MINNEAPOLIS — Former Illinois closer Tyler Jay signed with the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday after being selected with the No. 6 overall pick in the MLB First-Year Player Draft nine days ago. Jay’s signing bonus was $3,889,500 — the full amount slotted for the sixth pick. Jay is one of six top-10 picks to sign and the only to sign for the full pick value.
Two other former Illini have also signed professional contracts. Fifth-round pick Kevin Duchene signed with the Oakland Athletics for $300,000 ($25,900 below slot), and ninth-round pick David Kerian signed with the Washington Nationals for $25,000 ($130,100 below slot).