The Lunatic Fringe certainly took a risk in their deal with the Spokane Fightin' Fish last week, acquiring right-hander Tyler Glasnow (2R/$3) as the lead return for All-Star outfielder Jesse Winker. Just days after the deal, it was announced that Glasnow will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery that is likely to sideline him for much, if not all of 2022.
The injury will push Glasnow into the Free Agent market for the 2022 Draft, but if the righty isn't taken in Auction, he could be the first test of the RDBL's new Reserve Draft rule for big league players. Starting next season, big league players taken in the Reserve Draft will be eligible to be kept for a third season at a $15 price tag, following a new 1RD/$5, 2RD/$5, 3RD/$15 contract schedule.
With the addition of the third year, players like Glasnow should see a dramatic rise in their value against some of the top prospects available annually. Of course, a club could look to fill out their rotation at the end of the Auction with Glasnow and stash him for a set contract amount much like Noah Syndergaard, Chris Sale, Justin Verlander, Mike Clevinger and Luis Severino this season. But if not, don't expect Glasnow to make it out of the 1st Round.
The move also adds value to young prospects who unexpectedly make the Opening Day roster of their big league club. Assets like Luis Campusano in 2021, a clear top 5-10 pick under a Minor League deal, lasted until the 36th overall pick due to his 1FA/$5 contract status as an Opening Day big leaguer.
After Opening Day, players claimed through Waivers will be given a 1FA/$5 and be limited to one additional season under contract at 2FA/$5, maintaining the current rule for claims.
The Cloverdale Clovers and Las Vegas Aristocrats are currently fighting for the final Wild Card spot with the consolation prize being the top overall pick in the 2022 Reserve Draft. The Aristocrats have held the first overall selection twice in League History while the Clovers are yet to pick first. The Maltese Falcons look to be firmly in position to pick second overall.
Around the RDBL
- The Mission Viejo Maulers received a double dose of bad news as 2021 Reserve Draft picks Kumar Rocker and Jud Fabian both failed to reach an agreement with their respective MLB clubs. Rocker was the fourth overall pick in the 2021 RDBL Reserve Draft, but fell to 11th overall to the New York Mets. Concerns over his MRI seemed to be the key in talks breaking down.
Fabian entered the year as one of the top college bats but had a subpar Junior season at Florida. He was selected 41st overall by the Boston Red Sox but failed to reach a deal and will return to Florida for the 2022 campaign in hopes of improving his stock.
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