Mark Appel Rejects Pirates, Will Return To Stanford

Mark Appel spurned the Pirates and decided to remain at Stanford for his senior season.

Projected by some to be the top pick, the right-hander was selected eighth by the Pirates. That pick has a signing slot of $2.9M in baseball's new labor contract, and the team could have signed him for about $3.5M to $3.9M without incurring any penalties.

Pittsburgh's final offer was $3.8M.

"After much thought, prayer and analysis of both opportunities, I came to the conclusion the best decision is to remain at Stanford continuing my studies, finishing my degree, and doing all I can to assist the Cardinal baseball team in our goal to win a national championship," Appel said in a statement.

Via ESPN.com

Pittsburgh Pirates, Misc Rumor, NCAA

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