Iowa recruit LaFavor signs record bonus with Red Sox, bypasses Hawkeyes
By John Damon
A high school pitcher who was committed to the University of Iowa has instead signed with the Boston Red Sox for a bonus well above slot value, highlighting a growing trend of top baseball prospects choosing professional contracts over college scholarships.
Kaleb LaFavor, a 6-foot-7, 195-pound right-handed pitcher from Georgia, signed for $847,500 in the 10th round of the 2026 MLB Draft. That figure is more than four times the slot value of $194,000 for his pick. The Red Sox also signed ninth-round pick Martin Shelar for a record $1.5 million, a new high for a ninth-round selection.
Both players had college commitments — LaFavor to Iowa, Shelar to Mississippi State — but the Red Sox used savings from earlier picks to lure them with oversized bonuses.
Why did LaFavor choose the Red Sox over Iowa?
LaFavor said the decision came down to opportunity and development. The Red Sox pitching program, he explained, offered a clear path to professional growth.
“I like it,” LaFavor said of the comparison to Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski, a similarly tall, projectable righty. “I think I can live up to that. I just need to put my head down and work in the weight room.”
LaFavor’s fastball has been clocked at 96 mph, and he throws a sweeper and changeup. He is working to add a cutter or gyro pitch. The Red Sox plan to bulk up his frame to increase velocity and power.
How does the bonus compare to a college scholarship?
The $847,500 bonus far exceeds the value of a typical athletic scholarship at Iowa, which covers tuition, room, board, and fees. For a four-year in-state student, that total is roughly $100,000 to $120,000. The bonus gives LaFavor immediate financial security and a head start on a professional career.
For Iowa baseball fans, the loss of a recruit is a reminder of the challenge smaller programs face in competing with MLB money. Still, the Hawkeyes have produced several recent draft picks, and the program remains a pipeline to professional baseball.
What does this mean for Iowa baseball?
Iowa baseball has seen steady growth under head coach Rick Heller, with multiple players drafted in recent years. But the ability to sign top recruits depends heavily on the draft. When a player like LaFavor receives a bonus well above slot, it is a sign of both his talent and the program’s recruiting reach.
“He’s as projectable as they come,” said Red Sox director of amateur scouting Jake Bruml. “He has crazy release traits, and hopefully, once he gets into our development system, he’s going to take off.”
LaFavor’s decision also reflects a broader trend: top high school pitchers are increasingly choosing pro ball over college, especially when teams offer life-changing money. For Iowa, it means competing not just with other college programs but with MLB front offices.
What is the record bonus for a ninth-round pick?
Shelar’s $1.5 million bonus is a new record for a ninth-round selection. The previous record was held by a 2023 pick. Shelar, a right-handed hitter, cited Ted Williams’ book “The Science of Hitting” as a major influence on his approach at the plate.
“It was probably the best book I’ve ever read,” Shelar said. “It made me look at hitting development a little differently.”
Both players will report to the Red Sox’s minor league system this summer. For Iowa fans, LaFavor’s signing is a reminder that the state’s baseball program can attract top talent — even if it sometimes loses them to the pros.
FAQ
Did Kaleb LaFavor ever play for Iowa?
No. LaFavor signed with the Red Sox before enrolling at Iowa. He was committed to the Hawkeyes but chose to turn professional.
How much did the Red Sox pay LaFavor?
LaFavor signed for $847,500, well above the slot value of $194,000 for the 10th round.
What is the slot value for a 10th-round pick in 2026?
The slot value for the 10th round in 2026 was $194,000. Teams can exceed that amount but must pay a tax on overages.
Is Iowa baseball still competitive in recruiting?
Yes. Iowa regularly produces MLB draft picks and competes for top in-state and regional talent. However, losing a recruit to a large bonus is common for programs outside the traditional powerhouse conferences.