The Chicago Cubs officially signed second round pick Pierce Johnson to a $1.196 million contract on Wednesday, as Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports. The signing bonus is exactly what MLB recommends for the 43rd overall pick, so the pitcher signed for the straight slot recommendation.
In 2012, Johnson made 14 starts for Missouri State, posting a 2.53 ERA while setting the school record with 119 strikeouts. The Cubs selected him using the compensation pick they received after third baseman Aramis Ramirez signed with the Milwaukee Brewers.
For perspective on how the new CBA affects draft spending, the Cubs gave last year's 14th round pick, prep pitcher Dillon Maples, a $2.5 million signing bonus to forgo college. The team's 2011 second round pick, first baseman Dan Vogelbach, signed for $1.6 million.
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