The Roger Dorn Baseball League Commissioner’s Office polled League Front Offices following the completion of the 2023 Season for potential rule changes heading into the 11th Season of play. The League instituted a pair of rule changes for 2023 that were well received, adding a 1.0 point value for Holds while the league’s Waiver Process was overhauled to a bidding system that put Front Offices in more control.
While feedback continues to be overwhelming positive about the health of the league, discussions around improving the league are always vital to ensure we are addressing any potential issues or blind spots in the current rule book.
Proposal: Additional Season of Control for Activated Prospects
This proposal would allow for RDBL clubs to have contractual control for a fourth season of young activated players that currently work in the 1R/$1, 2R/$3, 3R/$5 system. The proposal states that entering the third season of control, teams would have the option on Draft Day to convert their 3R/$5 into a 3R/$15 deal, awarding them the option of a 4R/$25 the following year before hitting Free Agency.
If positively received, the proposal would not go into place for players entering their 3R/$5 season in 2024. Stipulations could be built around the eligibility of prospects for the new contract terms (i.e. must have been activated by that Franchise, etc.) as well as limiting each RDBL Franchise to a certain amount per season.
Proposal: Decrease to In-Season Salary Cap from $325
To prevent runaway trades before the Deadline, the RDBL currently has a $325 in-season cap in place. This proposal would lower that cap space to $310 (flexible on the final number) to curb some of the “arms race” we have seen from contenders since the move to the Playoff format.
The league’s starting cap space is $260. The move would decrease the value of high-priced contracts, forcing clubs to be more creative with their in-season cap space.
Proposal: Unused Draft Day Auction Money moves to Free Agent Waiver Budget
Currently, Front Offices work within a $260 Draft Day Cap Space in the Auction. Any money not spent in Auction is lost with no benefit. Under the proposal, any unused money could be added to the club’s Free Agent Waiver Budget which starts at $100 for every club. A cap of $20 could be used to prevent any manipulation of the change.
Comments