New York Yankees to sign first round draft pick Kyle Holder

Kyle Holder (scottphoto.net)

The New York Yankees have announced that they have signed first round pick Kyle Holder to a $1.8MM bonus. Holder, who was selected 30^th overall by New York was the Yankees conditional pick for the loss of David Robertson to the Chicago White Sox.

Holder, 21, who was drafted out of the University of San Diego is considered by many to be the best defensive player in the draft with a less than average bat.

Holder, now signed, will play for the Short Season Staten Island Yankees when their season starts next week. Damon Oppenheimer, the Yankees’ vice president of amateur scouting, compared Holder to Omar Vizquel.

Holder hit .348 for the University of San Diego with four home runs and 31 runs batted in. With a questionable bat the Yankees took a gamble believing that the offense will come through.

Holder’s bonus represents $114,900 against the allocated bonus money for the pick. If this smooth fielding infielder can get his offense moving, he will be a face that Yankees fans might want to get familiar with.