The Seattle Mariners have signed their second-overall draft pick, pitcher Danny Hultzen, to a major-league deal. He'll join the 40-man roster immediately, and to make room for him, the M's have released reliever Chris Ray. Hultzen will be optioned down to the minors shortly, but will be looking to return after a quick minor-league stint. Hultzen's contract is worth $10.6 million over five years, with $8.5 million guaranteed. The signing bonus was worth a whopping $6.25 million,-- all per Larry Stone.
The announcement that Hultzen was signed came down to the 11th hour, only minutes before the midnight EST signing deadline, leaving more than a few Mariners' fans on edge. In the end, money talks, and the deal got done.
Jack Zduriencik summed it up: "It went right down to the midnight hour, as all of these do."
Danny Hultzen brings a pretty good repertoire to the Mariners, per MLB.com's scouting report:
His fastball is now a plus pitch, up to 95 mph, with his increased velocity and good sink. He's got a plus changeup, thrown around 82-83 mph, thrown with deception and with plenty of sink. His slider isn't as sharp, but is should be at least average down the line. He's got above-average to plus control and advanced command, throwing in and out at will. A lefty with outstanding pitchability and plus stuff, not to mention plus poise and instincts, is rare indeed...
The Hultzen pick was a bit of a surprise to Mariners fans, who mostly expected their team to select a position player, most notably Anthony Rendon (selected sixth by the Nationals). Hultzen, a 6'2, 200 pound lefty, will look to earn a chance to break into the Mariners' rotation in the next year or two.
For more in-depth analysis on the Mariners, head over to SB Nation's Lookout Landing.