PHILADELPHIA – The Diamondbacks signed the first of their many premium draft picks on Tuesday, inking right-hander Brennan Malone to a deal that includes a signing bonus at the pick’s full slot value.
Malone, whom the Diamondbacks selected with the 33rd overall selection, will receive a bonus worth $2.2 million.
Malone represents the draft’s riskiest demographic – he is a high school right-hander, having played at IMG Academy in Florida – but has the ingredients to develop into a major league starter, including a big arm that generates fastballs in the mid-90s, good athleticism and a clean arm action and delivery.