Sports
Lexington's Nick Ciuffo to Make MLB Decision This Week
The catcher was chosen by the Tampa Bay Rays at No. 21 in the 2013 MLB draft.
Nick Ciuffo, Lexington High's standout catcher, has an important decision to make: play baseball for the University of South Carolina or go straight to the pros and accept an offer to play for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Ciuffo was chosen by the Rays in the first round at No. 21 Thursday during the 2013 MLB Draft.
He says negotiations are still underway, but should complete by Tuesday or Wednesday. As a top-25 pick, Ciuffo is expected to be offered a signing bonus in the range of $2 million.
Find out what's happening in Lexingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"I'm just honestly ready for them to get it all over with so I can know whether I need to start preparing for college or get ready to go and play about 72 games," Ciuffo said while meeting with media on Saturday morning.
Ciuffo has been committed to USC since he was 14 and signed with the Gamecocks in December, but an opportunity to fulfill his dream and play pro may cause him to put college on hold.
Find out what's happening in Lexingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The senior helped lead the Wildcats to the 4A state baseball championship and was also named South Carolina 4A Player of the Year.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.