Sports
New Trier's Tilson Signs With St. Louis for $1.27M
The former Trevian centerfielder gave up a scholarship to the University of Illinois and will start in the Cardinals' minor league system.
Former New Trier centerfielder Charlie Tilson agreed to terms with the St. Louis Cardinals and forego his scholarship at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, according to ESPN Chicago.
Tilson and the Cardinals came to an agreement on the final day that players selected in this year's draft could sign with their terms. The deal is reportedly worth $1.275 million.
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The Cardinals selected Tilson in the second round of the MLB Draft, taking the New Trier prospect with the 79th pick overall.
"I have two of the best options in the world in my opinion," Tilson told Patch just after being selected back in June. "The coaching staff at Illinois has been so good to me, but at the same time, the professional route is also a great option."
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In Tilson's last season at New Trier, Tilson hit .406 with 42 runs and 30 stolen bases. He was named the , becoming the first player in New Trier history to win the award.
Tilson is seen as a five-tool player, according to multiple scouting reports. ESPN’s scouts say Tilson is ”a plus-runner who can play centerfield and has surprising power for his size. He has the speed and instincts to play center with a plus arm.” According to the MLB.com’s take on how Tilson projects at the major league level, Tilson is comparable to the Boston Red Sox’s Jacoby Ellsbury and the New York Yankee’s Brett Gardner.
Tilson, who bats and throws left-handed, was the first player from the Chicagoland area to be selected in this year’s draft.
