TCU Commit OF Billy McKinney Drafted by the Oakland A's, Will Likely Sign With Oakland

The lead guy in a very strong TCU Baseball recruiting class, Billy McKinney, was taken with the 24th overall pick in the 2013 Amateur MLB Draft. McKinney, a very projectable high school bat, will likely sign for at least a $1.9 million bonus with the A's and report to the Arizona Rookie League this summer, foregoing his chance at a college career at TCU

McKinney is one of the better high school bats in the draft, according to MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo. He has exceptional bat speed and while he doesn't have great power yet, he has plenty of room to grow. When he does grow, coupled with his bat speed, most expect that he will develop the power to go along with the good contact bat that he already has.

The problem for McKinney is that he has below-average speed and a below-average arm so he can only play left field. However, Baseball America notes scouts love him due to his makeup and the effort he gives, adding they're confident "he'll provide the offense required on an outfield corner.