Brendon Little signs deal with Cubs reportedly worth $2.2 million

Brendon Little, the former State College of Florida, Sarasota-Manatee left-hander, signed with the Chicago Cubs on Thursday.

Little, 20, was the club’s first-round pick.

The agreement with the Cubs was announced by the club in a release Thursday, though terms were not released. MLB.com’s Jim Callis reported Little signed for $2.2 million. The 27th overall spot in the draft was slotted at $2,373,300.

“The Cubs are betting on Little’s age, potential, left-handed look, mid-90s fastball and what they perceive to be one of the best curveballs in this year’s draft,” CSN Chicago reported.

Little joins the ranks of 13 others whose signings were announced by the Cubs on Thursday.

“From last year, not playing,” he told the Chicago Sun Times, “to now, being with the Cubs? That’s so crazy.”

After his signing became official Thursday in Mesa, he donned a new Cubs hat, jersey, pants and glove and did some stretching and light throwing.

“I don’t have any plans to celebrate,” he told the Sun Times. “I just want to get started with the Cubs. It feels like it’s been a long time since I’ve pitched.”

During his time with the SCF Manatees, Little averaged 14.03 strikeouts per nine innings as a sophomore, producing a 2.53 ERA in 15 starts while walking only 33 batters in 85-plus innings, according to a release from the Cubs.

Little arrived at SCF after pitching last summer in the Cape Cod League. He said that gave him confidence he could pitch against the top amateur and collegiate players.

Before pitching in the Cape Cod League, Little threw four innings for the University of North Carolina as a freshman, according to CSN Chicago.

Though he was ultimately drafted by the Cubs, every MLB team sent scouts to see Little pitch this season.

This story was originally published June 22, 2017 at 10:34 PM with the headline "Brendon Little signs deal with Cubs reportedly worth $2.2 million."