The Oakland Athletics have signed 2023 sixth overall draft pick Jacob Wilson for $5.5 million, putting the number of their signed player from the latest selection to four.
Wilson, tagged by MLB Pipeline as the best infielder of the 2023 class, is the son of one-time All-Star Jack Wilson.
The 22-year-old described his drafting and becoming an official baseball pro as a surreal experience, adding that it is a "dream come true."
"Hanging out with the guys and taking ground balls and batting practice with my family on the field, it's pretty awesome to be part of this," he told reporters before the start of the Athletics' game against the Boston Red Sox on Monday.
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A's general manager David Forst says the young Wilson will be a great fit as a shortstop for the team after seeing a lot of his game in high school and college.
"I saw him play a little bit in high school and I'm not sure there was any [player] we saw more this spring," he said.
"I was at his first and last college game and saw him in between. He can really play the position."
Bulking up for the men's league
While the talent is on full display, Wilson knows his frame needs improvement.
He hopes to achieve that by working with a professional.
"Growing into the frame a little bit more is definitely something in the future for me," Wilson said. "I want to work with a professional strength coach. That's the main thing I'm going to be focused on going into this offseason. Bulk up and grow into this body a little bit."
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