Dunedin's Ryan Harvey and the Cubs have agreed to terms on a $2.4-million signing bonus, clearing the way for the Falcons standout to begin his professional career.
Harvey, the No.6 pick in the June 3 baseball amateur draft, officially will sign June 21, according to his father, Bill.
The deal will become final if Harvey passes a physical. He tore the ACL in a knee in November and missed the first half of the high school baseball season. But while he rehabilitated, he added 25 pounds of muscle to his 6-foot-5 frame, making him more attractive to prospective teams.
In just 41 at-bats, Harvey hit four homers and five doubles, showing a dramatic increase in power.
The highest drafted player in Pinellas County history, Harvey is being advised by David Sloane of Taurus Sports Associates in South Florida. Sloane negotiated the deal, and according to Bill Harvey, negotiations went smoothly.
Cubs general manager Jim Hendry is a Dunedin graduate.
"He has a lot of tools, a lot of ability, a lot of power," Hendry told the Associated Press. "He wanted to get started and play right away, which is good. We're happy to sign him this fast."
Harvey will receive a larger signing bonus than Chris Lubanski, picked by Kansas City at No. 5. Lubanski signed this week for $2.1-million.
