Dodgers Sign Top Draft Pick Zach Lee Away From LSU

Once thought a long shot, the Dodgers were able to sign their first round draft pick, Zach Lee to a contract, persuading him not to play quarterback at LSU, per Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times. The bonus was $5.25 million, spread over five seasons, per Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.

Lee, a 6-foot-4, 195-pound right-handed pitcher, was drafted 28th overall in the MLB draft in June, out of McKinney High School in McKinney, Texas. He was slated to play quarterback for the football team and pitch for the baseball team at LSU. He practiced this morning with the LSU football team, but was given permission by coach Les Miles to skip the afternoon portion, as Lee was negotiating with the Dodgers. Per the LSU Football Blog:

"This was a very personal decision for Zach and his family," Miles said. "This opportunity was just too difficult to pass up. We wish Zach and his family the very best. He’s an outstanding young man and we hope he develops into a great Major League pitcher."

Andy Seiler of MLB Bonus Baby had this to say about Lee as a pitcher:

He has the raw stuff of a potential number two starter, and that alone should make him desirable enough to be an early pick on draft day. His fastball is a potential plus offering, and he sits 91-93, touching 95, right now. He has room to add a couple ticks of velocity to that, and his mechanics are exceptionally clean, meaning scouts think he won’t get in the way of himself growing with his stuff.

The bonus given to Lee, though not disclosed yet, is believed to be the largest bonus in Dodger history, surpassing the $2.3 million given to Clayton Kershaw, the seventh overall pick in 2006.