Chicago Cubs Sign First-Rounder Albert Almora: What Fans Can Expect from Him

According to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs have signed Albert Almora, their first round selection and the sixth overall pick in the draft, to a $3.9 million bonus. MLB recommended a $3.25 million bonus for Almora. 

The club has now signed all of its top 20 draft picks.

Almora batted .603 with 13 doubles, five triples, six home runs, 34 RBIs and 24 steals at Mater Academy in Hialeah Gardens, Fla. He also had a 1.164 slugging percentage and a .667 on-base percentage in 25 games.

But stats aside, now that Almora is in the fold, what can Cubs fans expect of the 18 year-old center fielder?

Almora stands at 6'2", 170 pounds and bats right-handed. According to the Perfect Game website, Almora is a 6.8 runner, which is not nearly as fast as one might expect from such a highly-drafted centerfielder.

His arm strength is nothing to write home about, either; he's listed by the website as a 50, which is average on the major league scale.

However, according to the site, "But what scouts have come to realize is that Almora might be the best baseball player in the 2012 class in terms of performance and overall skills." And obviously, the Cubs agreed.

While his speed is average, he gets a great jump on balls to the outfield and runs the bases as if his hair was on fire. He runs full out on every play. An aggressive baserunner, he is always looking to take the extra base.

As for his arm strength, it may be average, but his quick release, footwork and excellent fundamentals allow his throws to be accurate. 

Meanwhile, Almora has performed well against top competition. He hit .455 with one homerun and 15 RBI on the 2010 USA National 16U team, then followed up by being named the MVP(.365,13 RBI and 10 stolen bases) at the 2011 Pan Am 18U championship.

Perfect Game also reports that "He blasted home runs in his first two at-bats at the 2011 East Coast Professional Showcase and has always been a top-level performer at WWBA events while being named a 2011 Perfect Game All-American."

He's an outstanding hitter with a quick bat. He gets good extension and squares the ball up well, to go along with easy bat speed.

On a personal level, he is considered a good teammate who gives maximum effort all the time. He was also an outstanding student.

He looks to be able to remain in center at the big league level, though time will tell for sure.

As for his time frame, players like Mike Trout and Bryce Harper have seemingly raised the bar, but they are once-in-a-generation-type players. The earliest Almora will debut is 2014, but more likely 2015.

It appears the Cubs got a good one with Almora. The future looks bright for Chicago.