Jake

Skole

A former first-round pick, Skole tested positive for an amphetamine and will begin serving the suspension immediately. He’s batted just .185/.288/.260 over 68 games at the High-A level this season.

Skole, 23, was a first-round pick in 2010 but sports an ugly .228/.330/.331 batting line in parts of six minor league seasons. He’s merely a depth guy for the Yanks.

Skole already told Georgia Tech he won’t be attending, according to Wilson. The Rangers received the pick as compensation for failing to sign their first-round pick last season, so this was expected to be an easy sign. The Rangers have already come to terms with catcher Kellin Deglan, who was selected with the No. 22 pick. According to Wilson, the 18-year-old from British Colombia received a $1 million signing bonus.

Skole, selected 15th overall, was awarded a $1.557 million signing bonus. The speedy outfielder projects as a strong defender but still has a ways to go with the development of his plate discipline and power stroke.

Skole missed much of his senior year of high school with an ankle injury, but he went in the first half of the first round anyway. He offers plenty of speed and he projects as a very good defensive center fielder. His bat is a question mark. He’s never going to hit for much power, but the hope is that he’ll make it as a leadoff guy. The Rangers will have to sign him away from Georgia.