The deadline for draft picks to sign following each draft is August 15th. This year, that deadline was pushed until today, since the deadline fell on a Sunday. Lots of decisions could affect the Houston area as the night rolls on, so let's preview the biggest decisions:
↵Jameson Taillon, the second overall pick by the Pirates, sounds like he may not sign. Keith Law tweeted earlier tonight that of the top three picks, Taillon was the least likely to ink a deal. If he does turn down Pittsburgh, he's got a scholarship waiting for him with Rice. Chances he'll sign: 85 percent
↵Austin Wates, a third round pick by Houston, will most likely sign. He wasn't a guy scouts had pegged as having concerns about his signability heading into the draft. Reports also surfaced about a month ago saying Wates had agreed to a deal, based on an interview his college coach at Virginia Tech gave to a local paper. HIs family contacted the sites who had reported this asking for a correction, since he hadn't yet agreed to a deal. Wates also flew into Houston last week for a physical and as of this entry, has a deal on the table from the Astros. The ball is now in his court whether to sign or go back to school. Chances he'll sign: 90 percent
↵Austin Kubitza, a second-round pick by the Pirates, said earlier tonight he's not going to sign with Pittsburgh and will attend Rice in the fall. The big right hander doesn't throw hard but should provide good depth for the Owls pitching staff. Chances he'll sign: 1 percent (hey, there's always a chance he changes his mind)
↵Adam Plutko, a sixth-round pick by Houston, will probably head to UCLA. He's been rumored to be leaning that way since being drafted, but the negotiations with Houston never have progressed. It appears he and 19th rounder JaCoby Jones will both head to college. Chance he'll sign: 1 percent