How 2020 MLB Draft affects Miami baseball roster moving forward
Major League Baseball made its decision to cut this year’s draft on to just five rounds on May 8, a catastrophic change from the 40-round event that took place every year since 2012. This year’s draft could have large implications on the Miami baseball roster for 2021.
The biggest turnover for the Miami baseball team next spring will inevitably be pitching. All three-weekend starters are eligible to get drafted. Ace Brian Van Belle graduated from Miami this past month, and even with the extra year of eligibility granted to spring student-athletes, it’s unclear if he’ll return if undrafted.
Saturday and Sunday starters Chris McMahon and Slade Cecconi are destined to be high picks — potentially even first-rounders. McMahon comes in at number 29 on MLB.com’s Top 150 Prospect Rankings. The Junior was on pace for his best season with the Miami baseball team, posting a 1.05 ERA through four starts.
Cecconi isn’t far behind at number 31, and although the sophomore didn’t have quite the numbers McMahon did in 2020, scouts are impressed with his 6’4” build and fastball velocity. The most likely outcome is that both depart and go pro. One other Hurricane checks in on the Top 150 list, shortstop Freddy Zamora at 101st.
The Junior missed the entire 2020 season with a knee injury. Zamora was a large core piece of the Hurricanes offense in both 2018 and 2019, hitting .300 over 104 games in those two seasons. If drafted as expected, the shortstop will likely also choose the professional path. Only three Canes are acknowledged in those rankings.
The 2020 Major League Baseball draft will be five rounds, sources tell @kileymcd and me. All players who go undrafted would be eligible to sign for a maximum of $20,000. While there was a proposal to the union for a 10-round draft, the sides didn’t come to an agreement.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 8, 2020
Other Miami baseball players could move on to pro ball as well. Juniors Alex Toral, Raymond Gil, and Daniel Federman will be faced with a tough decision if undrafted: Either sign for a maximum of $20K (per MLB’s new rules for this year’s draft) or return to the Hurricanes as seniors.
The future of Miami baseball goes beyond its current roster. Two of Miami’s 11 signees for the 2020 Class are also on MLB’s Top 150 rankings. Pitcher Victor Mederos ranks 100th on the list, while shortstop Sammy Infante comes in at 150.
Others from Miami’s recruiting class could get drafted, but it’s unlikely they’d choose to sign pro if undrafted, with such a low signing bonus for undrafted players. It’s no secret that the Hurricanes will field a different team in 2021, but how much will have changed with a vastly shortened draft?
Next. Miami baseball season ends due to Covid-19. dark
Pitching on the Canes’ roster is sure to change, but will Miami lose two of its biggest power bats to go along with it? Head coach Gino DiMare may be forced to prepare for adjustments at numerous positions in 2021.