Sources have confirmed that the Marlins have informed their first-round pick -- left-handed pitcher Andrew Heaney out of Oklahoma State -- that they do not intend to sign him. The news was first reported by Jim Callis of Baseball America.
As the ninth-overall pick in the draft, Heaney is slotted to receive a signing bonus of $2.8 million, and sources said the pitcher did not ask for more than the established figure, according to a source close to the negotiations. But the Marlins offered the pitcher less than $2.6 million, which he rejected. The deadline for signing picks is 5 p.m. Friday, but an eight-hour physical would need to be performed before a deal could be completed.
While there are strong indications that Heaney will go unsigned, another source said the team could be "posturing" by using pressure tactics as the deadline approaches and will ultimately reach a deal.
If no deal is reached, Heaney could return to Oklahoma State for his senior season, but it's more likely he would play in an independent league and re-enter the draft next year. If the Marlins do not sign Heaney, they would be compensated with the 10th overall pick in next year's draft.
There are currently six unsigned first-round picks from this year's draft.
