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It took a little while, but the Braves have apparently reached an agreement with first-round pick Kolby Allard. Allard just tweeted this:
Headin' out to #BravesCountry in a couple days, let the journey begin!!! ⚾️ #CHOPNation
— Kolby Allard (@KolbyAllard) July 9, 2015
The Braves haven't confirmed the signing yet. According to ESPN's Keith Law, Allard signed for just over $3 million.
Heard first-rounder Kolby Allard to get $3,042,000 ($200K over slot) from Atlanta
— keithlaw (@keithlaw) July 9, 2015
There were just a couple of days left for the left-handed pitcher to sign. There were some whispers Allard may honor his commitment to UCLA, though they may have just been hot air to get a little more money out of the Braves.
Allard was limited during his senior season in Southern California due to a back injury, but scouts feel his upside is as high as any pitcher taken in the 2015 Draft. Armed with a mid-90s fastball and hammer curve, Allard could be a front-line starter one day if everything works out.
The Braves have now signed all 30 of their top draft selections.