To say there are high expectations by the Colorado Rockies for rookie Charlie Condon is an understatement.
The slugger was chosen in the draft’s first round on Sunday after starring at third base for the University of Georgia, though he is expected to be an outfielder at the big league level.
The 21-year-old Condon hit an incredible 37 home runs with the Bulldogs this year, the most since the NCAA mandated the composition of bats in 2011.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that the Rockies signed Condon to a deal featuring a stunning $9.25 million signing bonus.
The third overall selection in the MLB draft matched the earlier record – also set this year – of $9.25 million paid to number two pick Chase Burns.
The two figures represent the largest draft bonuses in the history of the sport.
Many had Condon listed as the top prospect entered MLB this year, and the thought of him slugging in Colorado should excite fans in the Mile High City.
The twin bonuses awarded to Condon and Burns exceed what was received by last year’s number one overall pick, Paul Skenes.
The Pittsburgh Pirates rookie started for the National League in the All-Star Game this week.
Condon was a lightly recruited baseball player out of high school and redshirted his first year in Athens.
But he grew into a powerful slugger who won the Golden Spikes Award as the best collegiate baseball player in 2024 and had a fortunate birthday arrive.
Due to being 21 by draft day, Condon was eligible to be selected in the process, and the Rockies jumped at the chance to gain a powerful bat in their lineup.
