The Kansas City Royals signed their first-round draft pick Bubba Starling late Monday night, just moments before the Major League Baseball signing deadline.

Starling, the No. 5 overall pick and a multisport athlete at Gardner-Edgerton, signed a minor league contract with a signing bonus reportedly worth $7.5 million. His agent, Scott Boras, reportedly was seeking a signing bonus in the area of $10 million.

The signing bonus is payable during three years because Starling is a two-sport athlete. There was some question whether he would sign with the Royals before the deadline or play quarterback for Nebraska, where he had received a scholarship offer.

“We are ecstatic and relieved to have this process behind us and have Bubba in the fold,” said Royals general manager Dayton Moore. “I am extremely proud of J.J. Picollo, Lonnie Goldberg and the entire staff for the work they’ve done during these negotiations, not just in the Bubba Starling case, but all of the athletes we were able to sign on this very busy day.

“I’m also thrilled that we were able to come to an agreement with a fine young man from this area who put being a Royal among his priorities in this process. It’s now time to get his professional playing career underway.”

The Royals also announced late Monday the signing of third-round pick, right-handed pitcher Bryan Brickhouse. With Brickhouse’s signing, the Royals managed to sign each of their first five selections.

— Associated Press —