Jake Mangum’s financial situation was different. His father is very successful professionally. He turned down scholarship money so the team would have more money to give to other players to improve the team.
But disregarding money, if you want a future in baseball how wise is it to not come out at twenty-one (after his soph year) or twenty-two (after his junior year) versus staying until you end your eligibility, sign and hit short season at age twenty-three? He will be in low A this year at twenty-four (assuming there is a this year).
This is not a subject I would have approached with his name as an example if he was still a student-athlete. But now he’s an adult, professional athlete. I believe it’s reasonable to use his situation in discussion. I’m betting he’s been asked by friends and baseball people.