Just over a week ago, word came out that Houston Astros (and MLB’s) 2014 #1 draft pick Brady Aiken had some problems with a ligament in his left elbow, his throwing elbow. Because of the news, the Astros lowered their signing bonus from $6.5 million to $5 million. Admittedly, I agreed with the reduction because of the potential for Aiken’s need for Tommy John surgery at some point in the future.
More news has come out regarding Aiken’s injury, though, and this report says just the opposite of the earlier one. CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa reports that Aiken’s agent, Mr. Casey Close, disputes the notion of Aiken’s damaged elbow. In fact, Close is adamant that Aiken has no injury at all. Axisa quoted the agent stating just that. Said Close,
“Brady has been seen by some of the most experienced and respected orthopedic arm specialists in the country, and all of those doctors have acknowledged that he’s not injured and that he’s ready to start his professional career.”
According to the report, Close also discussed that the Astros have made a revised offer of $3.1 million, which Axisa describes as “the minimum offer necessary to ensure a compensation pick next year should the two sides fail to reach an agreement.” If the team cannot sign Aiken by the July 18 deadline, then it gets the #2 pick in next year’s draft.
In light of this new revelation, if Aiken is healthy, then the two sides need to work out a deal by Friday. In fact, they should begin with the original offer of $6.5 million and work from there. Aiken should then accept nothing less. He is young enough and talented enough to get plenty more chances from any number of teams.
Axisa also reports that the $1.5-million savings off the original offer went to fifth-round pick Jacob Nix and the Astros would try to nullify that contract if they have to pay Aiken more. That deal should stand because the two sides have already agreed; Nix had nothing to do with the Aiken situation and should also have no part in any further discussions either.
The situation needs a resolution by Friday, July 18, the day that the Major League schedule resumes. Close says that Aiken is healthy, and he cites physicians as his support. If so, then the two sides need to work it out so Aiken can begin his professional baseball career.
PHOTO CREDIT: Four-Seam Images/AP
[…] offered after hearing of a potential elbow ligament issue that Aiken’s agent, Casey Close, insists does not exist. According to Callis, Nix has also committed to UCLA , and both he and Aiken could switch to junior […]