Elliott: Record bonus for Jays' draft pick INF Groshans ... the list

Jordan Groshans, the Toronto Blue Jays' top pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, received a $3.4-million signing bonus from the club. This represents the highest signing bonus by a draft pick in franchise history.

By Bob Elliott
Canadian Baseball Network

This year’s signings by the Toronto Blue Jays saw INF Jordan Groshans, a high schooler from Magnolia High School Bulldogs in the first round.

While Groshans took a below slot ($4,200,900 US) signing bonus of $3.4 Million, it’s the largest amount handed out to a drafted player in franchise history. 

Only international free-agent signs SS Adeiny Hechavarria ($4 Million) in 2010 and INF Vlad Guerrero, Jr. ($3.9 Million) in 2015 were given more.

The amount Groshans received surpassed RHP Jeff Hoffman’s signing bonus in 2014 when he ereceived $3,080,800.

Also cracking the top 10 was Groshans Magnola High teammate RHP Adam Kloffenstein, a third round choice given $2.45 Million, which is way above the slot of $652,900. 

INF Jordan Groshans, the Blue Jays No. 1 pick from Magnolia, Tex. is with the rookie-league Gulf Coast Jays. Phhoto: Eddie Michels.


A partial list ...

Top dollars to Jays bonus babies
(Includes year, round drafted (over-all pick) and free-agent status (FA)

SS Adeiny Hechavarria 2010 (FA) $4 M
INF Vlad Guerrero, Jr. 2015 (FA) $3.9 M
INF Jordan Groshans, 2018 1st (12th) $3.4 M
RHP Jeff Hoffman 2014 1st (9th) $3,080,800    
C Max Pentecost 2014 1st (11th) $2,888,300

SS Logan Warmoth 2017 1st (22nd) $2,820,200
RHP Adonys Cardona 2010 (FA) $2.8 M
RHP Nate Pearson, 2017 1st (28th) $2,452,900
RHP Adam Kloffenstein, 2018 3rd (88th) $2.45
LHP Ricky Romero 2005 1st (6th) $2.4 M

RHP T.J. Zeuch 2016 1st (21st) $2.175 M
SS Felipe Lopez 1998 1st (8th) $2 M
RHP Deck McGuire, 2010 1st (11th) $2 M
LHP Daniel Norris, 2011 2nd (74th) $2 M

LHP Matt Smoral, 2012 1st (50th) $2 M

RHP Jon Harris , 2015 1st (29nd) $1,944,800
OF Gabe Gross 2001 1st (17th) $1.865 M
SS Russ Adams 2002 1st (14th) $1.785 M

OF D.J. Davis 2012 1st (17th) $1.75 M
OF Travis Snider 2006 1st (14th) $1.7 M

SS Aaron Hill 2003 1st (13th) $1.675 M
RHP Kevin Comer 2011 1st (57th) $1.65 M
OF Vernon Wells 1997 1st (5th) $1.6 M
LHP David Purcey 2004 1st (16th) $1.6 M
1B David Cooper 2008 1st (18th) $1.5 M

C Hagen Danner, 2017 2nd (61st) $1.5 M
RHP Roberto Osuna 2011 (FA) $1.5 M
SS Dickie Joe Thon 2010 5th (156th) $1.5 M
RHP Billy Koch 1996 1st (4th) $1.45 M
3B Kevin Ahrens 2007 1st (16th) $1,440,000

RHP Eric Pardinho 2017 (FA) $1.4 million
RHP Chad Jenkins 2009 1st (20th) $1.359 M
OF Griffin Conine, 2018 2nd (52nd) $1.35 M
C J.P.  Arencibia 2007 1st (21st) $1.3275 M
3B Balbino Fuenmayor 2006 (FA) $1.2

INF Bo Bichette 2016 2nd (66th) $1.1 M
LHP Zach Jackson 2004 1st (32nd) $1.017 M
OF Jake Marisnick 2009 3rd (104) $1 M

OF Jacob Anderson 2011 1st (35th) $990,000
RHP Roy Halladay 1995 1st (17th) $975,000

OF Miguel Negron 2000 1st (18th) $950,000
RHP Dustin McGowan 2000 1st (33rd) $950,000
SS Joe Lawrence 1996 1st (16th) $907,500

OF Jacob Anderson 2011 1st (35th) Chino $990,000
OF J.B. Woodman 2016 2nd (57th) $975,000 

OF Alexis Rios 1999 1st (19th) $845,000
RHP Asher Wojciechowski 2010 1st (41st) $815,400
LHP Brett Cecil 2007 1st (38th) $810,000

LHP Griffin Murphy 2010 2nd (61st) $800,000
C Guillermo Quiroz, 1998 (FA) $800,000

RHP Peter Bauer 1998 2nd (45th) $800,000
OF Dwight Smith Jr. 2011 1st (53rd) $800,000
SS Christian Lopes 2011 7th (229th) $800,000
RHP Aaron Sanchez 2010 (34th) $775,000
SS Joesphang Bernhardt 1997 (FA) $770,000

SS Miguel Hiraldo, 2017, (FA) $750,000.
3B Matt Dean 2011 13th (409th) $737,500
LHP Diegomar Markwell 1996 (FA) $705,000
RHP Jose Pett 1992 (FA) $700,000

(Bold face indicates have apppeared in the majors.)