We’ll use this post to track Wednesday’s notable agreements from the top few rounds of the draft (rankings referenced are courtesy of Baseball America, MLB.com, Fangraphs and ESPN’s Keith Law — with the scouting reports from MLB and Fangraphs both coming free to the general public) …
- Reds second-round pick Lyon Richardson scored a $2MM payday to forego his commitment to the University of Florida, per MLB.com’s Jim Callis (via Twitter). That’s nearly half a million over the slot value ($1,520,300) for a player who has only recently emerged as a high-end pitching prospect. MLB.com’s team was highest among major prospect outlets, ranking Richardson 67th on the basis of his ample upside as an athletic hurler who has shown big velocity despite unpolished mechanics.
- The Yankees have announced a variety of signings, including deals with second-rounder Josh Breaux and third-rounder Ryder Green. These agreements were first reported by Callis (Twitter links), with the bonus values pinned down by Jon Heyman of Fan Rag (Twitter links). Breaux’s bonus of $1,497,500 handily tops his $1,086,900 slot value, while Green, too, receives an over-slot $997,500 bonus that exceeds his $576,400 slot value. All of the above lists include Breaux among the top 100 available prospects, with an increasingly promising bat and improving work behind the dish justifying the placement.
- The Braves got second-round selection Greyson Jenista for a $1.2MM bonus that leaves them $250,500 of extra pool space to work with, Callis reports on Twitter. The Wichita State slugger received a fairly broad array of grades from prospect hounds, but the Fangraphs crew was highest. With big power and the ability to draw walks, but also plenty of swing-and-miss in his game, there’s a lot to like about the bat. One major question is whether Jenista will be able to work into being a reasonable defender in the corner outfield, or whether instead he’s destined for first base in the long run.
- Second-rounder Alek Thomas will join the Diamondbacks rather than heading to TCU, as Callis also tweets. The deal includes a $1.2MM bonus that tops the $1,035,500 allocation that came with the 63rd overall draft slot. Law was quite bullish on the young outfielder, crediting him with “five-tool potential” and “an advanced feel on both sides of the ball.”
- The Nationals have also agreed to terms with their second-round selection, UConn lefty Tim Cate, Callis adds on Twitter. It’s an at-slot, $986,200 bonus for the 65th overall choice of the draft. Best known for his big hook, Cate is an undersized hurler who has also had some worrying arm health questions crop up. Still, Baseball America ranked him 54th on its board, noting his “exceptional feel to land his breaking ball in the zone and bury it for swings and misses.”
- Still another second-rounder, Florida Atlantic infielder Tyler Frank, will take home a $997,500 bonus from the Rays, per MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo (Twitter link). That leaves the Tampa Bay club with some extra funds to work with, as the 56th slot came with a $1,228,000 allocation. Also going under-slot were Royals second-rounder Jonathan Bowlan ($697,500 bonus vs. $1,168,300 slot) and Twins second-rounder Ryan Jeffers ($800K bonus vs. $1,140,600 slot), according to Callis (Twitter links)
I think baseball draft is about upside more than any sport. You seem to be down on Richardson and the Reds effort to get better. A trend I’ve seen about Cincinnati frequently on the site. Hoping it’s just an impression ’cause I love MLBTR.
I have no opinion whatsoever on young Lyon or any other drafted prospects, so there’s no judgment there. Just passing along my sense of what the consensus is having read through the reports.
As for Richardson, no idea. As for the Reds effort to get better, it appears to be one of the most ineffective, poorly run, mismanaged attempts at a rebuild I’ve ever seen. They’ve been rebuilding for 4 years and have probably one potential star in the entire organization in Nick Senzel, and the big club is worse than it was 4 years ago. Say what you want about India, but I went Florida law the last 3 years and have seen him more than most area scouts. Nice, solid big league player but not an organization-changer. The pitching has been about the worst in baseball and there is no one on the farm that appears to have a realistic chance at a front half of the rotation producer on a decent club except Hunter Greene, who has some significant upside but a ton of risk. On top of that there are 2 well-run teams in the division in the Cubs and Brewers, and a Cardinals team that may not be anymore but is still quality and highly competitive. I’d be shocked if the Reds finish above 4th once in the next 5 years, and that sucks for Reds fans.
Cubs went on a 10 year rebuild and have 2x as much cash. They acquired guys in the off season to trade for prospects and ranked like the Astros. Then they signed a bunch of free agents. The reds have some management problems but have scouted plenty of talent over the last decade. all under Chris Buckley. They just got some bad luck and not much cash yet.
Why so negative? This is about average as far as rebuilds go. The only weakness that hasn’t been properly addressed is Quality starting pitching. The infield on the major league club is very good. The bullpen is as well. By 2020 the outfield should be solid as well. With Castillo, Mahle, and Green (also by 2020) the rotation will just need the right FA Starter to join to make this club complete.
No, it is pretty obvious Jeff. I have noticed this attitude towards the reds as well.
don’t put much stock in what the mock drafts say. Clubs spend a lot more time and energy and value players differently. Its more of a loose guide.
The MLB draft is, and always has been a crap shoot!
Legit question here. Why is the current system better than say a hard slot system. To me one of the reasons mlb draft is a bigger crapshoot than other sports is the system. Teams take lesser first round talents to get a fringe 1st round talents who fall because of signing issues and give them 1st round money.
I’d rather just see teams draft on talent but I’m sure there’s drawbacks to a hard slot. For example the Murray kid Oakland drafted probably doesn’t play baseball if you don’t overpay him. But those guys are extreme outliers.
The issue with a hard slot in baseball is that players can decline to sign and still go/return to college so if you select a player in the first round who doesn’t sign you’re at a major disadvantage that year.
Baseball drafts have another aspect especially with pitchers: MLB clubs would rather sign pitchers MUCH earlier & get under their control & development to mitigate risk & BEFORE arm injuries. The number of Tommy John surgeries on players in college is CRAZY! I had one under our roof…!