The Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)
This is one of the strangest and also weakest drafts in recent memory. Just as the impacts of the COVID draft and season have finally worked their way out of the system, the draft is now confronted by a staggeringly mediocre pool of prospects and the new reality that this is likely the last draft of its kind, as the new CBA is likely to significantly alter the way the draft functions, in many meaningful, impactful ways.
Introduction
It’s that time of year again. It’s that time when
all teams turn their eyes momentarily from the various storylines surrounding division standings, all-star antics, and likely trade deadline scenarios and instead affix their attention on the newest crop of potential all-stars and epic busts. This year, the MLB draft will be held over a two-day window. The draft will begin on Saturday, 11 July at 10:00 MST, with rounds 1-4. The second day goes by much faster and will encompass rounds 5-20. The viewing schedule for the draft this year is as convoluted as MLB’s many various broadcasting deals for regular season games. It’s mind-boggling that MLB hasn’t figured out yet that this does not help their draft ratings. Nor is MLB’s draft ever going to rival the NFL draft. So maybe, just maybe, they could stop trying to pretend it can. Anyway…
Here is the broadcast schedule for this year’s draft:
Day 1: Saturday, July 11 (Rounds 1-4)
- 1:00-2:30 p.m. ET – Picks 1-10 (NBC/Peacock)
- 2:30-4:30 p.m. ET – Picks 11-40 (MLB Network, MLB.com, MLB TV, MLB+)
- 4:30-7:45 p.m. ET – Picks 41-135 (MLB.com, MLB TV, MLB+)
Day 2: Sunday, July 12 (Rounds 5-20)
11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. ET (MLB.com, MLB TV, MLB+)
For at least one final season, the draft is largely defined by the draft pool, as determined and allotted by draft position. Arizona picks at #15 in the first round. The Diamondbacks were originally positioned to pick at No. 10 but slipped five spots during the Draft Lottery. Leading up to the draft, notable prospects linked to Arizona in expert mock drafts include Virginia outfielder A.J. Garcia and highly-touted high school infielder Tyler Bell.
Here is the final draft pool and selection order, along with the bonuses allowed for each of the first round picks. Bonus pool overages only apply to the first 10 rounds. If the team has any money remaining from that pool, the team is free to spend it on rounds 11-20.
Bonus pools
Pirates: $19,130,700
Rays: $19,009,300
White Sox: $17,592,100
Giants: $17,350,600
Twins: $16,929,600
Cardinals: $16,612,300
Royals: $15,954,000
Braves: $15,870,800
Rockies: $15,557,600
Athletics: $13,840,300
Astros: $13,712,700
Diamondbacks: $13,603,100
Orioles: $13,114,000
Nationals: $12,278,300
Marlins: $11,960,100
Angels: $11,755,400
Reds: $10,758,500
Rangers: $10,219,200
Cubs: $9,644,100
Padres: $9,479,000
Guardians: $9,303,700
Tigers: $9,165,100
Red Sox: $8,219,200
Mariners: $8,218,200
Brewers: $8,042,900
Phillies: $7,773,000
Yankees: $7,342,800
Mets: $6,730,900
Blue Jays: $5,543,100
Dodgers: $3,951,900
First round
- White Sox: $11,350,600
- Rays: $10,507,000
- Twins: $9,740,100
- Giants: $8,988,400
- Pirates: $8,336,500
- Royals: $7,746,100
- Orioles: $7,327,200
- Athletics: $6,982,600
- Braves: $6,675,300
- Rockies: $6,393,100
- Nationals: $6,133,500
- Angels: $5,889,300
- Cardinals: $5,661,300
- Marlins: $5,444,900
- Diamondbacks: $5,241,000
- Rangers: $5,051,900
- Astros: $4,868,600
- Reds: $4,695,500
- Guardians: $4,530,500
- Red Sox: $4,373,900
- Padres: $4,224,700
- Tigers: $4,082,700
- Cubs: $3,947,600
- Mariners: $3,818,700
- Brewers: $3,696,000
Additionally, the Diamondbacks have the 31st pick in the draft, thanks to their inclusion in Competitive Balance Round A.
31. $3,118,300
The Diamondbacks then join the standard order of selections for the second round.
53. $1,848,200
Finally, after Competitive Balance Round B and the Free Agent Compensation picks are made, Arizona will select in rounds 3-20.
88. $915,100
116. $670,900
There are three more Free Agent Compensation picks between rounds four and five.
148. $491,700
177. $377,000
206. $297,100
236. $237,800
266. $209,500
296. $196,500
Conclusion
The Diamondbacks are on the cusp of adding 11 new names to the farm system. There are a number of outside considerations for this draft that will impact the team’s ability to find some true impact talent. We’ll be taking a look at some of that over the next few days. Stay tuned for the next segment where we discuss the pitching side of things.
