DENVER -- Rockies No. 3 overall pick Charlie Condon made history at the University of Georgia this past season, and now he's about to do it again as a draftee. Condon agreed to a deal with Colorado, a source told MLB, that includes a $9.25 million signing bonus, which matches the biggest in MLB Draft history -- given by the Reds to No. 2 pick Chase Burns.
The deal is pending a physical.
"That¡¯s a lot of glue,¡± Rockies manager Bud Black said Friday, referencing the signing bonus. ¡°It's not surprising. We've spent money before. It's been documented, on Major League players, in the Draft. It's great."
Perhaps it was more surprising that the Rockies got their top choice and the No. 2 Draft prospect despite being third in line for Sunday's first round.
"We were excited about [Condon,]" Black said. "There were a handful of guys that we scouted hard, and there was a feeling that Condon wouldn't get to us. So there was some degree of jubilation because our scouts really liked him. And there's a lot to like. It's a real bat."
Condon began his college career as a preferred walk-on at Georgia.
He led all players this season in average (.433), home runs (37), OPS (1.565) and total bases (233). Those 37 home runs were the most by a D1 player since 2011. At one point this season, Condon homered in eight straight games, one shy of tying the NCAA record.
"I talked to him two days ago, and he sounded great on the phone," Black said. "You can tell he's got a great head on his shoulders, level-headed, ready to go, can't wait to get this started. Looking forward to his pro career. I'm looking forward to shaking his hand and watching him play."
The sophomore's stellar 2024 campaign earned him the 2024 Dick Howser Trophy, given to college baseball's top player, as well as SEC Player of the Year honors. It also made him an easy choice to be recognized as a consensus All-American and the Golden Spikes Award winner.
"Good for that kid," All-Star third baseman Ryan McMahon said. "Hopefully, we'll see him soon. He's an incredible talent. The Golden Spikes winner usually goes to the best player in college, and I think he was the same by far, so I'm excited he's a Rockie."
Condon will likely be in Denver sometime soon to meet the big league players and staff, but he'll head to the Rockies' training facility in Scottsdale along with other draftees this weekend.
"And then from there, who knows?" Black said. "[Low A] Fresno or [High A] Spokane, probably."
Black added that Condon's time in the instructional league would probably be the first chance for the Major League staff to evaluate him in person.
Along with power to all fields with his bat, the 6-foot-6 Condon, who primarily plays third base and the outfield, boasts a strong throwing arm and has shown enough athleticism to be an effective defender in multiple spots. Observers believe he most likely profiles as a corner outfielder.
"It's been crazy, and I'm thankful for that," Condon told MLB Network after his selection. "It's been a lot of work for myself, and also a lot of hard work and the people that I've been surrounded with. That's a thing I've learned along the way. One, being able to trust in your own process and be comfortable in your own skin; two, is the importance of finding good people and finding your people to surround yourself with."