EVANSVILLE — Let’s pretend you, the reader, have entered your name in this week’s Major League Baseball Draft.
It’ll mark the shortest amateur draft in MLB history when it begins with the first round Wednesday evening and continues with rounds two through five on Thursday. It’s normally 40 rounds. Just 160 players will be selected, compared to 1,217 last year.
Elijah Dunham (more below) is the only local player in consideration to be chosen.
The truncated draft has mudded an already complicated process. If players don’t get picked, what should they do? Bet on themselves or return to school?
It’s time to choose your own adventure.
Congratulations! You were drafted in the top five rounds.
At least one local player has been selected in every MLB draft since 1991, and five have been first-round picks. Andy Benes, of course, was the No. 1 pick back in 1988 while fellow University of Evansville pitcher Kyle Freeland went No. 8 in 2014.
It’s time to cash in. The first pick is slotted to receive a signing bonus of $8.4 million while the 160th and final pick will earn $324,100.
Except, teams will only pay drafted players a maximum of $100,000 in 2020 as the remaining 50 percent will be paid in 2021 and the other 50 percent in 2022.
A six-figure signing bonus surely is reason to celebrate for those who have been playing for free their entire careers, but it’s not the life-changing payday many have been blessed to receive up front previously.
Regardless, you’re on track to potentially become the latest homegrown MLB star, following the likes of Don Mattingly and Scott Rolen.
The draft is over and you weren’t picked.
Bummer.
Not only did the coronavirus pandemic cancel the college baseball season after only a month, but your professional aspirations have been interrupted, too. Because the third day and final 35 rounds were eliminated, MLB organizations won’t be as lucky to find hidden gems late like Albert Pujols (13th round) or Mike Piazza (62nd round).
You’re essentially left with two options.
► Option 1: Turn pro anyway.
Although MLB teams can pursue an unlimited number of undrafted players, free agents can only sign for $20,000. Minor leaguers are notably underpaid, but that salary isn’t much more than what you’d earn on minimum wage.
MLB also reportedly wants to eliminate 42 of 162 minor-league affiliates. Who knows how that possibility will affect clubs’ approach, especially if no one can find a way to play this summer.
This could have a trickle-down effect on independent leagues, such as the Frontier League.
“There are a lot of kids who didn’t get to play their senior year and a lot of players who are going to fall through the cracks,” Evansville Otters manager Andy McCauley said. “The Frontier League has always been geared toward the younger player and the rookie, so I feel like this will be a natural shot in the arm for us.”
► Option 2: Return to school.
Luckily, all college athletes on spring sports rosters have been granted an extra year, if they wish to use it. Seniors get a do-over. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors eventually will be able to make up for this spring, too.
Lindskog: NCAA decision to grant extra year of eligibility for spring sports is complex
This could create log-jammed rosters for college programs, though seniors who return won’t count against a team’s 35-player roster limit or a Division I program’s 11.7 scholarships. Teams will simply be heftier.
The majority of players will hold out hope they’ll receive their chance next year when the draft will be at least 20 rounds.
*****
Locally, Reitz High School graduate and current Indiana University standout Elijah Dunham has the best chances of hearing his name called. He was a 40th round pick a year ago, but he believes he’s significantly improved his stock since then.
Baseball America has Dunham listed as the 186th-best prospect in this year’s draft. (Remember, only 160 will be picked.)
“If (Dunham) continued hitting like he started the 2020 season, he might have risen even higher on draft boards,” his scouting profile on Baseball America says. “He isn’t the toolsiest player and is close to maxed out physically, but teams can have some confidence in his balanced offensive profile in a corner outfield spot.”
Dunham and UE pitcher Adam Lukas (12th round) were the locals selected last year while University of Southern Indiana catcher Logan Brown (35th round) was the lone local picked in 2018.
The draft starts at 6 p.m. CDT Wednesday with Round 1 and Rounds 2-5 will start at 4 p.m. Thursday. MLB Network will have coverage both days while ESPN will televise Wednesday before it moves to ESPN2 on Thursday.
Contact Chad Lindskog of the Courier & Press by email, clindskog@gannett.com, or on Twitter: @chadlindskog.
More: Reitz grad Elijah Dunham optimistic about chances of being picked in shortened MLB Draft