UPDATE: The deadline for MLB draft signings has just passed, and only two of the top 315 picks failed to finalize agreements, marking a significant moment for teams and players alike. Notably, Clemson outfielder Cam Cannarella has inked a deal worth $2,277,425 with the Miami Marlins, just slightly above the slot value of $2,276,700 for the 43rd overall pick.
The stakes were high as teams rushed to secure their future stars before the Monday deadline. The biggest name among those who did not sign was right-handed pitcher Angel Cervantes, selected 50th overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Cervantes confirmed he will attend UCLA instead. As a result, the Pirates will receive an extra pick in next year’s draft, positioned 51st overall, as compensation.
Also missing the deadline was outfielder Mason Ligenza, the 195th pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers, who has opted to attend the University of Pittsburgh.
The deadline applied to all players except those who exhausted their college eligibility, who can sign until a week before next year’s draft. In a remarkable display of talent, Eli Willits, the first overall pick by Washington, signed for a whopping $8.2 million. Meanwhile, Tyler Bremner, selected second by the Los Angeles Angels, secured $7,689,525, and left-hander Kade Anderson, the third pick, agreed to a deal with Seattle for $8.8 million.
Adding to the excitement, the Colorado Rockies signed high school infielder Ethan Holliday for an impressive $9 million. This marks a notable achievement as No team exceeded its signing bonus pool by more than 5%, which would have resulted in the loss of a first-round pick in the next draft.
In fact, twenty teams exceeded their pool by 5% or less, with twelve going exactly by that margin. Historically, no team has ever breached the signing bonus pool by more than 5%, showcasing the careful financial strategies teams must navigate in today’s competitive environment.
As the baseball world shifts its focus to the upcoming season, all eyes will be on the young talents who secured their future with these significant contracts. The next draft looms large, promising more excitement and potential changes. Stay tuned for the latest updates on these emerging stars and what their decisions mean for their respective teams.
