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The Diamondbacks have now signed three of their 5-man draft class for 2020. Jim Callis reports that the team has signed 3rd rounder Liam Norris for $800K.
3rd-rder Liam Norris signs with @Dbacks for $800k (slot 90 = $657,600). North Carolina HS LHP, strong 6-ft-4 frame, 90-96 mph fastball with late life, both curveball & slider can be plus when on. North Carolina recruit. @MLBDraft #WearAMask
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) July 1, 2020
Norris signing for $800K is definitely less than expectation, I had him signing for over a million. He’s a 6’4” lefty who doesn’t have much physical projection left and a spotty track record for throwing strikes, which is why he dropped from a potential Day 1 prospect to the 3rd round. With the combination of a low 90s fastball, a plus curve, and above-average slider, there are plenty of pathways for Norris to contribute in an MLB uniform.
It’s unlikely he sees time on the 60-man player pool in 2020, his first steps in development will likely be in an instructional league setting. In a normal year, he would have seen time with the team’s Arizona League affiliate and facing other teams at their Spring Training complexes. Norris’ eventual outcome will depend on his ability to find the zone, but he has the ceiling of a #3 or 4 starter.
With just two picks left to sign, the Diamondbacks have $3.6M to spend between CBA pick Slade Cecconi and 4th rounder A.J. Vukovich. With that money left to spend, I don’t see either player being a difficult sign now.
Signing Bonus Tracker:
2020 MLB Draft Signing Bonus Tracker - Diamondbacks
| Round | Pick | Slot Bonus | Player | Position | School | Class | Signed | Bonus | O/U Slot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round | Pick | Slot Bonus | Player | Position | School | Class | Signed | Bonus | O/U Slot |
| 1 | 18 | $3,481,300 | Bryce Jarvis | RHP | Duke | 4YR-JR | Yes | $2,650,000 | -$831,300 |
| CBA | 33 | $2,202,200 | Slade Cecconi | RHP | Miami | 4YR-JR | Yes | $2,384,900 | $182,700 |
| 3 | 90 | $657,600 | Liam Norris | LHP | Green Hope HS (NC) | HS-SR | Yes | $800,000 | $142,400 |
| 4 | 119 | $483,000 | A.J. Vukovich | 3B | East Troy HS (WI) | HS-SR | Yes | $1,250,000 | $767,000 |
| 5 | 149 | $360,800 | Brandon Pfaadt | RHP | Bellarmine | 4YR-JR | Yes | $100,000 | -$260,800 |
| Pool | $7,184,900 | ||||||||
| Signed | $7,184,900 | ||||||||
| Left | $0 | ||||||||
| 5% Penalty | $359,245 | ||||||||
| Taxes | $0 |