Earlier today, it was reported that the White Sox had signed their 1st round draft and the #10 overall pick of the draft Zack Collins. Robert Murray of Baseball Essential reported it to be at or near slot value and Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish confirmed the signing, at slot value, shortly after.
Sources: #WhiteSox and No. 10 pick Zack Collins have a deal in place. Believed to be at or near slot value.
— Robert Murray (@RobertMurrayBBE) June 10, 2016
Source confirms @RobertMurrayBBE report: White Sox in agreement with No. 10 overall pick Zack Collins for slot value ($3.3806M).
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) June 10, 2016
While Robert Murray has since retracted his report of the supposed Collins’ signing, Cotillo’s report still looms out there. With the contrasting reports out there, I reached out to a White Sox official in hopes to get something firm on the matter. When I asked about Collins and a potential deal, the response wasn’t particularly newsworthy but it did set the record straight. The source said, “Negotiations will have to wait until his college season concludes.” However, the White Sox have very little doubt of making good on a contract once Collins and the Miami Hurricanes finish their College World Series bid. The source elaborated, “Like most every first rounder, Collins is expected to sign.”
Collins homered today in Miami’s Super Regional game against Boston College. At this point, they lead 6-3 in that game and a victory would delay the start of Collins’ White Sox career. The White Sox believe they left day one of the draft with the best bat in the class and have little to no doubt he’ll officially be a White Sox soon, even if it that’s not today.