SERVING YOUTH

Gage Workman (Photo by Shawn McFarland)

Being drafted at a young age often bodes well for a player’s future draft stock. If a player signs out of high school, they receive more development time. If the player decides college is the way to go, there’s a good chance of being drafted again in three years’ time. No matter the decision, jumping into affiliated ball early allows for more pro instruction.

 

To demonstrate the youth movement, take a look at the sample 2013 draft class. Out of the 30 youngest players selected, 15 signed straight out of high school, 11 went to either a junior college or university and were picked again (all at a much higher draft position), and only four haven’t been introduced to pro ball.

The Padres have embraced youth drafting wholeheartedly. In the earlier rounds, they selected MacKenzie Gore and Johnny Homza, both of whom are young for their graduation date. Later on, San Diego selected four of the seven-youngest players in the draft, including Robinson. In 2016, the Padres used a first-round pick on Hudson Potts, who wouldn’t turn 18 until nearly five months after the draft.

The Brewers endorsed youth as well. Their draft class consisted of the most high schoolers (20) and the youngest average age (19.8) of all 30 teams.

For Workman and Robinson though, it’s on to college, where they’ll still be just 20 when the draft rolls around in 2020.