Cubs Draft Strategy Comes into Sharper Focus as Picks Begin to Sign

Ryan Jensen of Fresno State is the first surprise pick of the draft - Photo by Fresno State AthleticsThe MLB draft is significantly different from those in other sports, both in scope and purpose. Whereas basketball and football teams are looking for 2-10 players who can have an immediate impact, baseball teams are looking for several dozen players, the best of whom might make the active roster within a year.

And that’s before you even consider that an MLB roster has 25 spots, not to mention the hundreds of other positions throughout the minor league system. Front offices have to project and address needs years into the future while gambling with slot values, recommended bonus amounts…