Astros fail to sign 1st overall pick

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MLB.com's Jim Callis reports that the Astros have failed to sign No. 1 overall pick Brady Aiken.
Not only did they fail to sign Aiken, they also didn't sign fifth-rounder Jacob Nix and Mac Marshall. The Astros seem convinced that Aiken is dealing with a real issue with his pitching elbow and wanted him at a discount, while Aiken's camp contended that the hurler was just fine physically. In the end, neither side budged. Aiken is the third No. 1 overall pick ever not to sign and the first since 1983. The Astros will receive the No. 2 overall pick in next year's draft as compensation for not signing Aiken. The lefty is committed to go to UCLA, but he seems likely instead to head to junior college before entering the draft next year. Jul 18 - 5:17 PM
Source: Jim Callis on Twitter

[TheAntFather]

Wow, I knew the Astros should have got Rodon. Fkin high school punk.lol

[kidcudi92]

the Astros...

[nvrlose37]

I never understood the MLB draft. It's like gambling on a gamble anyway.

[actiondan]

Based on this they will come out flat tonight

[ParlayininHTown]

the Astros...

They certainly don't make it easier to not hate my life.

[kidcudi92]

They certainly don't make it easier to not hate my life.

In all honesty I think they could have a solid team by 2017-ish. A lot in that farm system.

[Dollars2Donuts]

I like this for them. They get the second pick in a better overall draft. I didn't like this kid anyway, and if they had any doubts they were better off passing. Who knows if they ever even really negotiated in good faith.

[Chi_archie]

not signing a first rounder can be strategic

see the Pirates not signing Appell 2 years ago and getting 2 solid first rounders in a deep draft the next year.

The Stros took Appel first overall that next year and he sucks now.

I guess they learned a lesson

[daneblazer]

Appel just wanted too much money. This guy there was a concern over his elbow. He better hope it's healthy, if he goes out next year and blows it he's toast

[Dollars2Donuts]

not signing a first rounder can be strategic

see the Pirates not signing Appell 2 years ago and getting 2 solid first rounders in a deep draft the next year.

The Stros took Appel first overall that next year and he sucks now.

I guess they learned a lesson

ummm....that's what I said! Lol

[daneblazer]

According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports on Twitter, the team could still face a scenario in which they would lose their next two first-round draft picks.

That is, if fifth-round pick Jacob Nix files and wins a grievance that would force the Astros to honor their original $1.5 million agreement, putting them 17 percent over their 2014 draft bonus pool.
It’s unclear whether they’d lose their first round picks in 2015 and 2016, or their 2015 first round pick plus the second overall pick in 2015, which they were given as compensation for failing to sign Brady Aiken before Friday’s 4 p.m. deadline

[daneblazer]

I like this for them. They get the second pick in a better overall draft. I didn't like this kid anyway, and if they had any doubts they were better off passing. Who knows if they ever even really negotiated in good faith.

No way this is strategic.

[slambam]

According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports on Twitter, the team could still face a scenario in which they would lose their next two first-round draft picks.

That is, if fifth-round pick Jacob Nix files and wins a grievance that would force the Astros to honor their original $1.5 million agreement, putting them 17 percent over their 2014 draft bonus pool.
It’s unclear whether they’d lose their first round picks in 2015 and 2016, or their 2015 first round pick plus the second overall pick in 2015, which they were given as compensation for failing to sign Brady Aiken before Friday’s 4 p.m. deadline

It sounds like this is very unlikely. Nobody is disputing the fact that Nix' offer was contingent on Aiken signing below slot value. When Aiken didn't sign, that means one of the contingencies to Nix' offer was not met, which means the Astros don't need to sign Nix. I won't wish injury on him, but if Aiken blows his elbow, I'd chuckle a bit. How the fukk does a 17 year old turn down $5 million to play baseball?

[Mr KLC]

According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports on Twitter, the team could still face a scenario in which they would lose their next two first-round draft picks.

That is, if fifth-round pick Jacob Nix files and wins a grievance that would force the Astros to honor their original $1.5 million agreement, putting them 17 percent over their 2014 draft bonus pool.
It’s unclear whether they’d lose their first round picks in 2015 and 2016, or their 2015 first round pick plus the second overall pick in 2015, which they were given as compensation for failing to sign Brady Aiken before Friday’s 4 p.m. deadline

I don't see how he could win if he never signed anything. The question is, if he did win the grievance, would he really want to play in an organization that he cost 2 1st round draft picks? I would be continually watching my back.

[eidolon]

I've like the stros since I was a kid (always lived in California), but it is hard to follow and support them when they are a combination of the Padres and Pirates.

[daneblazer]

Even with missing this pick, they are loaded in the minors. They'll be a decent team as soon as next year

[Big Bear]

why the hell would the Astros think he has an elbow issue?