What happened: The reported payout for the former UCLA shortstop selected first overall in July surpasses the previous draft record of $9.25 million set by Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns and Colorado Rockies prospect Charlie Condon in 2024. With the exact allocation for the top selection set at $11,350,600, the agreement leaves Chicago with extra pool savings for later rounds.

Why it matters: Chicago enters the All-Star break leading the AL Central at 50-45, adding a premier prospect to an emerging core. Saving pool money at the top of the board mirrors the strategy used by the Washington Nationals last year when they signed No. 1 pick Eli Willits below his $11,075,900 slot allocation before distributing over-slot bonuses to their next four selections. While the new figure sets a high-water mark under current draft restrictions, Stephen Strasburg still holds the all-time record for guaranteed draft money from his $15,107,104 major-league contract with Washington in 2009.

What to watch: The agreement awaits formal club announcement upon completion of a physical. Chicago will now deploy its remaining draft pool allocations across subsequent selections before the signing deadline.