Report: Houston Astros Sign 11th-Round Pick Clifford

The Houston Astros reportedly signed 11th-round pick Ryan Clifford, pulling him from his commitment to Vanderbilt.

Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Slight correction to this number: Ryan Clifford signed for $1,256,530 ($1,131,530 counts ve pool). Second-highest 11th-rd bonus ever, second-highest post-10th-rd bonus in bonus pool era. @MLBDraft https://t.co/MLUTZ4jCSU

— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) July 28, 2022

The Houston Astros announced the signing of 11th-round pick Ryan Clifford on Thursday, three days before the deadline to sign draftees. The prep outfielder was committed to play collegiately at Vanderbilt.

According to Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline, Clifford signed for $1,256,530, marking it the second-highest signing bonus for an 11th-round selection ever. The lefty outfielder is rated one of the best high school talents in the 2022 class but fell to the third day of the 2022 MLB Draft because teams were concerned that Clifford wouldn't sign.

Clifford is at Minute Maid Park today and will take batting practice. The Astros also officially signed second-round supplementary pick Andrew Taylor on Thursday, having spent a combined $7,179,730 on their selections between rounds 1-11.

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