2021 MLB Draft

[50PoundHead]

Pirates managed to sign Lonnie White for $1.5 MM. After they signed Chandler for $3 MM, I didn't think they would have enough to land White. I wonder if White needed a pick-up truck. It's worked before.

[IslandBrave]

Pirates managed to sign Lonnie White for $1.5 MM. After they signed Chandler for $3 MM, I didn't think they would have enough to land White. I wonder if White needed a pick-up truck. It's worked before.

They signed Bishop too. They crushed the draft.

[bravesfanforlife88]

Was just thinking about it, but now with college athletes having the ability to earn money for their name, image, or likeness, I wonder how many lower draft picks will opt to not sign and go back to college.

Obviously, baseball is not nearly as profitable at the college level as football, but they could get endorsements that may make more sense for them to stay and finish school than to sign

[50PoundHead]

Was just thinking about it, but now with college athletes having the ability to earn money for their name, image, or likeness, I wonder how many lower draft picks will opt to not sign and go back to college.

Obviously, baseball is not nearly as profitable at the college level as football, but they could get endorsements that may make more sense for them to stay and finish school than to sign

It might not just be lower picks. There may be some high profile high school players who might opt for college to utilize the NIL benefit as well. Some of the higher profile college programs may use that as an incentive.

[Super]

It might not just be lower picks. There may be some high profile high school players who might opt for college to utilize the NIL benefit as well. Some of the higher profile college programs may use that as an incentive.

yeah i’m sure some guys could make more that way than they do in the freakin minor leagues. probably a nicer lifestyle too (staying on campus instead of playing for peanuts and spending it on hotels, women, etc)

[CrimsonCowboy]

Appears as though the Mets will not sign Kumar Rocker

[ixiXSolidXixi]

So now what happen with Kumar Rocker?

[50PoundHead]

So now what happen with Kumar Rocker?

Returns to Vanderbilt for his senior season.

[IslandBrave]

Returns to Vanderbilt for his senior season.

He’s not going back to Vandy and is starting his pro career.

[ixiXSolidXixi]

He’s not going back to Vandy and is starting his pro career.

Ok so he can sign with anyone?

[IslandBrave]

Ok so he can sign with anyone?

Not sure what he’ll do, but he can’t be a FA.

[zbhargrove]

Sounds like he will probably do a Carter Stewart and play in Japan or something similar

[50PoundHead]

Ok so he can sign with anyone?

I know he can't do that.

[Carp]

With the new NIL in place, it seems like Rocker could make a similar amount going to Vandy than to play in Japan for a year.

[thewupk]

With the new NIL in place, it seems like Rocker could make a similar amount going to Vandy than to play in Japan for a year.

True. But this is similar to the Carter Stewart situation and Boras is the agent to both. Rocker could go sign for someone in Japan and play there for six years and become a free agent and then sign for anyone he wants. It's certainly risky but would allow a player to be an actual free agent much faster than simply being drafted and going through the minors then an additional six to seven years of team control.

[thewupk]

It is funny though. The Mets drafted Rocker and planned to go over slot to sign him and built the rest of their draft around that fact. So him not signing really **** on their entire draft strategy. Good for us though.

[Southcack77]

I sort of think the Stewart thing maybe got bridges fired but it's funny how much more attention has been put on this than that.

[thethe]

Can anyone give a quick recap on the draft or most notably a guy taken after the 5th round that might have big time potential?

[50PoundHead]

Can anyone give a quick recap on the draft or most notably a guy taken after the 5th round that might have big time potential?

#7 Smith-Shawver, #8 Tyler Collins, and #11 Adam Shoemaker are all high school guys that they went well above slot to sign, so I would guess that's where the Braves see possible impact. Smith-Shawver hasn't pitched a lot, but his fastball is clocked near 100 already so the raw talent is there. I'm seeing something similar to Tarnok in that Smith-Shawver will have to learn the finer points of pitching. The Braves have taken their time with Tarnok and he's had a few hiccups, but it looks like he may be finally realizing his potential. I wouldn't be surprised to see them handle Smith-Shawver in a similar way.

[Deester11]

Can anyone give a quick recap on the draft or most notably a guy taken after the 5th round that might have big time potential?

My favorites
Round 6 - Justyn Henry-Malloy, 3B, Georgia Tech - Just realizing who he is and can be. Can pick it, average to more across the board. Love this pick.
Round 7 - AJ Smith-Shawver, RHP, Texas HS - was a good QB in high school. Huge arm. Needs focus on pitching but low to mid 90's power arm already.
Round 8 - Tyler Collins, OF, Texas HS - Throwback Kenny Lofton type. Contact and speed!
Round 11 - Adam Shoemaker, LHP, Canada HS - throws 95 MPH (sits there)and has the makings of a swing and miss breaking ball.

There are some better college picks than at first glance that have a chance including Cal Conley and Luke Waddell.