The Los Angeles Dodgers had 19 selections in the 2021 MLB Draft, of which they used 17 on a pitcher. Included in that group was Maddux Bruns, who was taken in the first round at No. 29 overall.
“It really surprised us a little bit,” Dodgers director of amateur scouting Billy Gasparino said at the conclusion of the Draft. “It definitely wasn’t any intent. It just kind of kept happening, happening and happening. You look up at the totals and you’re like, ‘Oh my God. We took all pitchers.’
“It does show you how talent-focused we are. The position of need doesn’t really factor at all.”
Of course, after every MLB Draft, the next step is for teams to sign their picks. This year, the Dodgers and all other clubs have until 2 p.m. PT on Sunday, Aug. 1, to sign 2021 draft picks.
L.A. began that process by signing ninth-round pick Lael Lockhart and 10th-rounder Michael Hobbs, according to Carlos Collazo of Baseball America:
The #Dodgers signed 9th round LHP Lael Lockhart for $2,500. Slot value for the 282nd pick is $149,800. A $147,300 under slot deal.#MLBDraft
— Carlos Collazo (@CarlosACollazo) July 17, 2021
The #Dodgers signed 10th round RHP Michael Hobbs for $2,500. Slot value for the 312th pick is $142,200. A $139,700 under slot deal. #MLBDraft
— Carlos Collazo (@CarlosACollazo) July 17, 2021
More recently, the Dodgers also are said to have agreed to terms with Bruns, per Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com:
1st-rd @MLBDraft pick Maddux Bruns signs w/@dodgers for $2.2 million (pick 29 value = $2,424,600). HS LHP was @HailStateBB recruit. Big upside, up to 98 mph w/FB, mid-80s SL, flashes plus CB. Needs to refine command. #Dodgers #MLBDraft
— Jonathan Mayo (@JonathanMayo) July 20, 2021
Signing Lockart and Hobbs for $2,500 each is well below the slot values for their respective picks, and some savings with Bruns could prove beneficial for the Dodgers in other deals.
With Lockart and Hobbs, the Dodgers were able to sign them to these deals because both pitchers were college seniors and effectively had no leverage to negotiate.
It is disappointing for the players and it takes place around the league, so until the system is changed, teams will continue to take advantage of college seniors.
Lockhart, from the University of Arkansas, went 3-3 and collected 68 strikeouts with a 4.47 ERA in 14 games this season.
Hobbs, out of St. Mary’s College, had six saves and struck out 28 batters with a 0.72 ERA in 19 games this season.
Bruns expected to sign Dodgers
Bruns was verbally committed to attend Mississippi State, but both he and Gasparino expressed confidence a deal would be reached.
The Dodgers are yet to announce any of their reported draft signings. The team has a $4.646 million bonus pool this year.
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