In June 2023, ESPN+ published an interesting article by Kiley McDaniel, ESPN MLB Insider, about a potential twist in MLB draft strategy.
Below is a summary of the article.
Overspending on Bonus Pools in MLB Draft
The article discusses the possibility of MLB teams utilizing a strategy to exceed their draft bonus pools and acquire a larger number of talented players in the draft.
While there are rules and penalties associated with exceeding the bonus pools, there is no hard spending cap, allowing teams to spend as much as they want.
The article identifies several factors that make this year’s draft particularly suitable for such a strategy, including the strength of the class and the availability of high school position players.
Teams Most Equipped to Pursue Such a Strategy
The author goes on to narrow down the list of teams that could potentially benefit from this strategy based on their draft pool size, market size, and current competitive situation.
The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers are identified as the most ideal fits due to their financial capabilities, strong scouting and development systems, and competitive standing.
Purpose
The article suggests that if a team were to pursue this strategy, they could potentially acquire a significantly larger number of high-caliber prospects by overspending on bonuses.
The potential benefits include obtaining players with higher talent levels and accelerating their development by bringing them into the system sooner.
Drawbacks & Consequences
The article acknowledges the logistical challenges and risks associated with such a strategy, including potential backlash from other owners and agents, but concludes that the value proposition for the first team to implement it is clear.
Furthermore, the article speculates on the potential consequences and impact on the draft system if multiple teams were to adopt this strategy. It suggests that it could lead to a bidding war for top prospects and potentially reshape the economic model of the draft.
However, it remains uncertain whether the league would allow such a scenario to unfold and whether changes to the draft rules would be implemented in the future.
FAQ: Exceeding MLB Draft Bonus Pools
Q: What is the strategy discussed in the article?
A: The strategy involves MLB teams exceeding their draft bonus pools to acquire a larger number of talented players in the draft.
By overspending on bonuses, teams can potentially obtain higher-caliber prospects and accelerate their development by bringing them into the system sooner.
Q: Are there any rules or penalties associated with exceeding the bonus pools?
A: While there are rules in place regarding bonus pools, there is no hard spending cap. Teams can spend as much as they want in the draft.
However, exceeding the bonus pool comes with penalties. If a team goes 15% over its pool, it would lose its next two first-round picks.
Q: Why is this year considered favorable for implementing this strategy?
A: This year’s draft class is believed to be one of the strongest in about a decade.
The presence of highly talented prep position players in the late first- to second-round range makes it easier to move them down the board due to college leverage.
Additionally, next year’s draft class is not expected to be as strong, which makes reallocating draft resources and pulling the future into the present more appealing.
Q: Which teams are the best fit for this strategy?
A: The article narrows down the potential teams that could benefit from this strategy.
It considers factors such as draft pool size, market size, and current competitive situation.
The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers are identified as the most ideal fits due to their financial capabilities, strong scouting and development systems, and competitive standing.
Q: What are the potential benefits of this strategy?
A: By exceeding their draft bonus pools, teams can acquire a larger number of high-caliber prospects.
This means obtaining players with higher talent levels and potentially accelerating their development by bringing them into the system sooner.
It allows teams to maximize their draft haul and potentially gain a significant advantage in terms of acquiring talented players.
Q: What are the potential challenges and risks associated with this strategy?
A: Implementing this strategy comes with logistical challenges, such as selling the idea to agents, players, and the team’s own staff.
It also carries the risk of bonus demands getting out of control if agents become aware that a team is willing to pay above-market prices for a large number of players.
Additionally, there may be backlash from other owners and potential pressure to change the draft rules if multiple teams adopt this strategy.
Q: Could this strategy impact the draft system in the long run?
A: If multiple teams were to adopt this strategy and consistently exceed their bonus pools, it could lead to a bidding war for top prospects and potentially reshape the economic model of the draft.
However, it remains uncertain whether the league would allow this scenario to unfold and whether changes to the draft rules would be implemented in the future.
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