By the terms of MLB Rule 4(d)(4), the deadline for signing players selected in last month’s Rule 4 draft is July 12th at 5pm Eastern time. In most years, virtually all top draft choices agree to terms, but there are quite often one or more exceptions. Last year, for instance, the Braves failed to line up with eighth overall pick Carter Stewart.
With ten days to go, there’s still plenty of time. Several players only just wrapped up their collegiate seasons — particularly those that made it to the College World Series final between Vandy and Michigan. But if there’s to be a high-profile failure to reach agreement, it’ll come from among these, the highest picks who have yet to put pen to paper (through the third round):
- (4) Marlins: J.J. Bleday, OF, Vanderbilt University ($6.66MM slot value)
- (8) Rangers: Josh Jung, 3B, Texas Tech University ($5.18MM slot value)
- (31) Dodgers: Michael Busch, 2B, University of North Carolina ($2.31MM slot value)
- (35) Marlins: Kameron Misner, OF, University of Missouri ($2.10MM slot value)
- (41) Rangers: Davis Wendzel, 3B, Baylor University ($1.81MM slot value)
- (67) Yankees: Josh Smith, 2B, Louisiana State University ($976K slot value)
- (74) Diamondbacks: Tommy Henry, LHP, University of Michigan ($844K slot value)
- (77) Rockies: Karl Kauffmann, RHP, University of Michigan ($805K slot value)
- (78) Dodgers: Jimmy Lewis, RHP, Lake Travis High School, Texas ($793K slot value)
- (99) Rays: Shane Sasaki, OF, Iolani High School, Hawaii ($587K slot value)
Jim callis tweeted Jordan brewer signed. Most of these guys will probably sign
Forgot about the recent Brewer report, thanks. I’ll edit.
No doubt, most will sign. Not trying to suggest otherwise. But as I noted, the one or two surprises will come from among this group.
All good and i agree
Would think #74 Henry from UMich would try to get above after his great performance in Omaha.
I don’t know about that. He has some leverage in that he’s not a senior so he’s probably tempted to return and get his degree to an extent, but I doubt his stock is rising too much as a Junior.
Seniors regularly sign for well under slot because they don’t have much in the way of leverage so even if Henry was able to improve his draft position next year, it would have to be a major step up for a good chance at a big increase in signing bonus.
Jung’s waiting for his Yin and Yang to tell him to sign….it’s all very psychological….
Wow, cool. So clever. Wow. Marry my daughter plz.
Daniels must be trying to low ball Jung. Hope he doesn’t mess it up.
Interesting the Dodgers have 2 guys on the list. Neither draftee has played in over 3 weeks so it’s not like game stuff was getting in the way…
They need to find some extra money for Lewis probably. Or maybe they’re doing what the Astros did a few years ago and waiting until the last hour of the last day to submit a serious offer.
Astros were pretty smart to reduce the offer to Aiken after his elbow issue, later turned into Tommy John surgery and the comp pick later turned into Bregman… 2 picks later, rangers selected Dillon Tate (lol) and 3 picks later, Astros selected future top 10 mlb prospect Kyle Tucker.
Marlins can’t really afford to not pay a 4th overall pick that has a few years of college under his belt. He’s more likely to move through the system pretty fast considering his age, talent, and their needs