Mitch Keller turned 18 years old in April and his life has been a blur ever since with high school graduation, the Major League draft and some awfully big decisions to make.

And now in less than two weeks, he'll be wearing a Pittsburgh Pirates uniform and pitching in the Gulf Coast League in Florida.

Keller plans to fly to Pittsburgh on Thursday, sign his first professional contract on Friday and fly to Florida on Saturday.

The 2014 Gulf Coast League season begins June 20 and the GCL Pirates will be facing the Yankees to get things started.

Keller was the 64th overall pick in the MLB draft last week. The "slotted" money for the 64th pick is supposed to be $886,800, but he's going to get more than that.

"I can't say the total dollar amount, but I am getting more than slot," he told the Metro Sports Report Tuesday night. "That's pretty exciting."

Keller also will have a trust fund, courtesy of the Pirates, to pay for his college education when he's ready.

"I'll probably wait until after my career is over and go back to school," he said. "I definitely want to get my college degree."

Keller signed a letter-of-intent to play at the University of North Carolina, but the lure of pro ball and a big bonus trumped the Tar Heels.

Keller's stock rose this spring when his fastball hit 95 mph. The Pirates like him enough to give him a bonus on top of the slotted bonus.

"I think it says a lot about me and how they think of me," he said. "I think they think highly of me and from what I've been told they're really interested in me and think I'm going to do great things this summer and later down the road."

Keller will have a busy few days in Pittsburgh. He'll be a special guest at the Pirates' home game against the Chicago Cubs Thursday night at PNC Park, then he'll take his physical Friday morning and get a tour of the stadium. He said he also might get a tour of the city.

Assuming he passes the physical, he plans to sign his first pro contract on Friday.

Everything has gone really fast for Keller and it won't slow down from here until he gets to Florida on Saturday and begins his pro career.

"It's something I couldn't even dream of a couple of years ago," said the lanky right-handed pitcher. "It's been unreal. It's been incredible, actually. It's awesome."

Keller's father, Al, will fly with him to Pittsburgh on Thursday. Al Keller then plans to rent a car and drive to Maryland to spend time with his other son, Jon, who has been enjoying a successful season as a relief pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles in the Class A South Atlantic League.

After spending time with Jon, Al Keller plans to fly from Baltimore to Florida to spend time with Mitch before returning to Cedar Rapids.

The Pirates have their training complex in Bradenton, Fla., at the Pirate City Complex. Keller said they have living accommodations for the players at the complex.

"From the pictures I've seen, it looks really cool," he said. "So we're all right there. We don't need any travel or anything."

Keller said the Pirates will give him his signing bonus in two installments, one this year and one in 2015 for tax purposes. He said he plans to establish residency in Florida to reduce his tax burden as well.

"I'll save a little more money that way," he said.

Keller and his brother both have Jason Wood as their agent. Keller said Wood has done a good job for the family.

Keller said he does not have side bets with his brother about who reaches the Major Leagues as a pitcher first.

"Probably him," he said. "He's doing really well. And he's got a few years on me."

Keller is anxious to start pitching in pro ball.

"I'm really excited to get down there and start going," he said. "It's going to be crazy. I can't wait to do it."