With the March 27 ratification of Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association’s deal, the 2020 draft was saved.
Saved in the sense that it will still take place in some capacity, which is certainly better for baseball at all levels than no draft at all—which some owners might have preferred in order to save money in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic that has disrupted revenues from the 2020 season.
But many in the industry are already discussing the ramifications of a shortened draft with severely limited signing bonus restrictions. First and foremost, incoming draftees are the most negatively affected.
“Once again, here we go, the next generation of MLB stars who have had their entry path sacrificed without a seat at the table,” one agent said. “It falls in line with a decades-long tradition of owners putting a target on the unrepresented backs of amateurs and minor leaguers.
“It’s potentially a stain on future collaboration of both parties.” MLB gained the ability to shorten the draft to as few as five rounds in the agreement and, ultimately, that’s exactly what it did. Many team owners and scouting directors pushed for at least 10 rounds, but MLB ultimately chose the cost-containment offered by a five-round draft during a time when the industry is hemorrhaging money.
Fewer rounds means less money spent on incoming talent, obviously, but the bulk of signing bonus money is still spent at the top of the draft.
Not counting undrafted free agents, teams spent $316,560,984 in signing bonuses in the 2019 draft. Of that sum, $237,345,700 came from signing bonuses to players drafted in the top five rounds—or just under 75 percent of the total.
This story is from the May/June 2020 edition of Baseball America.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May/June 2020 edition of Baseball America.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
NOBODY'S PERFECT
No. 1 prospect Jackson Holliday has one flaw in an otherwise airtight profile
ORGANIZATION REPORTS
At nearly every level of his professional career, outfielder Colton Cowser has taken time to acclimate. His major league debut last season was no different.
ORGANIZATION TALENT RANKINGS
For the second consecutive year, the Orioles enter the season with the best farm system in baseball.
WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN WITH NEW ROSTER LIMITS
No one can fully predict what will happen with the reduced 165-player minor league roster limits, but baseball officials weighed in with predictions for 2024, some of which we heard repeatedly.
NO MORE SLACK IN THE SYSTEM
The in domestic minor leagues creates consternation for farm directors
INTERNATIONAL TREASURES
Why MLB teams value foreign professionals more than ever
HIGH-FLYING BIRDS
Learning from past success and failure in Houston, Mike Elias and his united front office remade the Orioles into winners— and they got there ahead of schedule
ARIZONA COMPLEX LEAGUE TOP 10
Early promotions of star prospects led to a bit of a down season for the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League.
FLORIDA COMPLEX LEAGUE TOP 10
Even before the Rookie-level Florida Complex League season began, scouts who saw extended spring training gushed over the Yankees' talent, starting with shortstop Roderick Arias and 6-foot7 pitchers Henry Lalane and Carlos Lagrange. Outfielder John Cruz mashed 10 home runs as a 17-year-old.
SALAS COULD BE SPECIAL
When Ethan Salas arrived in the California League on May 30, he immediately displayed talent well beyond his years.