During day two of the 2023 MLB Draft, the Los Angeles Dodgers selected Bryan González, a high school shortstop out of the Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy in Puerto Rico.
Taken 190th overall, González was the Dodgers’ sixth-round selection, which has a slot value of $290,100.
The 17-year-old has a commitment to play college ball at Illinois State University, so it seemed likely the Dodgers would need to go over the slot value to get him signed.
It appears the Dodgers have done just that as they have reportedly agreed to sign González for a bonus worth $109,900 over the slot value, according to Carlos Rosa of GFR Media:
González hit .402 with 10 doubles, three triples and three home runs in his final year.
The right-handed hitter stands 5’10 and turns 18 years old in August. He was the seventh-ranked shortstop and 18th overall prospect coming out of Puerto Rico.
At the Perfect Game showcase, González was clocked throwing 90 mph (97.6% better than the class average) and had a top exit velocity of 88 mph, placing him in the 85th percentile.
According to the Perfect Game showcase scouting report from 2022, González has above-average speed and defensively he has quick feet, transfers the ball well and has a short arm action that produces strong throws.
Offensively, he has above-average bat speed and a simple load and stride. He can also pull the baseball with authority, making the ball jump off the barrel.
In addition to his on-the-field talent, González was praised for being a “very good student.”
Dodgers bonus pool money
Overall, the Dodgers’ bonus pool this year is $7,274,600, including a value of $2,362,700 for their first selection.
However, first-round pick Kendall George is expected to sign a deal under the slot value, which opened up money for other players to sign, such as González.
After the reported $400,000 signing bonus to González, the Dodgers now have $6,874,600 to sign 21 players, but it’s all but certain not all will sign.
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