At 11:58 all we have right now is a tweet from an Austin writer saying that the buzz on Bell right now is “not good” which, in turn would be good for the Pirates. The big news probably won’t break until a bit after midnight, and I’ll be here to update as it happens.
UPDATE (12:01)- Jon Heyman says the Pirates have signed Cole. Since the news is coming from Heyman right at midnight, it’s safe to assume the deal was done a bit in advance.
UPDATE (12:02ish)- Oh, and Heyman says Bell signed as well. Hold on a sec…YESSSSSSSSSSSS
UPATE (12:06)- Cole’s signed for $8 million, as per Heyman. Biggest signing in team history, though there’s no word if it’s a big league deal or not. I’m still thinking that it is.
UPDATE (12:13)- From Tim, Kody Watts is not signing with the Pirates, despite taking a physical. Interesting. Still looking for official word on Cole’s deal (big league or not) and Bell’s signing bonus.
UPDATE (12:14)- Oops, turns out Heyman tweeted Bell’s bonus is $5 million, which is huge for a second round pick. Bell and Cole combined make more than any draft class in Pirate history.
UPDATE (12:16)- Baseball America’s John Manuel says he “believes” Cole’s deal is a big league deal.
UPDATE (12:23)- Jon Perrotto says Cole’s contract is not a Major League deal. Which means it’s $8 million upfront. I had thought that if they signed Cole to a big league deal it’d free up money for Bell. If they’re both bonuses … this is crazy money to spend on one draft. DK estimates it at $17 million. Could be the most anyone’s ever spent on a draft when it all shakes out, depending on a couple other teams this year (the Nats, for one), I think.
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