Draft Update

From the moment the draft wrapped up and word of signings started to trickle in, you've been able to follow all the news right here at Twins Daily.

Today, the Twins are expected to officially announce the signing of three more players: Alex Kirilloff, the team's first-round pick, who is signing for slot; Brandon Lopez, who needs to pass his physical to finalize a $30k deal (which saves the Twins $126,600) and switch-hitting prep catcher Kidany Salva, who will sign for $70k pending contract approval.

6/24 Update: Austin Tribby, a big-bodied left-handed pitcher from Missouri who is out of college eligibility, is undergoing his physical and is expected to be official soon. Tribby is almost certainly looking at a $1,000 signing bonus.

That will leave only fifth-round pick pitcher Jordan Balazovic remaining. All I've heard is that there are not expected to be any hang-ups with him either, though he is likely to come in over slot. Using Benninghoff's terms, even if Balazovic got the same $600k, the Twins would still have over $62k left. (Though it is possible that Balazovic could eat up all that's remaining.)

But let's pretend that the Twins sign all of their Top 10 round picks and still have $75,000 left. They could offer any of their unsigned picks up to $175,000 without penalty. Who could get that money?

I'd really like to see the Twins pursue Matt Jones, Canadian prep pitcher, 28th round. And it sounds like there is a distinct possibility they reach a deal with the young lefty.

UPDATE: Matt Jones will undergo his physical on Sunday and sign after that. Let's revisit some of the guys that could take up the extra pool money.

Shamoy Christopher, JUCO catcher, 20th round: Christopher is one of those "pop-up" guys who not all the teams knew about going into the draft. The Twins liked him, though he hadn't given every indication he wanted to sign. They've been in contact with him throughout the last few weeks, but at this time it sounds as though his demand is more than the Twins are willing to spend.

Matt Byars, Michigan State catcher, 24th round: Do the Twins turn to another Wisconsin kid, who played JUCO ball in Illinois before hitting .284 in the Big Ten, adding another catcher to the system?

Greg Deichmann, LSU third baseman, 26th round: Deichmann was a draft-eligible sophomore who has only played significantly for one season and has two years remaining. He demonstrated power, hitting 12 home runs in the best conference in America, and only committed eight errors at third base. Deichmann would likely command more money than the Twins have.

Could they spread the money out and lock up a couple more players? It's always a possibility. Could there be another player or two they are keeping tabs on? Absolutely.

So while the class is almost complete, there still is plenty of intrigue.