Blue Jays Sign 2023 1st-Round Draft Pick Arjun Nimmala

Nimmala, drafted 20th overall by Toronto, was one of the youngest players in the 2023 MLB Draft class.

The Blue Jays have come to terms with their 2023 first-round selection.

After drafting Arjun Nimmala with the 20th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft the team and player came to terms on a draft bonus. The deal, which was announced by the Blue Jays on Monday, is for a reported $3 million, per Sportsnet's Shi Davidi.

One of the top high school position player prospects selected in the draft, the Jays were enticed by Nimmala growing power potential and overall upside at shortstop. In his final season at Strawberry Crest High School in Florida, the infielder posted a 1.477 OPS in 25 games, notching 35 hits and 29 RBI. At age 17, he was one of the youngest players in the 2023 class.

Nimmala's draft bonus of $3 million comes in below the 20th overall pick slot value of $3.745 million. Due to MLB's draft bonus pool system, signing players for below slot value allows the team to spend over the slot value of other draft picks, perhaps enticing players who would not otherwise sign with the team.

After drafting Nimmala at last week's draft, Blue Jays Director of Amateur Scouting Shane Farrell said the team and player have a "strong relationship" as Nimmala lives and plays baseball near Toronto's Player Development Complex in Dunedin, Florida.