The Kansas City Royals announced Friday they have signed Indiana State left-hander Sean Manaea, whom they chose with the first pick in the competitive balance portion for the draft.

The Royals have scheduled a news conference for Friday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium that will include Manaea, Royals general manager Dayton Moore and Manaea’s adviser, Scott Boras.
Baseball America first reported that a deal was imminent.

Manaea (6 feet 5, 215 pounds) was considered a first-round talent but slipped to the Royals at No. 34 overall in part due to a hip injury that will require surgery. Royals team physician Dr. Vincent Key said earlier this month that Manaea should be ready by spring training next season.

Manaea, 21, was 5-4 with a 1.47 ERA in 13 starts for the Sycamores this past season.

— Associated Press —