By Laura Amato
Quentin Holmes is ready to take off.
The former Monsignor McClancy standout officially made his pro-baseball decision earlier this week, officially signing with the Cleveland Indians July 1 after he was drafted in the second round of the Major League Baseball Draft in June.
It’s a decision and an opportunity that the speedy outfielder, who originally committed to Mississippi State, couldn’t pass up. The deal, according to MLB.com, is worth $988,970 — just slightly above Holmes’ slot value ($969,000) at 64th overall.
Now, the 2017 Gatorade New York State Baseball Player of the Year is looking to make an impact at the professional level.
Holmes was quick to point out after the draft that he wasn’t sure whether or not he wanted to sign — he had committed to play college ball before his junior year — but also admitted the phone call from the Indians left him with a lot to consider.
“It’s definitely sitting on the top of my mind,” Holmes said earlier this month.
Of course, Holmes has plenty of reason to be confident heading into rookie ball. A veteran of the 18-and-under U.S. national team and top-tier competition on the showcase circuit, the former Crusaders star was the only player in this year’s draft with a true 80-grade tool.
Holmes’ straight-line speed was the highest of any prospect — high school or otherwise — and his ability to track down fly balls in the outfield or steal a base was unparalleled.
Holmes, the highest New York City draft pick in over two decades, pairs his speed with a strong bat — he hit .411 with seven home runs and 33 RBI this year.
It’s a performance that had Holmes — and plenty of draft experts — expecting him to go in the first round. The longtime McClancy leader wasn’t disappointed, however, and getting the call in the second isn’t going to do much to his confidence heading into his professional career.
“I could say [I was] surprised, but I wasn’t expecting too much because I know people have told me crazy things happen in the draft,” Holmes said. “People go in weird spots and I knew crazy things would happen.”
Holmes will report to the Single-A Arizona league, the first step in a career he hopes is successful. He’ll see a familiar face in that league in fellow McClancy alum Charlie Neuweiler, who signed with the Royals after being selected in the fifth round.
Neuweiler gave up two runs — one earned — and one hit, while striking out three batters, in 2.1 innings last Saturday. The former McClancy stars are set to square off in August.
“It’s definitely crazy and it’s amazing that we were both able to do something like that,” Holmes said. “It makes me really happy that Charlie was able to get drafted in that spot as well. It just shows how good of a program McClancy is.”
