Apr 2, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies (1) and teammates are unable to catch Chicago White Sox designated Gavin Sheets RBI single during the sixth inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

Cam Caminiti’s rapid ascent in baseball reached a significant milestone on Friday as he signed with the Atlanta Braves for the full slot value of the No. 24 overall pick, amounting to $3,556,300, according to MLB’s Jim Callis.

Confirming the news, Cam’s father, Dominic Caminiti, informed The Republic that his son finalized the deal on Friday and will be traveling to Atlanta on Monday. Caminiti, who opted to reclassify from the 2025 to the 2024 draft class last summer, enjoyed a standout senior season that culminated in leading Scottsdale Saguaro to the 4A state title.

Recognized as the Gatorade and Arizona Republic High School Baseball Player of the Year, Caminiti became the youngest player at 17 to be selected in the first round during the draft in Arlington, Texas. He will turn 18 next month.

Dominic Caminiti shared that Cam will have a busy schedule ahead, meeting with team management, conducting media interviews, and attending the Braves game on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Cam will begin training at the Braves’ spring training facility in North Port, Florida.

Looking forward, Dominic Caminiti mentioned the Braves’ plan to promote Cam to low A by the end of August, where he is set to play for the Augusta GreenJackets until the season concludes on September 8.

Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 195 pounds, Caminiti, who had committed to LSU in November, boasts an impressive fastball that reached up to 98 mph last season. Combined with a strong changeup and slider, he became the first high school left-handed pitcher selected in this year’s draft. His stellar statistics include a 9-0 record in 10 appearances, with 119 strikeouts and only 14 walks over 52.2 innings, ending the season with a remarkable 0.93 ERA. He notably played a crucial role in Saguaro’s 2-1 victory over Oro Valley Canyon del Oro in the 4A championship game, conceding just two hits while striking out 11 batters.

Richard Obert has been a long-time reporter covering high school sports for The Arizona Republic since the 1980s, also reporting on Grand Canyon University athletics and the Arizona Rattlers. For any suggestions on human-interest stories and other news, Obert can be reached at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow his updates on X, formerly Twitter, at @azc_obert.

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