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2017 MLB Draft: Astros sign No. 15 overall pick J.B. Bukauskas, per report

The Astros and Bukauskas nearly went to the wire.

Jeffrey A. Camarati, UNC Athletic Communications

The 15th overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft by the Houston Astros was University of North Carolina RHP J.B. Bukauskas. Bukauskas is represented by super agent Scott Boras. Which is normally a formula for fireworks when it comes to signing a draft pick.

While the deadline for signing neared, the Astros and Bukauskas were able to reach a deal on Thursday, reports Fox 26’s, Mark Berman.

Bukauskas, 20, was 9-1 with a 2.53 in 15 starts during his junior season with the Tar Heels. He struck 116 and walked 37 over 92 23 innings. He was originally drafted by the Diamondbacks in 2014 in the 20th round. Bukauskas was projected as a top-10 pick before sliding the Astros.

He sports a plus fastball-slider combination and Baseball American ranked his slider as the “nation’s best breaking pitch” and has an above average changeup. The only negative often tacked on Bukauskas is his size at 6’0” and 195 pounds.

No word yet on the contract details.