Abbott agrees to big bonus check from Cincinnati Reds

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Virginia strikeout king Andrew Abbott has signed with the Cincinnati Reds for $1.3 million.

The Cavaliers left-hander, drafted by the Reds in the second round of the Major League draft as the 53rd overall selection. Abbott’s signing bonus is believed to be the third-highest by a fourth-year over the last eight MLB drafts.

Cincy scouts believe that Abbott could be a potential starter after he showed his ability to pitch deep into games this past season. Should the Reds decide to relegate to the bullpen, where he started his UVA career, he could actually accelerate his arrival to the big leagues.

Last season, Abbott relied on a fastball that ranges in the mid-90s, accented by a filthy curveball and an ever-improving change-up. He finished third in Division I this past season in strikeouts with 162..