The clock struck midnight on Monday, marking the final day for players selected in the 2027 Major League Baseball Draft to agree to terms and sign their first professional contracts.
A Flurry of Signings
Among the signees, USC’s versatile Augie Lopez, who earned a reputation as a dual‑threat designated hitter and catcher, inked a deal with the San Diego Padres. The agreement, valued at $10,000, reflects the slot bonus assigned to the tenth‑round pick.
Right‑hander Adam Troy, another Trojan prospect, finalized a contract with the Philadelphia Phillies for the full slot value of $150,000 after being chosen in the 17th round.
The ripple effect extended to Mason Edwards, a second‑round selection who had already agreed to a $2.4 million bonus with the Oakland Athletics just days earlier.
A Different Path for Grant Govel
Not all Trojans followed the same route. Pitcher Grant Govel, who was projected to be a high‑profile pick, decided against signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Instead, he will return to USC for the 2027 season, keeping his college eligibility intact.
The three players who have now turned professional — Lopez, Troy and Edwards — will soon report to their respective minor‑league systems, where they will begin the grind of adapting to wood‑bat competition and new coaching staffs.