We're pleased to announce that we've signed our 1st round draft pick (6th overall) @TyJay_11. Welcome to the club! pic.twitter.com/BxH1jEE2Q1
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) June 17, 2015
The Minnesota Twins announced Wednesday they have officially signed their top pick from this year’s MLB Draft, left-handed pitcher Tyler Jay.
MLB.com’s Jim Callis reports Jay’s signing bonus is worth the full slot amount of nearly $3.9 million, but the team has not confirmed that.
The Twins selected Jay sixth overall out of the University of Illinois. MLB.com ranked him as the No. 9 overall prospect entering the draft, but some think he could be one of the first from this year’s class to reach the majors.
According to the Star Tribune’s LaVelle E. Neal, because the lefty possesses a fastball that hits nearly 95 mph on the gun, along with a nasty breaking ball and pinpoint control, some feel he could help the Twins as soon as this year.
My current, post-draft ranking of the Twins' top prospects:
1. Byron Buxton
2. Miguel Sano
3. Jose Berrios
4. Tyler Jay
5. Jorge Polanco— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) June 10, 2015
“Hopefully I just throw well wherever I’m going and I prove my ability,” Jay told reporters Wednesday. “However long it takes, whatever I need to do to help the team out is what I want to do.”
As part of his signing, Jay toured Target Field and met Twins’ players Wednesday.
PHOTO BLOG: Behind the Scenes with 2015 first-round pick @TyJay_11. #MNTwins http://t.co/GxIAseU1JH pic.twitter.com/0K0RzL6KcA
— Twins Photography (@TwinsPics) June 17, 2015
Jay was named the Big Ten Pitcher of the Year this season. He was also a Louisville Slugger All-American and a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award.
While at Illinois, Jay was 5-2 with a 1.08 ERA in 66 2/3 innings. The school used him mostly as a closer over the last two seasons, but he did make two starts this year.
The Twins have said they believe Jay has the stuff to be a starter, but according to FOX Sports North, the plan is for him to join the Twins’s High-A Fort Myers Miracle roster as a reliever.
