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Charlie Condon, former Georgia standout, lands record-tying bonus
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Charlie Condon has millions of reasons to begin his professional baseball career.
As Condon was breaking records in 2024, it was clear that he would be playing professionally in 2025. Still, though, Condon had the option to return to college, giving him leverage when negotiating his first pro contract.
The Colorado Rockies made sure that Condon’s days in Athens are officially over. Condon, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, landed a $9.25 million signing bonus.
The $9.25 million mark is a record held by Condon and Chase Burns, the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft. The previous record was held by former LSU standout Paul Skenes, the No. 1 overall pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates last year.
No. 3 overall pick Charlie Condon has officially signed with the @Rockies for $9.25 million, tying the all-time @MLBDraft bonus record set last week by Chase Burns. @BaseballUGA OF/3B, best player in Draft for me, best combo of power/hitting ability/discipline.
Top 11 bonuses: pic.twitter.com/Vzzs0ZLfMy
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) July 22, 2024
Condon at Coors coming soon?
Contrary to the plot of Trouble with the Curve, draftees are not expected to suit up for the big league squad immediately upon being drafted. The Rockies, though, clearly expect to have Condon hitting mile high moon shots in the thin Denver air at Coors Field sooner than later.
For many top prospects out of high school, the choice is to either be developed in the minor leagues or in college. Condon, though, did not have the typical path.
In part due to COVID, Condon was lightly recruited. He was looking at potential Division III options when former Georgia coach Scott Stricklin offered Condon a spot on the team, but no scholarship. The Marietta native made it work as a walk-on. (There’s really something about walk-ons at Georgia.)
Due to his tall and skinny frame, Condon did not even play as a true freshman as Georgia coaches had him focus on adding muscle.
As a redshirt freshman, Condon had a standout debut season, slashing .386/.484/.800 with 25 home runs and 67 RBIs. He’d build on his strong 2023 showing with a season to remember in 2024.
Condon smashed his way to superstardom in 2024. His headlining achievement is hitting 37 home runs in 60 games. He broke the NCAA’s BBCOR record, set by Jac Caglianone, the No. 6 overall pick in 2024, the year prior.
More than just a home-run hitter, Condon slashed an incredible .433/.556/1.009 in 2024. Condon is only the third player in NCAA history to lead the nation in both battting average and home runs in the same season. He swept the biggest national honors for the 2024 college baseball season, winning the Golden Spikes Award, the Dick Howser Trophy and the Bobby Bragan National Collegiate Slugger Award.
With Condon’s natural hitting ability, Rockies fans can expect to see him in the lineup before too long. Already two of last year’s big bonus recipients have made it to the show. Wyatt Langford made the Opening Day roster for the Texas Rangers. Paul Skenes had to wait a few weeks, but he has taken the bigs by storm, as the NL All-Star starting pitcher and current favorite to win Rookie of the Year.
This time next year, Condon may be making similar headlines in Colorado.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
