The Angels formally announced the signing of No. 18 overall pick Kaleb Cowart, the 2010 Baseball America High School Player of the Year. BA's Jim Callis has learned Cowart signed for a $2.3 million bonus, nearly $900,000 above the commissioner's office slot recommendation.

Cowart ranked 12th on BA's Top 200 draft board and is a two-way talent who dominated the state this year. In 107 at-bats, Cowart hit .654 with 11 home runs, 55 runs, 16 doubles, 59 RBIs and 36 stolen bases. On the mound he went 10-1, 1.05 with one save. In 73 innings he allowed just 35 hits and 24 walks while striking out 116. His lone loss came against Calhoun (Ga.) High, a frequent state title contender.

While many area scouts preferred him as a pitcher, Cowart also has third-base tools and wants to hit, which the Angels will allow him to do.

“We’re pleased to officially welcome Kaleb to our organization,” scouting director Eddie Bane said in a press release. “He will add to the talented pieces already in our farm system, and will play a large role in the future success of the Angels.”

Cowart's signing leaves the Angels with two unsigned picks in the first 10 rounds in fifth-round prep righthander Jesus Valdez and seventh-round lefty Josh Osich out of Oregon State.