Kansas City Royals Announce Signing of First Round Pick Hunter Dozier

When the Royals took Hunter Dozier eighth overall, it suggested that they had a deal in place. Just days after selecting him, now they officially have one.

Dozier signed for a $2.2 million bonus to become the newest member of the Kansas City Royals. The announcement came this afternoon at Kauffman Stadium while Dozier was flanked by Dayton Moore, J.J. Picollo and Lonnie Goldberg.

His bonus comes in at nearly a million dollars below the recommended slot value. As we’ve mentioned here, and as Jim Callis of Baseball America noted, those savings are likely to go towards signing competitive balance pick Sean Manaea, who was taken 34th overall. The Royals now have $6,090,700 in available money to sign the other ten players selected within the first ten rounds.

Dozier will report to Rookie League affiliate Idaho Falls after an initial stop at the Royals training facility in Arizona. The Chukars start their Pioneer League schedule on June 20.

After the announcement, Dozier wandered around the stadium and watched batting practice with George Brett. He also spoke with David Glass, Billy Butler and Tigers manager Jim Leyland.