The Astros had a verbal agreement with Aiken for a $6.5 million bonus, but attempted to modify it after they claimed to have found something in Aiken's elbow during a physical. The team also roped in fifth-round pick Jacob Nix, who was also represented by Aiken's agent, Casey Close, and said they wouldn't sign Nix if Aiken didn't take the reduced contract. Nix also ended up without a deal.

Jon Heyman reported that the Astros' final offer was significantly less than the original:

Since Aiken and Nix can't become free agents, they'll either have to spend a year in juco and re-enter the draft next year, or enroll at UCLA—where they've both committed—and enter the draft in 2017, the year Sports Illustrated says the Astros will win the World Series.

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