Blue Jays fail to sign first-rounder Bickford

Toronto, ON – The Toronto Blue Jays were unable to sign their first-round selection in this year's MLB First-Year Player Draft, California prep pitcher Phil Bickford, by Friday's deadline.

The Blue Jays took Bickford, a standout at Oaks Christian High School in Westlake Village, with the 10th overall pick but weren't able to reach an agreement with the right-hander, who will now attend Cal State Fullerton in the fall. As a result, Toronto will receive a compensatory choice at the No. 11 spot of next year's draft.

Bickford was the only player among the 33 first-round picks of the 2013 draft not to turn pro.