Dodgers Digest Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Blog
It has been two weeks since the 2018 MLB Draft, and the Dodgers have signed a few of their draft picks. Before we get into it, though, let’s power through the logistics of the entire process.
The draft signing deadline is July 6 at 2 p.m., which is about six weeks earlier than in seasons’ past. Expect another flurry of signings, as that’s just 18 days away.
The picks within the first 10 rounds get a slot amount allotted to them, and they must be signed in order for their slot amount to go towards the overall bonus pool. Additionally, if any picks from rounds 11-40 or undrafted free agents are signed for more than $125,000, the overage will count against the bonus pool. And here’s how the overage penalties shake out.
| Overage (percentage) | Penalty (taxed amount) |
|---|---|
| 0-4.99 | 75 percent tax on overage |
| 5-9.99 | 75 percent tax on overage Loss of 2019 1st-round pick |
| 10-14.99 | 100 percent tax on overage Loss of 2019 1st- & 2nd-round picks |
| 15-plus | 100 percent tax Loss of 1st-round picks in 2019 & 2020 |
The Dodgers can go up to $264,409 (5 percent, less $1) over their allotted slot amount of $5,288,200 without losing a draft pick. No team has ever exceeded this bonus pool since this system was implemented in 2012, and it isn’t going to happen now.
| Round | Player | Slot | Bonus | Savings |
| 1 | J.T. Ginn | $2,275,800 | unsigned | ? |
| 2 | Michael Grove | $917,000 | unsigned | ? |
| 3 | John Rooney | $538,800 | unsigned | ? |
| 4 | Braydon Fisher | $402,300 | $497,500 | $95,200 |
| 5 | Devin Mann | $300,600 | $272,500 | $28,100 |
| 6 | Bryan Warzek | $233,800 | unsigned | ? |
| 7 | James Outman | $184,200 | $157,500 | $26,700 |
| 8 | Luke Heyer | $155,300 | $47,500 | $107,800 |
| 9 | Josh McLain | $143,600 | unsigned | ? |
| 10 | Deacon Liput | $136,800 | unsigned | ? |
| 17 | Aldrich De Jongh | $125,000* | $150,000 | $25,000 |
| Total | $5,288,200 | $967,500 | $42,400 |
*-Slot amount isn’t actually $125,000, but every dollar over counts toward the bonus pool.
The math doesn’t completely add up there, but the Dodgers are $42,400 under their bonus allotment (assuming all the other guys sign for slot, which they won’t), which doesn’t include the 5 percent (less $1) amount. They’re still $306,809 from that amount.
If you want to take Twitter bios for what they’re worth, 3rd-rounder John Rooney, 6th-rounder Bryan Warzek, 19th-rounder Sam McWilliams, 25th-rounder Hunter Speer and 34th-rounder Jeremiah Vison (personal fave) have all changed their bios to some form of “player in the Dodgers organization.” So, there’s that.
And here are some signings that don’t impact the bonus pool.
18th-rder Niko Hulsizer, @Dodgers agree on $125k. Morehead St OF, won TD Ameritrade HR Derby last summer, ++ raw power, moves well for 6-2/225. Hit 27 HR as soph, 12 this spring while dealing w/hamate injury. @MLBDraft
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) June 8, 2018
Niko Hulsizer is going to be really fun to watch in batting practice and the lower minors. Here’s hoping it translates as he progresses through the system.
26th-rder Aaron Ackerman signs w/@Dodgers for $125k. Illinois-Chicago C, power potential in 6-3/210 frame, gets job done w/arm & receiving skills. @MLBDraft
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) June 15, 2018
Good receiving skills is always a plus for a catcher. Aaron Ackerman doesn’t fit the mold of a Dodger catcher, as he’s a big-bodied guy with power potential. He’ll be a fun once to follow.
Central Michigan outfielder Daniel Robinson looks forward to playing in Los Angeles Dodgers organization
"It's something I have worked for my entire life and something I didn't know was going to happen."https://t.co/PjCj5smEBt pic.twitter.com/M1QgE4kd6R
— Evan Petzold (@EvanPetzold) June 17, 2018
Contained within is Daniel Robinson saying he’s going to begin his professional career. I’m guessing he’ll start with the Arizona Rookie League Dodgers before going to Ogden.
https://twitter.com/taylorlatham_/status/1006350203216121856
https://twitter.com/heather_valore/status/1007438430094192640
This is a big get for the Dodgers. Jacob Gilliland, their 32nd-rounder, is one of the few high schoolers the Dodgers drafted overall, but also after the Top 10 rounds. I’m guessing he signed for more than $125,000, but his bonus amount has yet to be reported.
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We’ll keep updating signings as they become available.
