Evan Gattis? David Freese? Didn't Daniel Nava not play for at least two years because he was the equipment manager for his college or something like that? Or are they just seen are extraordinary talents, and exemptions? What about kids who redshirt? I know kids here that redshirt, and don't even go to practice or games. Heck, I even know some kids who redshirted for a year and went to ASU or UofA full time, during that timeframe. Like, at least if I were to redshirt or not play for a year, I'd be doing something everyday to get better.
Not trying to argue or troll by any means, and I see and understand what you all are trying to tell me.
You are correct, those are the exceptions that prove the rule. If you feel like doing some research and math, figure out how many MLB players there are and what percentage of them took a year off at some point after high school.
The thing is, in the summer leagues I work, there are guys who "took a year off." These are some former pro and D1 players that, in general, had a situation where family or something like that caused them to have to make a choice. The reason that they are playing in summer leagues against lower-level collegiate players is because that's the only place they'll ever have a chance to play again--and these guys are head and shoulders above most of the rest of the field. College coaches don't need a junior that took a year off when he's got three underclassmen that are just as good with more eligibility. Pro teams don't need a 24-year-old who's an average A-ball pitcher when they can pick up a 20-year-old nearly anytime they want.
I feel for these guys (and I've gotten to know some of them pretty well.) That year off turned into "what could have been."