N.J. catcher committed to Rutgers in 8th grade. Now he’s MLB prospect facing million-dollar decision

Expectations are high for Gilligan in the upcoming MLB draft. He’s projected to land anywhere in the first three rounds — a rarity for high school catchers in the Northeast. While exciting, the situation puts this highly touted prospect in the ultimate conundrum: stick with his pledge to Rutgers that he made as a young teenager or cash in now on years of preparation and chase a family dream?

mdk02 said:

How big would the signing bonus be and what is his family's financial situation?

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If Gilligan is drafted in July where he’s being projected to go, he could sign anywhere from $760,000 to $3 million. With that type of money out there, it begs the question: Does Mickey make it to Rutgers?



“I’m happy with wherever I end up,” he said. “If I go to Rutgers, that’s a dream come true. If I end up signing, that is another lifelong goal accomplished.”