Stilson & Blue Jays Agree on out-of-Slot Deal

COLLEGE STATION, Texas--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--John Stilson is widely known for his fierce competitive drive, which is one reason the Blue Jays ultimately offered a signing bonus of $500,000, nearly double his draft slot. Diagnosed with a torn labrum, the All-American pitcher’s season was cut short, and his future seemed in flux as the draft approached. A projected First-Round pick prior to the injury, Stilson found himself looking for the team that believed in him as much as he believed in himself. “Even when others were trying to figure things out [with the injury], I knew I would be fine and that this injury would be just a bump in the road. I needed a team to step up and give me the chance to get started, and I appreciate the Blue Jays providing me with this opportunity. I’m looking forward to rewarding Andrew Tinnish, C.J. Ebarb, and the Blue Jays Organization for drafting me by getting to the Big Leagues as quickly as possible”, Stilson said.

“Everyone knows that John’s stuff is electric and his versatility makes him uniquely valuable, but his ferocity on the mound is what truly separates him”

In 2010, John had one of the best seasons in recent NCAA history. His 0.80 ERA led the nation, and his 114 strikeouts in 79 innings pitched made him one of the most dominant closers in the game. “Everyone knows that John’s stuff is electric and his versatility makes him uniquely valuable, but his ferocity on the mound is what truly separates him,” said his advisor Cody Cleveland of ICON Sports. Last season John was Texas A&M’s Friday Night Starter, posting a 5-2 record with a 1.68 ERA, while striking out more than a batter per inning. On April 22, 2011, John threw a complete game against Oklahoma State, striking out twelve batters and allowing only four hits. After the game, Oklahoma State Head Coach, Frank Anderson, commented: “Stilson is the best arm I’ve seen this year, maybe 8-10 years. I've been in the conference for a while, and I've seen some of the best come through here. I'm talking about Max Scherzer, Joba Chamberlain and any of the guys I coached at Texas. And that's the best I've seen.”

The Blue Jays took John Stilson in the 3^rd round of this year’s draft. In addition to his $500,000 bonus, the terms of John’s deal also includes a College Scholarship and Incentive Bonus Plan. The signing bonus is larger than at least one bonus in the First-Round Supplemental and the second highest bonus ever given to a player selected 108^th overall. “This was a dynamic situation with a lot of factors in play given the relative unknown of this type of shoulder injury. John has been one of the best pitchers in college baseball over the past two years and you have to tip your hat to the Blue Jays for recognizing that. It takes a prospect with unique ability and athleticism to make it back from this type of injury, and John Stilson is that guy,” said ICON’s Managing Partner, Rob Martin.

At this time Stilson will fly to the Blue Jays complex in Dunedin, Florida where he will begin training and strengthening his throwing shoulder in preparation for Spring Training 2012. “I’m just excited to begin my pro career!” Stilson said.

Media requests and/or marketing inquires can be addressed to John’s attorneys, Cody Cleveland and Rob Martin with ICON Sports Management.

John Stilson – 6’3”, 200, RHP, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

John is known for having the ability to throw four pitches, which includes a Major League caliber changeup and an electric fastball that has been clocked up to 99 mph.

ICON Sports Management

John is represented by ICON Sports Management, a sports management and marketing firm committed to assisting professional athletes in making a difference. ICON represents character-driven athletes in all facets of their professional careers and empowers them to impact their communities. In addition to their Major and Minor League clients, ICON attorneys advise select first-round and/or first-round caliber draft prospects.