances throughout the fall. From prep talent finishing off the circuit to college players ramping up for the spring, the latest update features plenty of new names and notable jumps. Here we will take a closer look at some of the biggest risers, highlighting the players who have done the most to improve their draft stock and have positioned themselves well heading into the winter.  Biggest Riser John Hucko (‘27 NC) lifts this one into RF for an RBI 2B, does a nice job of recognizing off speed w/ good adjustment; athletic frame w/ strength present. @AuburnBaseball commit #WWBAWorlds @PG_Coastal https://t.co/GXnZlsMidh — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) October 8, 2026 OF John Hucko, Charlotte Catholic | Pres. Rank: 23...
Tournaments | Story | 11/13/2026

National All State Preview: Week 2

Hannah Jo Groves
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The second week of of PG All-State National Championships starts this weekend - this particular one featuring the 9U, 11U and 13U age groups. Last week, the 10U, 12U and 14U divisions got their chance to represent their states and compete in the Houston, Texas area. This weekend, there will be 23 teams competing in the 13U and 11U divisions and 15 teams competing for the 9U title. “For Tony [Harper] and I, it’s an early glimpse of guys yearning to impress as we head to the new year…for those seeking consideration for the Select Festival,” National Cross-Checker and Northeast Scouting Director, John McAdams, said. For those competing in the 11U division, this event marks their first opportunity to show out, get some recognition and potentially receive a coveted invitation to the 2027 11U Select Festival. Some names that have already stood out to PG’s scouts...
College | Story | 11/13/2026

College Fall Notebook: November 13

Craig Cozart
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UCF Knights  2026 In Review:  The Knights recorded their best finish of the Big 12 era tied for 3rd place in the regular season with a (19-11) record and (32-23) overall.  Their resume would earn them an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in the last three seasons under Head Coach Rich Wallace in what would be the 14th all-time postseason appearance.  The 19 conference wins were the most by a UCF team since 2005 as they won 7 of their 10-conference series.  UCF was a consistent on the offensive side batting .289 as a team and averaging almost 7-runs per game.  They also took another step forward on the mound, with a team ERA of 4.61 while registering an impressive 6-shutouts on the year.    INF Austin Jacobs (@UCF_Baseball)turns on this heater and deposits it over the LF wall for a 3 run HR (96 EV/ 364 FT). Nice job pulling the...
College | Recruiting | 11/12/2026

Head of the Class: No. 4 Arkansas

Jordan Gates
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Complete 2027 Arkansas Recruiting Class No. 4 Arkansas Head Coach: Dave Van Horn | Recruiting Coordinator: Nate Thompson Total Signees: 18 | Top 100 Signees: 3 Top 5 Recruits: Rk. Name Pos. HT WT B-T High School Hometown ST 42 Christopher (CJ) Wall C 6-1 195 L-R Georgia Premier Academy Statesboro GA 52 Jake Ivey LHP 6-3 200 L-L Gunter Gunter TX 91 Conor Rae SS 6-1 170 R-R Corona Del Sol Gilbert AZ 102 Charlie Sarsfield OF 5-10 170 L-R Linn-Mar Cedar Rapids IA 107 Bear Calvo SS 6-1 200 R-R Orange Lutheran Fullerton CA Over the last decade, Arkansas has found themselves ranked inside the top ten in recruiting classes eight of the last ten years. They are no stranger to being ranked towards the top either with a handful of top five finishes, with their 2027 class checking in at number four. While the transfer portal has had the largest impact on college baseball and sports in general, the...
College | Recruiting | 11/12/2026

Head of the Class: No. 3 Texas A&M

Vincent Cervino
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Complete 2027 Texas A&M Recruiting Class  No. 3 Texas A&M Head Coach: Michael Earley | Recruiting Coordinator: Nolan Cain Total Signees: 17 | Top 100 Signees: 6 Top 5 Recruits RK. Name Pos. HT WT High School Hometown State 11 Striker Pence RHP/1B 6-6 215 Santiago Corona CA 15 Brady Cunningham 3B/RHP 6-3 225 Brother Rice Mokena IL 40 Isaiah Snavely SS 6-3 195 Zionsville Community Zionsville IN 77 Jordan Ayala RHP 6-1 185 Norco La Habra CA 88 Clyde Williams III OF 5-11 178 Magnolia Magnolia TX The Aggies jumped into the top 10 with their 2026 high school recruits and in his third season Michael Earley has achieved a the highest ranked recruiting class of his career at No. 3 for the 2027 class. Credit due as well to RC Nolan Cain who rejoined the Aggies just this past summer.  There’s star power littered throughout this class including four PG All-Americans, led by...
Tournaments | Championship | 11/12/2026

Texas Defends Home Turf at All State

Hannah Jo Groves
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Texas American Dominates for the 12U All-State Select Championship A run-rule, 11-3 victory over California National sealed the deal for Texas American’s 12U PG National All-State Select Championship win. 6 different players combined for Texas American’s 11 total runs - Ishmael Ruiz knocked in 2 runs with a double in the bottom of the second, Cannon Hughes knocked in 5 runs with 2, 2-run home runs in the first and second innings and an RBI walk to seal the game. Though it’s clear Texas American’s offense was explosive, right-handed pitcher Martin Vazquez did his part on the mound, striking out 6 batters and only dealing 1 walk in his 4 innings and 61 pitches of work. Earlier in the tournament, Lucas Bingham, the tournament’s MVPitcher, struck out 11 batters over 6.1 innings in his outing - and despite that impressive stat line - Bingham said he was not...
College | Recruiting | 11/13/2026

Head of the Class: No. 1 Louisiana State

Jheremy Brown
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Complete 2027 LSU Recruiting Class No. 1 Louisiana State Head Coach: Jay Johnson | Recruiting Coordinator: Josh Jordan Total Signees: 17 | Top 100 Signees: 12 RK Name Pos. HT WT B-T High School Hometown ST 6 Samir Mohammed RHP 6-5 240 R-R Tampa Jesuit Trinity FL 13 Sebastian Castillo SS 6-0 195 R-R Byron Nelson Justin TX 16 Graham Houston SS 6-1 175 S-R Venice Nokomis FL 22 Drake Hawpe OF 6-4 215 L-R Liberty Christian Argyle TX 32 Jordin Griffin OF 5-10 190 L-R Barbe Lake Charles LA Wash. Rinse. Repeat. The 2027 recruiting cycle saw Jay Johnson and his staff pull in the top class in the country, something we've come to almost expect as of late, and though they have some names to monitor heading into next year's MLB Draft, the depth of this group is unreal and one of the best we've seen in some time. Just how good is this class as a whole? Of their 16 commits, 12 are ranked within the top...
College | Recruiting | 11/11/2026

Head of the Class: No. 5 Vanderbilt

Kyler Peterson
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Complete 2027 Vanderbilt Recruiting Class No. 5 Vanderbilt Head Coach: Tim Corbin | Recruiting Coordinator: Scott Brown Total Signees: 16 | Top 100 Signees: 5 Top 5 Recruits RK Name Pos. HT WT B-T High School Hometown ST 21 Ethan Gustus RHP 6-6 192 R-R Roseville Roseville CA 55 Broder Katke C 6-2 205 R-R Brother Rice Bloomfield Hills MI 61 Graham Keen 3B/RHP 6-4 185 R-R Mt Lebanon Pittsburgh PA 63 Stephen Bobo OF 5-11 175 L-L Shelbyville Central Shelbyville TN 85 Derek Yormack RHP 6-3 220 R-R Bellmore JFK Merrick NY The Dores check in at No. 5 in the recruiting rankings with a loaded 2027 class. The class holds five players currently ranked in the top 100 and ten total ranked within the top 200. Coach Corbin and his staff dipped into the west coast to head their class with one of the best arms in the country, California native Ethan Gustus. The 6-foot-6 right-hander has touched triple...
College | Recruiting | 11/11/2026

Head of the Class: No. 6 Alabama

Jay Vossler
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Complete 2027 Alabama Recruiting Class Head Coach: Rob Vaughn | Recruiting Coordinator: Jason Jackson Total Signees: 17 | Top 100 Signees: 4 Top 5 Recruits RK Name Pos. HT WT B-T High School Hometown ST 29 Finnian O'Loughlin OF 6-2 200 R-R Delbarton Jersey City NJ 31 Mac Morris SS 6-0 187 R-R Dorman Taylors SC 47 Harry Chubb Jones Jr. * SS 6-4 190 R-R McEachern Douglasville GA 86 Anderson Lambert OF 6-0 180 R-R McDonogh Laurel MD 108 Jude Carter RHP 6-5 210 R-R Alexander Central Taylorsville NC * denotes enrolling early for upcoming spring After three straight trips to the NCAA Tournament, including a trip to Omaha in 2026, Rob Vaughn and the Alabama Crimson Tide have seen their recruiting class skyrocket in the rankings. After checking in at 24 in 2024, they took a huge leap up to 8 in 2025, stayed close to that at 13 in 2026, and now sit at 6 in 2027, the highest under Rob Vaughn....
Tournaments | Championship | 11/11/2026

Florida Offense Paces All State Crown

Hannah Jo Groves
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Florida National got off to a hot start in Monday’s championship game against Texas National. Scoring all their runs in the first and second inning, Florida National held off Texas National and won 5-3 for the 14U PG National All-State Select Championship title. An electric and fun-filled weekend all led up to this final game on Field 3 at Premier Baseball of Texas. The players geared up under the lights for what would surely be another great meeting between stacked teams. Texas National was up to bat first, but Florida’s pitcher, Lucas Diaz, struck out 2 batters in a row before fielding a ground ball for the third out. Though the bottom of the first started with a strikeout for Florida National, Diaz reached first base on a dropped passed ball and Jayden Portes got on with a walk. With two on and only one out, Florida National was primed to pounce. Lucas Viera singled to...
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