Texas Rangers: Team Signs 2017 First Round Draft Pick

The Texas Rangers have signed their 2017 first round draft Pick, Shortstop Chris Seise. He’s the 29th overall draft pick out of West Orange High School in Winter Garden, Florida. His journey to Arlington, Texas is officially underway.

The length and amount of his contract is unknown, however, according to Jim Callis, his contract includes a $2 million bonus. Many sources say Seise was due to play college ball at the University of Central Florida, however, now that he’s officially under contract, it’s safe to say he won’t be playing at the collegiate level. Giving him that kind of bonus, it seems the Texas Rangers are confident and content with their pick.

Seise, 18, is described as being excellent on defense. According to Matt Wixon, Seise stated in an interview he “takes pride in defense” and he feels that “defense wins games”.  As a senior, he batted .413, scoring 31 runs, with 24 RBIs and 16 extra-base hits, including eight home runs. He appears to have fantastic throwing capabilities, as well as speed.

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As great as he is on defense, it appears that he has a weakness when it comes to hitting. According to SB Nation’s John Sickels, Seise isn’t very consistent when batting, however, in the past few months, he’s been showing signs of improvements. No doubt, he was regarded as of the best shortstop prospects in the draft.

Seise is ranked #46 in Baseball’s America 500. He’s also 6th in state rank.

Apparently, his selection at 29th overall is surprising as he was not regarded as first-round draft pick. Patrick Karraker believes Seise is perhaps four to five years away from being called up to the Texas Rangers.

The 2017 MLB Draft is now in the books. It’s now time for Seise to get to work. If he’s to make his main roster debut four years from now, then he’s got plenty of time to improve on what needs improving on and getting ready.