The Yankees today signed first-round pick Cito Culver, giving the 17-year-old high school shortstop a nearly $1 million signing bonus.
Sources said the bonus is $954,000 for the switch-hitter from Rochester. He is expected to begin his professional career in the Single-A Gulf Coast League.
“We are very excited to get Cito signed so quickly and get him out on the field to begin his development as a major league prospect,” said Damon Oppenheimer, Yankees vice president of amateur scouting.
The 32nd overall pick batted .561 with nine homers and 36 RBIs in 22 games this season for Irondequoit High School.
His father is serving a minimum of seven years and eight months on burglary, arson and criminal contempt charges after burning down the family’s home in the early morning hours of Easter Sunday two years ago.