TPM posted:Trust In Him posted:Exciting times for the both of you Phanatic and CoachLD, congratulations on son making it that far. I am no expert but can only relate our journey with son, be it right or wrong. CoachLD son has an advantage in that he can go to college if draft selection doesn't turn out to your expectation. Phanatic also has slight advantage in that he can return to college for Sr. year and hopefully move up in the 2019 draft. Keep in mind though that the signing bonus will be considerably smaller than if a Jr.
Does he need an advisor? - highly recommended. I wouldn't feel pressured to accept an advisor (time is relatively short now though) just to have one. My son/I probably met/interviewed close to 15 advisors. Narrowed it down to top 5, then after almost a year from when it began chose one (6 mts before draft). Advisors are helpful in guiding the player through the process, reassuring, providing feedback, etc.
What value does an advisor bring to someone being drafted in the first 10 rounds? With slot money being pre-determined is there really any negotiating? Nothing is "pre-determined", slot money can be greater, same or less. Teams want to go lower than slot with upper draft picks in order to offer more money for lower picks. Son's signing bonus was negotiated.
How do you know what advisor -> agent to pick? Son had it narrowed down to 2 advisors who were both excellent, either one would do great advising. I recommended go with the advisor who son relates most with, who he is compatible with. He has to be willing to put a tremendous amount of faith in the advisor for baseball. Advisors cannot accept any payment for their guidance/education. In return though there is the unwritten "expectation" that when draft day comes and son signs the contract, he will keep the advisor who now becomes his agent.
Do some clubs prefer to use specific agencies over others? Not sure. Take it for what it's worth, probably 80% told us they either have an "in" or are on "good terms" with GM. I don't doubt though that every agency has certain reputations with the team when it comes to negotiation.
What is son's obligation to the advisor -> agent once he signs the dotted line? He won't sign anything for advisor. Once he signs with a MLB team then he will sign with agent. Do not do it the other way around. Once he signs anything he is no longer an amateur thus not eligible for college ball. If he signs an agent first and something falls through with MLB then disaster. Obligation is to listen, learn, and trust what the advisor is telling you. Once he made a verbal commit to the advisor it seems like majority of others stopped contacting, as if they knew. Once he told the few who contacted him, basically they said if it doesn't work out let them know. Appears to be an unwritten rule among agencies.
What is the advisor -> agent's obligation after he signs the dotted line? This will probably vary according to agencies and how high of draft pick. My son's agency will handle pretty much everything he would need while playing minor league, including helping with relocation, auto buying, endorsements, equipment, travel, etc. Once he reaches the show other things will kick in.
What is a typical percentage for the agent? Most advisors said 5%, some said they can do it for a little less. My feeling is you get what you pay for, base it on compatibility and experience.
Enjoy the remaining month because it will soon get wild if it hasn't yet. Best of luck in June!
What is your sons projection (round) at this time. Is he coming out of HS or college, what position?
TPM, PM