Sing it out: Madrigal signs

UPDATE: The White Sox this evening report that 34 of 40, and every one of their Top 30 picks, have now signed — including 14th rounder Texas Tech starter Davis Martin.

Now that he’s got that whole “dramatic comeback to win the College World Series” thing out of the way, Nick Madrigal got down to some serious business.

Yep, big news from the White Sox at midday:

WHITE SOX SIGN FIRST-ROUND PICK NICK MADRIGAL

CHICAGO – The Chicago White Sox have signed infielder Nick Madrigal, their first-round pick (No. 4 overall) in the 2018 First-Year Player Draft, to a minor-league contract with a $6,411,400-million signing bonus.

Madrigal, 21, batted .367 (66-180) with eight doubles, six triples, three home runs, 34 RBI, 41 runs scored, 15 stolen bases, a .428 on-base percentage and .511 slugging percentage in 42 games as a junior in 2018 to help Oregon State win the national championship.

“We are very pleased to add Nick to our organization following the conclusion of his season at Oregon State,” said Rick Hahn, White Sox senior vice president/general manager. “Normally, our goal is to assimilate players as quickly as possible into our system, but in this case we are very happy for Nick and the Beavers that any delay was because of winning a national championship. Nick is a talented young player in many aspects of the game, and we look forward to adding his skills, drive and leadership to our organization as he joins a developing core of talented young prospects.”

The 5-foot-7, 165-pound Madrigal, who bats right-handed, was named to the Pac-12 All-Conference and All-Defensive teams, and was a Third-Team All-American selection by Baseball America. He was a semifinalist for the USA Baseball Golden Spikes and Dick Howser Awards.

”I’m excited to continue my baseball career with an organization like the Chicago White Sox that has such a great future,” said Madrigal. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and support of my family, friends, coaches and teammates as their guidance helped make this day a reality. I want to thank Oregon State University and Beaver Nation for all the support they have given me over the years and making my college experience so special. I look forward to beginning my professional career in the White Sox organization.”

Madrigal, an Elk Grove, Calif. native, joins third baseman Jake Burger (2017, 11th overall), catcher Zack Collins (2016, 10th), right-handed pitchers Zack Burdi (2016, 26th) and Carson Fulmer (2015, eighth), left-hander Carlos Rodón (2014, third) and infielder Tim Anderson (2013, 17th) as the White Sox most recent first-round selections.

Madrigal was recommended by White Sox scout Mike Gange.

Note that Madrigal has now officially shrunk down to 5-foot-7, which could put his actual height closer to 5-foot-6 or 5-foot-5.

Madrigal will get his feet wet with some AZL White Sox reps before reporting to the Low-A Kannapolis Intimidators.

The signing caps off a 2018 draft that saw the White Sox attempting to bolster arguably their weakest organizational area, middle infield. In addition to Madrigal, who will be moved to his natural position at short to begin his professional career, the White Sox added five other shortstops:

• Round 4: Lency Delgado, SS, Doral Academy (Fla.)
• Round 11: Kelvin Maldonado, SS, Pro Baseball High School & Academy (P.R.)
• Round 17: Travis Moniot, SS, University of Arizona
• Round 20: Jimmy Galusky, SS, West Virginia University
• Round 30: Micah Coffey, SS, University of Minnesota

Of the group, Moniot has gotten off to the best start, with an OPS of .756 in his first eight games at rookie-ball Great Falls, with a stolen base and six walks against three Ks — although he already has three errors, playing across second, third and short.

Texas Tech starter Davis Martin, a 14th rounder, is the only higher draft pick to remain unsigned by the White Sox. He may be leaning toward a return to college for his senior season, as his stock fell dramatically in 2018.

Friday is the signing deadline for drafted players.