MLB News and Notes: Draft Shortened To Five Rounds

While there is a lot of uncertainty about the likelihood of an MLB season or what it might look like if there is, both the owners and players’ union are in discussions on what a return to play might look like.
It is a topic worth keeping an eye on moving forward. With the current collective bargaining agreement set to expire after the 2021 season, the way the two sides figure out this season could have major implications for those negotiations.
Still, even though discussions are ongoing on the current season, it does not mean that there has not been news out of the league. Let’s look at some of the major headlines from the past week.
MLB Reduces Draft To Five Rounds
With the issue of lost revenue from no games being played, Major League Baseball has decided to significantly cut this year’s draft. Usually 40 rounds, this year’s draft will consist of just five rounds.
Interestingly, those not drafted in the first five rounds will be eligible to sign with any team that they would like for a maximum of no more than $20,000.
What this likely means is more high school players who go onto college as opposed to being drafted immediately by MLB. Still, it does present an interesting scenario where some teams could reap the benefits at a much lower price tag than they would have paid otherwise.
Another interesting aspect of the draft this year is the lack of information clubs have. With both high school baseball and college baseball being shut down due to the pandemic, scouts don’t have as much information.
It is not surprising to see college players have their stocks rise or drop during a season. Now, MLB teams will be forced to draft based off previous seasons or the little information they may have.
Astros Hope To Sign Springer Long Term
Whether there is a season or not, the Houston Astros’ outfielder, George Springer, will be a free agent at the end of this season. Behind Mookie Betts, he may be one of the hottest commodities available.
If the Houston Astros and owner Jim Crane have it there way, though, he will never hit the market. According to Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle, the Astros are still hoping to come to an agreement on an extension with Springer.
Granted, this extension possibility is currently on pause as teams are frozen from making transactions. Still, for a team that is over the luxury cap, it is an interesting tidbit moving forward.
For Houston, part of the problem they face is that their entire outfield (Springer, Josh Reddick and Michael Brantley) are all free agents after the season. While they have prospect Kyle Tucker that can fit in at one of those spots, they still have work to do.
For owner Jim Crane, it doesn’t appear that he has a problem paying Springer. In fact, after the dismissal of GM Jeff Luhnow, Crane brokered a one-year deal at $21 million to avoid arbitration.
One thing that will be interesting, though, is if the murky waters that the Astros find themselves in from the cheating scandal is enough to push Springer to test free agency.
Last year, Springer hit .292/.383/.591 with 39 home runs, 96 runs batted in, and 96 runs scored in just 479 at-bats from the leadoff spot. At 30 years old, someone is going to pay him; it just remains to be seen who.
Andujar Feeling Good
One of the silver linings of the pandemic is that it has continued to give players who were injured more time to rest. Yankees players like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton are being helped out, but so too is Miguel Andujar.
After losing most of the season last year due to a right labrum tear, Andujar is ready to go, according to George King III of the New York Post.
The break is also giving Andujar additional time to learn new positions. With Gio Urshela helping to solidify third base last year, the Yankees hope that Andujar might be able to patrol the outfield or play first base.
Regardless, when healthy, the Yankees have an embarrassment of riches on the offensive side; however, health seems to be an annual concern for them.
While last year was mostly a lost year, Andujar broke out in 2018. He hit .297/.328/.527 with 27 home runs, 92 runs batted in, and 83 runs scored in 573 official at-bats. If he is healthy and can regain that form, it makes an already potent lineup that much more intimidating.