UPDATE: Just moments ago, the MLB draft signing deadline has closed, with a striking majority of top picks securing deals. Notably, Clemson outfielder Cam Cannarella has signed with the Miami Marlins for a significant $2,277,425 bonus, marking a successful conclusion to the draft for most elite prospects.
By the deadline on Monday, only two of the top 315 players selected in this month’s amateur baseball draft failed to reach agreements. This development underscores the urgency and competitiveness of the MLB landscape. Cannarella, chosen 43rd overall by Miami, has agreed to a deal just above the slot value of $2,276,700.
However, the most notable absence is Angel Cervantes, the right-handed pitcher selected 50th overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Cervantes has confirmed he will attend UCLA instead of signing, representing a significant decision for the young athlete. The Pirates will receive an additional pick in next year’s draft as compensation, specifically the 51st overall selection.
In another unexpected turn, outfielder Mason Ligenza, picked 195th overall by the Los Angeles Dodgers, also opted to pursue college at the University of Pittsburgh, opting out of a professional career for now.
The signing deadline, which applied to all draft players except those who exhausted their college eligibility, has left teams scrambling. Players in that category can sign until a week before next year’s draft, adding an interesting dynamic to the ongoing recruitment process.
Among the major signings, shortstop Eli Willits, taken first overall by the Washington Nationals, secured a staggering $8.2 million bonus. Additionally, UC Santa Barbara right-hander Tyler Bremner, chosen second by the Los Angeles Angels, has signed for $7,689,525, while LSU left-hander Kade Anderson, selected third by Seattle, agreed to a lucrative $8.8 million contract.
Furthermore, Ethan Holliday, an infielder from Stillwater High School and brother of MLB player Jackson, was signed by Colorado for an impressive $9 million, illustrating the financial stakes at play for these young athletes.
Importantly, no team exceeded its signing bonus pool by over 5%, a critical threshold that would have led to the loss of a first-round pick in next year’s draft. In total, twenty teams went over their pool by 5% or less, with twelve teams hitting the exact 5% mark. This trend highlights the careful financial strategies teams are employing while navigating the complexities of player agreements.
As fans and teams reflect on this year’s draft outcomes, all eyes will now turn to how these young talents will develop in their respective organizations. The next significant milestone in the MLB calendar will undoubtedly be the upcoming draft, where teams will continue to build their futures.
Stay tuned for further updates as the landscape of professional baseball continues to evolve. This signing period has reshaped the trajectories of many players and teams alike, setting the stage for an exciting future in MLB.
