The Phillies signed first-round pick Adam Haseley on Wednesday, allowing the outfielder to begin what the team hopes is a fast trek to the majors.
Haseley will report soon to the short-season, single-A Williamsport Crosscutters, who opened their season Monday. The 21-year-old batted .390 with 14 homers and a 1.150 OPS this season for Virginia. Haseley, according to MLB.com, signed for a bonus of $5.1 million, slightly above the slotted value for the No. 8 pick.
Haseley will begin his career in center field but could move to one of the corners once he joins Mickey Moniak, who is at low-A Lakewood after being drafted with last June’s first overall pick.