What's the rule?

[Deleted]

For international players signing during our draft? Seems to me Moncada should not be eligible. What if he had signed half way through the 2nd round? Is there a cutoff established? It actually benefits me for him to be draft eligible, someone else may slip to me. Just wondered if it was established.

[Guardians GM (Matt)]

I believe the rules have him as ineligible, however given where we are in the draft the CO might want to review this

[Cubs GM (Beau)]

Thanks for the question: Yoan Moncada is a clear, one-time exemption to the established rule. Vast majority of league members have communicated that Moncada, as a 'generational' prospect, signing 3 hours and 1 pick into the Draft means he should be eligible. The reasoning being the risk attached to a pick 1.1 or 1.2 needs to be real and allowing Moncada a year of experience before drafting would result in too much information for this player in particular. CO is inclined to agree but certainly recognizes the 'slippery slope' argument. To be clear, this has been granted a 1-time exemption and is NOT precedent for future draft dealings. Furthermore, Royals retains the right to pick 1.1 being Moncada or Rodon with the Jays taking the other. Therefore, Moncada did not 'slip' per se.

But to answer your question: The rule is an IFA under 27 is eligible for the draft if that player signs before the draft begins. So say if Yadier Alvarez signs a week from now and we are in Round 2, he is not eligible until next year's draft. There is no 'amatuer-just-signed-lottery-luck' in this league and the Moncada exemption does not violate that premise. Hence. the exemption.

[Cubs GM (Beau)]

However, if there is real disagreement - say so now and do so here. If there is enough dissent, we'll freeze the draft for 24 hours and put it up for vote...I'll take the over on Moncada being voted eligible though.

[Deleted]

I don't anticipate drafting high enough to take in 2016. However, if I was rebuilding, I may feel differently. A slippery slope indeed.

[Deleted]

I never thought I'd hear the words "precedent" or "slippery slope" in regards to fantasy baseball. Holy shit I'd say get a hobby but apparently that's not gonna be helpful either. Aside from Moncado deepening the draft pool this yr for the rebuilders how bout no harm no foul or hey wouldn't it be cool to get this awesome talent into this league. I mean he signed, I think this is an instance where "spirit of the rule" comes into play. And I'm all for rules but not to give everyone a wet blanket to throw on the fun. This yr is shaping up to be great! Tons of activity and lots of rational dedicated gms. Let's not split hairs, let's relax, let's get this draft done before April!!!

[Pirates GM (Hollar)]

Just as a thought, what if we changed the rules from players who have signed with a team may be drafted to players who have been ruled eligible FA by MLB? This would keep out the upcoming draft classes and most of the international free agents, while permitting drafting anyone in Moncado's weirdly specific case. Seems in line with the spirit of the rule.