Pirates sign second-round pick Solometo for $2.8 million

The first of the Pirates' big three high school players they drafted this year has officially signed.

Second-round pick Anthony Solometo has signed with the Pirates, and will head to the Florida Complex League. A source says he will make $2.8 million, about $800,000 more than the $1,999,300 slot value the No. 37 pick carries.

"Once my name was on the paper, a switch flipped and I'm just ready to get to work and benefit this program as much as possible, as soon as possible," Solometo said over Zoom Tuesday.

DK Pittsburgh Sports was first to report this weekend that the Pirates and left-hander had a deal in place. 

Solometo primarily uses a low-90s four- and two-seam fastball, but projects to add some velocity. He also has a slider with spin, a changeup and plus control for an 18-year-old.

Baseball America ranked him as the No. 28 draft prospect. MLB Pipeline had him at No. 17, and the highest-rated player available for the second day of the draft.

He went 5-0 with a 0.21 ERA, 64 strikeouts and five walks over 32 2/3 innings this year for Bishop Eustace Preparatory School in New Jersey.

Part of his success comes from what has been described as a "funky" -- Solometo approves of the choice of word -- delivery, which messes with hitters timing as he comes to the plate. Solometo said the first half of it is supposed to resemble Clayton Kershaw's delivery, and the latter half Madison Bumgarner's.

"There are comparisons, but at the end of the day, it's mine. I'm just really excited to show people what I can do."

One of the highlights of his senior season was a one-hitter in the first round of the playoffs against Ocean City in late April. There, he felt something new.

"Once I got that first taste of blood and that one-hitter against Ocean City, I just became addicted to that feeling of just absolutely dominating," Solometo said. "... I hope to continue that trend on the minor leagues."

During the Zoom, Solometo was seated to the right of amateur scouting director Joe DelliCarri. The entire to Solometo was talking, DelliCarri had a grin on his face.

"I can’t wait for him to take off and get down there to Bradenton, see how it continues to move forward," DelliCarri said. "That’s why I’m smiling."

For the Pirates, they still have three day two picks still to sign: Competitive Balance Round B selection outfielder Lonnie White Jr., third-round pick right-hander Bubba Chandler and fourth-round righty Owen Kellington.

The Pirates are currently $2 million under-slot and can spend an additional $700,000 without facing a penalty.

The focus now is to get those remaining players under contract.

"There won’t be any relaxing until we get ‘em all in, then get a chance to see them down there in Bradenton probably before the end of the baseball calendar year," DelliCarri said. "It won’t settle [down] for another week or so."

Since the draft, Solometo has been watching Youtube highlights of the other players in the Pirates' draft class and seeing how highly experts have rated the Pirates' draft. 

It's fired him up.

"We have a Snapchat group chat going," Solometo said. "We’re talking to each other. We’re all just really excited to see what the future holds."

The deadline to sign draft picks this year is August 1.