Picks in rounds 11-20 get handled differently with $125K being the magic number for those guys. If you sign them for less than that amount it has zero impact on that $750K number. For example, Will Wagner signing for $50K does not add $75K. However if you sign someone in those rounds for greater than $125K that will reduce the $750K amount. So if the Astros had signed Wagner instead for $140K that $15K excess lowers the underslot amount to $735K so now you have less money to give Whitaker.
And yes $20K is the magic number for NDFAs. Unlike the $125K amount for round 11-20 picks, it’s a hard cap. So you can never pay them more than that amount.
Agreed wholeheartedly about how instructive the $740k in savings is. It’s not an exact comparison, but looking at how highly Whitaker was ranked and the respective slot bonus for that pick, you can get a rough idea of what it’s going to take for the Astros to sign him:
#37 - MLB ($1,999,300) #52 - Keith Law ($1,403,700) #60 - Baseball America ($1,157,400)
ETA: I wouldn’t be surprised if the Astros get more savings by signing Loperfido to an underslot deal.
Being able to call yourself a 5th round draft pick forever: Priceless.
That is the only benefit he got from being drafted where he was instead of where he was projected. The money likely would have been similar regardless.
3rd-rder Tyler Whitaker signs w/@Astros for $1.5 million (pick 87 value = $689,300). Nevada HS OF, began tapping into plus raw power this spring (same Bishop Gorman HS as Joey Gallo), strong arm, moves well for 6-ft-4 guy. Arizona recruit. @MLBDraft
Interesting. For comparison, $1.5M is basically slot value for the 49th/50th overall pick, so it was like moving up a round in the draft. That over-slot signing bonus eats up most of the savings from the other rounds.
Still figuring this out.
How likely is it that, in addition to the approx $800K added bonus for Whitaker, the cost may include not be able to sign their #4 pick?
