- 1@PitchingFan posted:
I would say they are all related. The draft shortening was a result of Covid and not going away, the reduction of MiLB teams was a result of Covid, the portal transfer was a result of Covid, and the extra years were a result of Covid. Only one of them will go away and that will be for another year.
The serious discussion to reduce the number of minor league teams started in 2019, before Covid.
The decision to reduce the draft to five rounds occurred in early May 2020. Obviously, it’s related to Covid. On the same day it was announced the draft would be shortened permanently. Covid wasn’t an issue until they end of March. No way, no how MLB decided between March 20 and May 11 they were going to shorten the draft long term. It was probably discussed at the same time as reducing the number of minor league teams.
I think someone recently posted more current information than this. But, several years ago I knew the numbers to be 84% of drafted American players come from rounds 1-10. Another 10% come from rounds 11-20. Twenty rounds makes sense. Anyone drafted after round 20 is a long shot (6%) to make the majors. I’m guessing most of those 6% are pitchers who increased their velocity or control/command.