Blue Jays come to terms with fifth-round pick Zach Britton

MONTREAL, QC - MARCH 26: A Toronto Blue Jays emblem is shown on the field against the Milwaukee Brewers during MLB spring training at Olympic Stadium on March 26, 2019 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 2-0. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - MARCH 26: A Toronto Blue Jays emblem is shown on the field against the Milwaukee Brewers during MLB spring training at Olympic Stadium on March 26, 2019 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 2-0. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly come to terms with fifth-round draft pick Zach Britton.

According to Jim Callis of the MLB Pipeline, the Blue Jays have inked outfielder Zach Britton to an under slot deal saving over $300,000. Britton reportedly will sign for $97,500 even though the slot for 136th overall is $410,100.

The brain trust is undoubtedly attempting to pool a surplus of money to offer Austin Martin who is said to be seeking second overall slot money. Martin surprisingly fell into the Blue Jays lap at fifth overall.

Britton is the first of the five draft picks to sign following the draft as Martin, CJ Van Eyk, Trent Palmer, and Nick Frasso have all yet to come to terms on a contract.

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The 21-year old Britton spent three seasons with the Louisville Cardinals of the NCAA Atlantic Coast Conference. In 2019, Britton hit .288 with seven doubles and five homers in 55 games. Over the course of his collegiate career, Britton slashed .280/.395/.455 with seven home runs and five stolen bases in 110 games.

Britton projects as a corner outfielder with former catching experience and was ranked 197th heading into the draft by Baseball America. The outfielder possesses a left-handed bat that could be tapped for more power as a professional.

The outfielder also had a respectable showing in 50 games in the New England Collegiate League and Cape Cod Summer League hitting .318 with 15 doubles, five round-trippers, and eight stolen bases over 194 plate appearances.

The Blue Jays also added three undrafted college free agents earlier this week inking Harrison Ray, Mackenzie Mueller, and Zac Cook. Ray and Martin were teammates at Vanderbilt University over the past three seasons.

Blue Jays sign three college free-agents. dark. Next

The Britton signing definitely bodes well for the likelihood of a Martin deal. Hopefully, the Blue Jays can lock up the remaining four draft picks in short order and focus their attention on the remaining available college free agents.