Title: Day 3 of 2023 MLB Draft Presents Opportunity for Late-Round Gems
Introduction
The 2023 MLB Draft has showcased the hard work of teams in selecting potential future stars. With the first two days and 10 rounds completed, the spotlight now shifts to Day 3 of the Draft, which coincides with the All-Star festivities in Seattle. Some of this year’s All-Stars have a deep understanding of the value hidden in late-round selections. Excitement brews as fans wonder which late-round picks have the potential to become the All-Stars of tomorrow.
Late-Round Success Stories
Five of this year’s All-Stars, including Jordan Romano, Nathan Eovaldi, Josh Hader, J.D. Martinez, and David Bednar, were taken and signed in the 10th round or later. These late-round gems have proven their worth as an elite starter, a dominant designated hitter, and three lights-out pitchers. Their success serves as a reminder of the potential waiting to be unearthed in the later rounds of the Draft.
Promising Late-Round Players
As Day 3 of the 2023 First-Year Player Draft kicks off, several intriguing prospects who have slipped into the later rounds are generating significant interest. Some notable players to watch include Cameron Johnson (LHP, IMG Academy), Roch Cholowsky (SS, Hamilton HS), Trent Caraway (3B/SS, JSerra Catholic HS), Zane Adams (LHP, Porter HS), Will Gasparino (OF, Harvard-Westlake HS), Tanner Witt (RHP, Texas), Caden Sorrell (OF, Marcus HS), Joey Volchko (RHP, Redwood HS), Liam Peterson (RHP, Calvary Christian HS), and Jake Brown (LHP, Sulphur HS). The complete list of the best available players can be found on MLB.com Draft Tracker.
High School Prospects Shine
Nine out of the remaining top 10 prospects hail from the high-school ranks, with the 10th being Tanner Witt, who recently returned from Tommy John surgery. While most of these prospects are likely to honor their college commitments, there remains a possibility that they could be signed by MLB teams.
Financial Flexibility for Late-Round Investments
MLB clubs have the freedom to spend up to $150,000 on players selected in Rounds 11-20 without impacting their bonus pool. This financial flexibility allows teams with earlier savings to make a push for premium talents during Day 3 of the Draft. With limited risk and potential high reward, expect organizations to take big swings in their selections, even if they do not reach agreements before the signing deadline.
Historical Success Stories from Rounds 11-20
Past MLB Drafts have witnessed the emergence of exceptional talent in Rounds 11-20. Hall of Famers Andre Dawson, Ryne Sandberg, and Jim Thome, along with MVPs Jose Canseco, Jeff Kent, Don Mattingly, Dave Parker, and recently retired Albert Pujols, are just a few examples of players who were selected in these late rounds. Additionally, Cy Young Award winners Orel Hershiser and Bret Saberhagen also began their careers as late-round picks. These success stories highlight the potential and impact that can be found in the later stages of the Draft.
Conclusion
As Day 3 of the 2023 MLB Draft begins, the search for hidden gems and future All-Stars intensifies. With intriguing late-round prospects and financial flexibility for teams, this is an essential day in shaping the future of baseball. Fans can follow all the action via live streaming on MLB.com and through the official Draft Tracker, as the quest for the next wave of talent continues.