PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – According to a published report the last big time Pirates draft pick will sign for over slot, selecting the Bucs over the Nittany Lions.
The Philly Voice reporting Malvern Prep outfielder Lonnie White, Jr. will forgo a scholarship to play football and baseball at Penn State and sign with the Pirates on Monday for over slot value.
White told Joseph Santoliquito it’s been a very tough decision and Penn State football coach James Franklin said he’s welcome to join his team if baseball doesn’t work out.
The right-hand hitting outfielder was the Bucs Competitive Balance Round B pick. It was towards the end of the second round and just before Bubba Chandler in the third round. Chandler told us last week he is friends with White as he also turned down the opportunity to play football and baseball, but at Clemson, to sign with the Pirates.
The 6’3”, 212 pound White was a four-star receiver and the 32nd best player entering the draft according to Baseball America. White, a Collegiate Baseball first-team All-American in 2021, hit .395 with 11 doubles, a triple, five home runs, 25 RBI and 26 stolen bases his senior season.
Pirates have signed every top 10 pick from the 2021 draft except for fourth rounder Owen Kellington. A high school pitcher from Vermont.