UNDER SLOT

MLBTR reports that the Cubs have agreed to a below-slot bonus with first-round selection Kyle Schwarber, citing MLB.com’s Carrie Muskat. He will sign for $3.125MM, which is nearly $1.5MM shy of the $4.621MM allotment that came with the fourth overall choice. Chicago entered the draft with $8.35MM and change in available slot space.

Arguably the best college bat available, Schwarber was nevertheless something of a surprise choice at fourth overall. While he is said to have good hit and power tools at the plate, the real question is whether or not the Indiana University product can stay stay at catcher. As many draft analysts wrote,   Schwarber was around the  16th-best available prospect, but he really does not have a position besides DH, since his throwing and receiving skills are considered below average.

Schwarber will take down a bigger bonus than he would have if taken in the middle of the draft, while the Cubs can put the slot savings towards other choices. In particular, the club selected a series of high school arms with its fourth through sixth-round choices — Carson Sands, Justin Steele, and Dylan Cease — who could require above-slot bonuses to forego college. MLB.com Jim Callis opines that the Cubs are likely to land each member of that trio. 

 

I am not a big fan about drafting lesser prospects higher in the draft in order to "save" bonus money for later (and at the time of the draft, unknown) selections. Schwarber does not project to be a National League player, but as an AL DH, if he can continue to hit better competition in the minors. The Cubs may save bonus money, but may have only acquired a future trade chip in their first round selection.

 

First rounders have the best chance of making it to the majors, so on one level this may be a wasted opportunity for the Cubs to select the best available player at No. 4. A player who will be able to contribute years ahead of signing high school pitchers in the 4th and 6th rounds.