MLB commissioner Rob Manfred spoke with reporters on Thursday, and confirmed some big changes that will be coming to the sport, whenever it resumes.
Manfred revealed that the universal DH has been agreed upon, as has the elimination of draft pick compensation. MLB will also have a draft lottery in response to the players looking to address the competitive balance within the league, and the number of teams actively trying to win.
“For the first time in history, and despite substantial opposition by some clubs, we have agreed to institute a draft lottery to address the players’ concerns about not competing,” Manfred said. “We have agreed to a universal designated hitter, and the elimination draft choice compensation.”
So, say goodbye to pitchers stepping into the box, likely much to the relief of American League managers, who frequently fear injury to their pitchers who aren’t used to taking swings every five days. Of course, National League pitchers aren’t immune to injuries while at the plate either, as Mets ace Jacob deGrom hurt his lat taking a swing back in May, and said he hurt his shoulder swinging again in June. Rotation mate Taijuan Walker was even instructed not to swing the bat when he was in the box.
But pitchers like deGrom did provide entertainment, with deGrom wowing fans with his .364 batting average last season, while putting up Bob Gibson-like numbers on the mound. Of course, deGrom was the ultimate outlier, as pitchers collectively hit a miserable .108 across the league last season.
So, National League teams will have to fill out their lineups, which may help the Mets with Robinson Cano back in the fold.
Draft compensation being eliminated could alter the free agent market for some teams, especially those who feared losing draft stock by signing a free agent with draft compensation attached to them. So, teams could be more inclined to go after a free agent who rejected a qualifying offer from their former team, knowing the signing will only cost them money, not draft penalties as well.
Teams who do extend a qualifying offer to players and are rejected typically receive draft compensation, but Manfred’s comments likely mean that will no longer be the case.
“These changes will improve the free agent market by creating additional jobs that are often filled by veteran players, and by reducing, actually eliminating, the drag from compensation,” Manfred said.
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