The “Big Fish”
The other side of having plenty of money is being able to throw a big bonus at a draft selection who should have gone in the top-10 picks.
Take last year’s 37th overall pick, for example. Daz Cameron, son of Mike (yes, I feel old too), was widely considered a top-10 talent. However, a high bonus demand was met with hesitance by clubs to match it and his stock began to fall.
Then, the Houston Astros, who had a whopping $17 million bonus pool, decided to nab him for $4 million at the tail end of the first round. They already had two picks in the top five, and then added another top 10 talent at No. 37.
While the Dodgers don’t have any top-10 selections this year, there’s a chance to player on the cusp of being one could fall into their laps. Prep pitching always seems to fall on draft day and there are a few prospects this year who figure to go lower than expected.
New York High School righty Ian Anderson and Kansas High School lefty Joey Wentz are two who could end up in college if the price isn’t right. Either could be a great pick at No. 32 for the Dodgers. They have the money to spend, even if it means going cheap elsewhere.
So, what’s your opinion? Should the Dodgers go the predictable route and take the best player available? Should they try to sign as many top round talents as possible? Or should they go for the bonus baby? Be sure to stick around for more content as the MLB draft approaches!
You can listen to Jared on the weekly Dugout Blues Podcast
