Report: Houston Astros fail to sign No. 1 pick Brady Aiken

The Houston Astros have failed to sign Brady Aiken, the No. 1 pick in the 2014 MLB draft, Jim Callis of MLB.com reports. Negotiations between Aiken, a

The Houston Astros have failed to sign Brady Aiken, the No. 1 pick in the 2014 MLB draft, Jim Callis of MLB.com reports.

Negotiations between Aiken, a left-handed pitcher from Cathedral Catholic High (San Diego), and the Astros reportedly hit difficulties after a physical that the organization said raised concerns. After that physical, the team reportedly cut its offer to Aiken.

Casey Close, who represents both Aiken and Jacob Nix - another prospect drafted by Houston - said Tuesday that he was not pleased with how the Astros were handling the process. Close said then that he believed the team was using a medical concern about Aiken's left arm to pressure him into accepting a lower bonus so that it could sign two of their other draft picks, Nix and Mac Marshall. (Callis reports that the Astros also failed to sign Nix and Marshall.)

Aiken becomes the third No. 1 overall pick not to sign with the team that drafted him. Danny Goodwin (1971) and Tim Belcher (1983) were the two others.

The Astros will receive the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 MLB draft.

- Sarah Barshop