Houston Astros sign first-round draft pick, Gregory-Portland graduate Walker Janek

Walker Janek's road to Minute Maid Park officially began on Friday as the Astros announced they signed their 2024 first-round draft pick.

The 2021 Gregory-Portland graduate and Buster Posey Award winner was the 28th overall pick in this month's draft , becoming the ninth Coastal Bend player to be selected in the first round of the MLB Draft.

The organization has signed nine draft picks and 12 overall players of their selections. The deadline for teams to sign their draft picks is Aug. 1.

Multiple reports state that Janek signed for full slot value, which is an estimated $3.13 million.

In addition to winning the 2024 Buster Posey Award, given annually to the nation's top collegiate catcher, Janek earned first-team All-American accolades from Perfect Game and Baseball America and was hte Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year.

More: Walker Janek, Houston Astros excited after 2024 MLB Draft selection

The 21-year-old hit .368 with 15 doubles, five triples, 17 home runs and 58 RBIs, while throwing out 16 of 31 stolen base attempts this season.

This was the second consecutive year a catcher from the Coastal Bend was drafted in the first round, as Janek joined Sinton's Blake Mitchell (No. 8 overall, Kansas City Royals).

Janek's signing also potentially puts him on a track to play for the Hooks, the Double-A affiliate of the Astros.

More: Gregory-Portland grad makes history with collegiate baseball award

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Houston Astros sign first-round draft pick, Gregory-Portland graduate Walker Janek