Report: Kingham signs with Pirates for $485,000 bonus
Former Sierra Vista pitcher Nick Kingham has signed a professional contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, who chose the right-hander in the fourth round of June’s amateur draft.
Kingham agreed to a signing bonus of $485,000, Baseball America reported Saturday. His deal equates to second-round money and more than $230,000 above Major League Baseball’s slotted recommendation for the No. 117 overall pick, according to Baseball America.
Attempts to reach Kingham were unsuccessful Sunday.
Kingham chose to join the pro ranks rather than fulfill his college commitment to Oregon.
Kingham received Class 4A first-team all-state honors as a senior after he compiled a 6-3 record with a 2.01 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 59 1/3 innings.
The Calvary Chapel transfer is the second local high school product chosen in the fourth round to sign a pro deal this summer.
Former Silverado shortstop Drew Robinson, drafted by Texas with the 136th pick, signed a slotted deal with the Rangers on June 15.
Robinson is already in the minor leagues at the rookie level. Through Saturday, he was batting .281 in 31 games with the Arizona League Rangers.
Robinson opted for a pro contract over college commitments to both Nebraska and the College of Southern Nevada. He was a second-team all-state infielder as a senior after hitting .500 with nine home runs and 42 RBIs.
