Tampa Bay Rays may not be able to sign draft choice Shane McClanahan
As the deadline inches closer, the Tampa Bay Rays are in danger of being unable to sign pitcher Shane McClanahan, the 31st overall selection in the MLB Draft.
Every year, there are first round selections that are unsigned. For whatever reason, they return to college, either hoping to improve their draft stock, or because a team will not offer enough to have them forgo their final season. Some players, drafted out of high school, want that college experience, having a fallback option if baseball does not work out.
As it stands, the Tampa Bay Rays are facing that issue with left handed pitcher Shane McClanahan. The 31st overall pick in the draft may not end up signing with the Rays, as there has been little movement in talks. With the deadline coming up later today, it appears unlikely that the Rays ink the talented left handed pitcher.
Hearing as of now, about 25 hours before deadline, it’s not looking likely that No. 31 pick LHP Shane McClanahan, of @USFBaseball, will strike a deal with #Rays
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 5, 2018
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Right now, the Rays and McClanahan are reportedly at an impasse due to his signing bonus. The slot is worth approximately $2.22 million, but he is reportedly seeking $3 million to sign. As he was considered a possible top ten talent, it is understandable that McClanahan would want a signing bonus that would fall above slot. And, the Rays do have just over $3 million available to spend on signing bonuses.
There is no questioning the talent that McClanahan possesses. The lefty starter has a fastball that has has been regularly clocked in the upper 90s, and has hit triple digits. With an excellent changeup and a slider that is expected to be at least a MLB average pitch. He could well become a solid piece of the Rays future if they do sign him.
There are, however, questions around his future. McClanahan had Tommy John surgery as a freshman, and faded late in the college season. While he is going to get a chance to start, it is possible that he ends up in the bullpen over the course of his professional career. especially if his slider does not develop as expected. And let us not forget his workload in college this past season.
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The Tampa Bay Rays may not sign Shane McClanahan, the 31st overall pick. This could be a case of two sides playing chicken, and hoping the other blinks.