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Washington Nationals sign 23 of their 2016 MLB Draft picks, including 3rd Round pick Jesus Luzardo

After reports of a deal with 3rd Round pick Jesus Luzardo came out on social media this afternoon, the Washington Nationals confirmed that deal and the fact they have signed 23 of their 2016 MLB Draft picks thus far.

By Patrick Reddington
Photo screencap via @Nationals
Photo screencap via @Nationals

With the Washington Nationals' 3rd Round pick, the No. 94 overall selection in this year's Draft, they took prep school left-hander Jesus Luzardo.

A 6'1'', 205-pound southpaw, Luzardo was (4-0) with a 0.66 ERA in four starts and 21 innings pitched at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL before he suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow.

On Day 2 of the Draft, MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo described Luzardo a "Day 1 talent" with three "at least average pitches" who went on Day 2 because of the elbow injury.

Luzardo got paid like a 1st or maybe 2nd Round pick (picks No. 44-45 in the second round had a recommended slot values of $1.46 and $1.42, respectively, according to MLB.com).

According to MLB.com's Jim Callis, who echoed his colleague's sentiments, writing that Luzardo was, "headed for 1st [round] before [Tommy John]," the Nationals signed the pitcher to a well-above slot $1.4M bonus.

The slot value for the 94th overall pick was $635,800.

Luzardo, who had a commitment to the University of Miami, underwent Tommy John surgery, performed by Dr. James Andrews in March.

Nationals' GM Mike Rizzo told reporters after the Draft that the Nats did their due diligence on Luzardo before making the selection.

"He was an extremely highly regarded left-handed starting pitcher before he [underwent] Tommy John surgery," Rizzo said.

"He was very carefully scouted. We had seen him for years. He’s a guy that has stuff now and still has room to improve. The surgery was done by Dr. Andrews, so we trust that it’s done well.

"Our area scout has a great rapport with the family so we know what type of worker he is. Hopefully, as we bring him along with our Tommy John protocol he can reach the heights that he had reached pre-surgery."

Luzardo reportedly signed the contract today:

In a press release from the Nationals this afternoon, they announced that they have signed 23 of their 2016 Draft picks with their second selection, Dane Dunning, who is still alive in the postseason with the University of Florida, expected to sign once his season comes to an end, according to what he told reporters himself after the Draft:

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