Drew Rasmussen is a Free Agent

[JDBrewCrew]

Jim Callis‏Verified account @jimcallisMLB 17m17 minutes ago

Source: @RaysBaseball will not sign supp 1st-rder Drew Rasmussen. Oregon St RHP, up to 98 this spring after TJ in March 2016. @MLBDraft

 

Jim Callis‏Verified account @jimcallisMLB 16m16 minutes ago

More re Rasmussen: @RaysBaseball will not make minimum offer to get compensation pick in 2018 @MLBDraft. Rasmussen will become a free agent.

 

Jim Callis‏Verified account @jimcallisMLB 15m15 minutes ago

Rasmussen also could return to Oregon State as a redshirt junior in 2018 if he doesn't sign as a free agent. @MLBDraft @RaysBaseball

 

Would love for the Brewers to try here.

[JDBrewCrew]

Drew Rasmussen | Rank: 98

School: Oregon State Year: RS Sophomore

Position: RHP Age: 21 DOB: 07/27/1995

Bats: R Throws: R Height: 6' 2" Weight: 225 lb.

Previously drafted: 2014, 39th (1170) - ARI

 

Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 50 | Overall: 45

Oregon State has spent most of the 2017 season as the No. 1 college team in the nation. They've done much of it without Rasmussen, who had been a vital part of the pitching staff as a freshman in 2015 and for the first part of 2016 until his elbow required Tommy John surgery in March of that year. The Beavers got stronger when Rasmussen returned in late April and showed some solid stuff, albeit in shorter stints.

 

Rasmussen understandably has been brought along slowly since returning, pitching first out of the bullpen and then starting, but only in shorter stints. The stuff all started to come back the more he threw. He has shown a fastball in the 92-96 mph range in his limited time back. He has good extension on his fastball, getting swings and misses with it. His secondary stuff progressively has gotten better, even within specific outings, starting with limited feel of his slider and changeup, but touching average with both the further he went along.

 

Rasmussen does have three effective pitches and a starter's delivery, not to mention some track record of success in that role. A team taking him in the top three rounds might send him out as a starter and see if everything comes back, knowing that his stuff does look good in shorter, relief-like stints.

[MillerParkSouth]

Something really bad must have com up on his medical for the Rays not to even make the minimum offer to get a pick next year. If we're able to sign him without impacting the draft pool I'd love to at least take a look.

[Austin Tatious]

Do you know what the minimum offer was? I am not sure the Brewers have the cash in their allotment.

[jerichoholicninja]

Do you know what the minimum offer was? I am not sure the Brewers have the cash in their allotment.

 

If he's a free agent, anyone can sign him for whatever they want without restrictions.

[ZBTMP]

Do you know what the minimum offer was? I am not sure the Brewers have the cash in their allotment.

 

If he's a free agent, anyone can sign him for whatever they want without restrictions.

 

You sure this is the case or does he have UDFA signing restrictions (the same as any 11+ rounder)?

 

The whole story is missing some information as the Rays think they are getting the pick back next year.

[OnTheBlack]

Do you know what the minimum offer was? I am not sure the Brewers have the cash in their allotment.

 

If he's a free agent, anyone can sign him for whatever they want without restrictions.

 

You sure this is the case or does he have UDFA signing restrictions (the same as any 11+ rounder)?

 

The whole story is missing some information as the Rays think they are getting the pick back next year.

 

 

Yeah, this definitely sounds off. Plus a guy with his pedigree could probably enter next years draft without doing anything and get drafted again as someone takes a fliar on him.

 

But if the guy is a free agent, and I've seen several other articles that state he is in fact a free agent I take it for granted that Stearns is interested. A 1st round talent who was throwing 98 the year he returns from TJ surgery becomes available? I'm just thinking this would have to count against the Brewers draft allotment or something.

 

The suggestion was that the Rays picked him 31st with the intention of signing him to a below slot deal(slot is 2.1 there) though that was never confirmed from what I read.

[JosephC]

The reporting that I've been able to find on this story isn't very good.

 

Did the Ray's make him a qualifying offer or not? If so, what does the qualifying offer need to be? I've seen it mentioned in another message forum that it's 40% of the slot value. Can anyone confirm that?

 

It looks like the only official thing about getting or not getting a compensatory pick next year is a statement from the Rays saying they expect to get the pick. Can't any of these reporters call someone in the Ray's front office (or someone in MLB's office) to confirm if they get the pick or not and the rules regarding it?

 

I've also read that the Rays cannot use the slot money from the Rasmussen pick on other drafted players. Why? Does anyone know the rules regarding that? I could understand a rule to protect players so teams don't have motivation to pick a player in round one with no intention of signing him so they can overspend later. But in this case I would assume that Rasmussen did get a minimum qualifying offer if the Rays are expecting a compensatory pick in 2018. But that's the problem here, I have to assume a lot because the reporting hasn't been very good to this point.

 

Hopefully I can get home from work tonight and the Tampa Bay beat writers will have made some phone calls today and all the stuff I asked about above will be answered.

[madbad2000]

Here is an article from the Houston Astros and Brady Aiken situation.

 

https://www.si.com/mlb/2014/07/23/houston-astros-number-one-pick-brady-aiken-inside-story

 

"That $3.1 million figure is revealing: It represents 40 percent of the assigned slot value for this year’s one-one, which happens to be exactly the percentage that the Collective Bargaining Agreement requires a team to offer in order to receive a compensatory pick next year"

 

So as long as the Rays offered 40% of Rasmussen's slot value they would get a pick next year.

 

The question is whether Rasmussen is a full-fledged Free Agent to sign with anyone for any amount or does he fall within some form of draft bonus rules.

[CheezWizHed]

I've also read that the Rays cannot use the slot money from the Rasmussen pick on other drafted players. Why? Does anyone know the rules regarding that? I could understand a rule to protect players so teams don't have motivation to pick a player in round one with no intention of signing him so they can overspend later. But in this case I would assume that Rasmussen did get a minimum qualifying offer if the Rays are expecting a compensatory pick in 2018.

 

Re: Draft slot money. The drafted player must be signed in order for the slot money pool to be available. You are correct that this is to prevent them from drafting someone they don't really want to give another player a big bucket of money.

 

The minimum qualified offer is only to get the comp draft pick next year and doesn't effect the slot $$ available.

 

What might be interesting is that next year's draft is supposed to be very deep. So if you don't like what you have available this year, "pushing" the draft pick to next year is an interesting idea.

[DHonks]

He is not a free agent. That would only apply to a senior, I think.

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/mlb-draft-signing-deadline-looms-but-few-surprises-expected/#R8zmdu5SJjfQ2ZZp.97

[madbad2000]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/unsigned-orioles-pick-jack-conlon-becomes-free-agent/#KmzwA02vh67qOI4o.97

 

"Draft rules state that if a player fails his physical, the team must offer the player 40 percent of the slot value of the pick in order to receive a compensation pick. If the team makes no offer, the player becomes an unrestricted free agent and is not subject to the draft bonus pool system, and the team cannot receive a compensation pick for the unsigned pick."

 

Conlon is a high school pick and appears to be a free agent or can choose to head to Texas A&M. I wonder if Rasmussen failed a physical or Tampa just backed out?

[MilwaukeeBeers]

IIRC Conlon is unrestricted so it doesn't count against a team's bonus pool. Wouldn't mind throwing a couple million (because it's not my money) at him. Could be a savvy move. Would be nice getting another player in the top 250. He's ranked 175 on MLB and 239 on Baseball America.

[CheezWizHed]

According to this, Drew is not a free agent and will probably be returning to Oregon:

 

The Rays are petitioning the MLB to still receive a compensatory pick in 2018. They are contending that there was problem with how Rasmussen fulfilled his part of the MLB’s program that has 50 pitchers submit to an MRI exam. It is expected that Rasmussen will return to Oregon State after MLB concluded he would not become a free agent.

 

Also, the Oregon website has him listed as a red-shirt sophomore (presumably for 2016-2017). So if he returned, he would still be a Junior.

[Eye Black]

IIRC Conlon is unrestricted so it doesn't count against a team's bonus pool. Wouldn't mind throwing a couple million (because it's not my money) at him. Could be a savvy move. Would be nice getting another player in the top 250. He's ranked 175 on MLB and 239 on Baseball America.

You are correct that it doesn't count against the draft bonus pool. Without knowing the exact details of the failed physical it is difficult to assess his value. It is interesting that the Orioles didn't make the minimum 40% offer which would have prevented Jack Conlon from becoming a free agent, but they weren't going to get the 4th round pick back regardless since it is unprotected. They did the kid a huge favor as he is now possibly looking at a deal in the millions. I am really curious to see how this plays out. Also agree that it would be great to see the Brewers take a shot if they have less concerns about the medicals.

[jerichoholicninja]

IIRC Conlon is unrestricted so it doesn't count against a team's bonus pool. Wouldn't mind throwing a couple million (because it's not my money) at him. Could be a savvy move. Would be nice getting another player in the top 250. He's ranked 175 on MLB and 239 on Baseball America.

You are correct that it doesn't count against the draft bonus pool. Without knowing the exact details of the failed physical it is difficult to assess his value. It is interesting that the Orioles didn't make the minimum 40% offer which would have prevented Jack Conlon from becoming a free agent, but they weren't going to get the 4th round pick back regardless since it is unprotected. They did the kid a huge favor as he is now possibly looking at a deal in the millions. I am really curious to see how this plays out. Also agree that it would be great to see the Brewers take a shot if they have less concerns about the medicals.

 

Makes you wonder if in the future some guys might find ways to fudge their health to get out the draft pool and become free agents.

[MilwaukeeBeers]

IIRC Conlon is unrestricted so it doesn't count against a team's bonus pool. Wouldn't mind throwing a couple million (because it's not my money) at him. Could be a savvy move. Would be nice getting another player in the top 250. He's ranked 175 on MLB and 239 on Baseball America.

You are correct that it doesn't count against the draft bonus pool. Without knowing the exact details of the failed physical it is difficult to assess his value. It is interesting that the Orioles didn't make the minimum 40% offer which would have prevented Jack Conlon from becoming a free agent, but they weren't going to get the 4th round pick back regardless since it is unprotected. They did the kid a huge favor as he is now possibly looking at a deal in the millions. I am really curious to see how this plays out. Also agree that it would be great to see the Brewers take a shot if they have less concerns about the medicals.

Is this one of the first instances of an American born amateur player getting UFA status? Can't think of a precedent before this. If I'm him I forgo college. It could really be his only opportunity to cash in this significantly.

[reillymcshane]

Is this one of the first instances of an American born amateur player getting UFA status? Can't think of a precedent before this. If I'm him I forgo college. It could really be his only opportunity to cash in this significantly.

In 1996, everyone's favorite person, Scott Boros, found a loophole in the draft rules that allowed four 1st round picks to become free agents.

 

The rules stipulated that draft picks had to be made a written offer within 15 days of the draft. The crazy thing was that most of the teams didn't realize this rule was in effect. A bunch of teams hadn't followed the rule. In the end, four players were declared free agents, including San Diego State first baseman Travis Lee (No. 2, Twins), Texas high school righthander John Patterson (No. 5, Expos) and Pennsylvania high school righthander Matt White (No. 7, Giants) Florida high school lefthander Bobby Seay (No. 12, White Sox).

 

They were the first U.S. players ever to gain free agency in the summer in which they were drafted.

 

Tampa signed White for a $10.2 million bonus and Seay for $3 million, while the Diamondbacks signed Lee for $10 million and Patterson for $6.075 million.

 

The top pick in the draft in 1996 - Kirk Bensen - got a $2M signing bonus.

 

BA has a good write up on this and other draft hold outs here: http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/top-10-draft-holdouts-time/#000YMDdvfFHH0kP7.99

[MrTPlush]

IIRC Conlon is unrestricted so it doesn't count against a team's bonus pool. Wouldn't mind throwing a couple million (because it's not my money) at him. Could be a savvy move. Would be nice getting another player in the top 250. He's ranked 175 on MLB and 239 on Baseball America.

You are correct that it doesn't count against the draft bonus pool. Without knowing the exact details of the failed physical it is difficult to assess his value. It is interesting that the Orioles didn't make the minimum 40% offer which would have prevented Jack Conlon from becoming a free agent, but they weren't going to get the 4th round pick back regardless since it is unprotected. They did the kid a huge favor as he is now possibly looking at a deal in the millions. I am really curious to see how this plays out. Also agree that it would be great to see the Brewers take a shot if they have less concerns about the medicals.

 

Makes you wonder if in the future some guys might find ways to fudge their health to get out the draft pool and become free agents.

 

It isn't hard to catch that kind of stuff. Might be why MLB reportedly blocked UFA status from Rasmussen. Not to mentioned you would depend on the team that drafted you to sacrifice their pick/pool money. PLUS you now have a shady health history.

 

I can't see this working out well for anyone.

[MilwaukeeBeers]

Is this one of the first instances of an American born amateur player getting UFA status? Can't think of a precedent before this. If I'm him I forgo college. It could really be his only opportunity to cash in this significantly.

In 1996, everyone's favorite person, Scott Boros, found a loophole in the draft rules that allowed four 1st round picks to become free agents.

 

The rules stipulated that draft picks had to be made a written offer within 15 days of the draft. The crazy thing was that most of the teams didn't realize this rule was in effect. A bunch of teams hadn't followed the rule. In the end, four players were declared free agents, including San Diego State first baseman Travis Lee (No. 2, Twins), Texas high school righthander John Patterson (No. 5, Expos) and Pennsylvania high school righthander Matt White (No. 7, Giants) Florida high school lefthander Bobby Seay (No. 12, White Sox).

 

They were the first U.S. players ever to gain free agency in the summer in which they were drafted.

 

Tampa signed White for a $10.2 million bonus and Seay for $3 million, while the Diamondbacks signed Lee for $10 million and Patterson for $6.075 million.

 

The top pick in the draft in 1996 - Kirk Bensen - got a $2M signing bonus.

 

BA has a good write up on this and other draft hold outs here: http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/top-10-draft-holdouts-time/#000YMDdvfFHH0kP7.99

Wow thanks that's really interesting!

[ZBTMP]

Conlon is ranked below Bullock, Ward, and Castillo by BA without knowing any health issues. Even if the Brewers have him legitimately as a 4th round talent before medicals given the expected odds of making the majors, that’s probably not much more than 1-2 million in value. Im all for the Brewers signing him, but its unlikely to be a savvy value play unless he is the winning lottery ticket.

[LouisEly]

In 1996, everyone's favorite person, Scott Boros, found a loophole in the draft rules that allowed four 1st round picks to become free agents.

 

The rules stipulated that draft picks had to be made a written offer within 15 days of the draft. The crazy thing was that most of the teams didn't realize this rule was in effect. A bunch of teams hadn't followed the rule. In the end, four players were declared free agents, including San Diego State first baseman Travis Lee (No. 2, Twins), Texas high school righthander John Patterson (No. 5, Expos) and Pennsylvania high school righthander Matt White (No. 7, Giants) Florida high school lefthander Bobby Seay (No. 12, White Sox).

 

They were the first U.S. players ever to gain free agency in the summer in which they were drafted.

 

Tampa signed White for a $10.2 million bonus and Seay for $3 million, while the Diamondbacks signed Lee for $10 million and Patterson for $6.075 million.

 

The top pick in the draft in 1996 - Kirk Bensen - got a $2M signing bonus.

 

BA has a good write up on this and other draft hold outs here: http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/top-10-draft-holdouts-time/#000YMDdvfFHH0kP7.99

Here's the interesting part about those four.

 

Lee (#2 overall) - career bWAR 7.2, of which half of that came from one season (2003, age 28)

Patterson (#5 overall) - career bWAR 5.5, of which 85% came from one season (2005, age 27)

Seay (#12 overall) - career bWAR 3.0, of which almost half came from one season (2007, age 29)

White - never made the majors (Boras was worth every penny White paid him)

 

Only three of the four made the majors, and those three basically only had one good season each. For the $10M paid to White and Lee and the $6M paid to Patterson, teams probably would have been better off spending that money on a free agent.

 

One of our favorite whipping boys, Braden Looper, was the #3 overall pick that same year and had a higher career bWAR than any of those four.

[OnTheBlack]

IIRC Conlon is unrestricted so it doesn't count against a team's bonus pool. Wouldn't mind throwing a couple million (because it's not my money) at him. Could be a savvy move. Would be nice getting another player in the top 250. He's ranked 175 on MLB and 239 on Baseball America.

You are correct that it doesn't count against the draft bonus pool. Without knowing the exact details of the failed physical it is difficult to assess his value. It is interesting that the Orioles didn't make the minimum 40% offer which would have prevented Jack Conlon from becoming a free agent, but they weren't going to get the 4th round pick back regardless since it is unprotected. They did the kid a huge favor as he is now possibly looking at a deal in the millions. I am really curious to see how this plays out. Also agree that it would be great to see the Brewers take a shot if they have less concerns about the medicals.

 

Makes you wonder if in the future some guys might find ways to fudge their health to get out the draft pool and become free agents.

 

 

Seems like that's a bit far fetched. Teams read MRI's and evaluate a lot of medical data. I doubt they're going to be able to say it hurts to throw and the team is gonna pass on signing them if there isn't any matching evidence.

[jvrocksaz]

Found it interesting going back a year and reading up on this. Now he is drafted by the Brewers.

[IIAY]

With the day off today Counsell was able to observe some live BP sessions and noted that Rasmussen really stood out. Could end up being a steal.

 

https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/brewers-drew-rasmussen-impresses-in-live-bp-session/