The Baseball Writers Association of America revealed the finalists for the 2024 awards tonight. Bobby Witt Jr. landed among the American League MVP finalists, signifying he finished within the top three in the voting. As Matt Eddy of Baseball America points out (on X), this result will earn the Royals an extra draft pick after the first round in 2025.
The 2022 collective bargaining agreement introduced the Prospect Promotion Incentive to discourage teams from retaining their top prospects in the minors. If a team carries a top prospect for a full year of service, they could receive a draft choice if the player achieves early success.
A player earns their team a pick by winning Rookie of the Year or finishing within the top three in Cy Young or MVP voting during their pre-arbitration years (essentially, their first three seasons). A team can only secure one PPI selection per player. Previously, Julio Rodríguez, Gunnar Henderson, and Corbin Carroll earned their teams a PPI choice by winning Rookie of the Year awards.
Kansas City carried Witt, a consensus top prospect, on their roster for the entire 2022 season. The star shortstop narrowly missed the Rookie of the Year award, placing fourth in the balloting. Notably, he became the first player to earn his team an extra selection through a top three MVP placement in his third season. This is a less common path compared to winning Rookie of the Year and will likely occur far less frequently.
In February, the Royals signed Witt to an 11-year extension guaranteeing him slightly under $289MM. This did not affect Witt’s eligibility for the Prospect Promotion Incentive despite his salary exceeding the league minimum. He is projected to finish as the MVP runner-up behind Aaron Judge after accumulating a season worth approximately nine wins above replacement.
Witt captured the batting title and led the majors with 211 hits. He finished the year with a .332/.389/.588 slash line, accompanied by 32 home runs and 109 RBIs while showcasing stellar defense at the infield’s most demanding position. The Royals secured an 86-win season, ending a nine-year postseason drought.
This represents the only guaranteed PPI selection thus far, but more could emerge once award winners are announced next week. The Padres and Orioles stand to gain an extra pick if Jackson Merrill and Colton Cowser win their respective Rookie of the Year awards. Austin Wells is also eligible but faces longer odds in the AL Rookie of the Year race.
The Pirates cannot obtain an extra pick for Paul Skenes finishing within the top three in Cy Young voting because Pittsburgh did not call up the star righty until early May. They would also miss out on a selection if Skenes wins Rookie of the Year for the same reason. However, Skenes would earn himself a full year of service time if he places in the top two in ROY voting.
The other Rookie of the Year finalists do not meet the PPI criteria. Luis Gil was not featured on two preseason Top 100 lists from Baseball America, ESPN, or MLB Pipeline — the necessary prospect status to earn a pick. The Brewers carried Jackson Chourio for a full season but signed him to an eight-year extension last December. Eddy reported in September that players who sign extensions before their MLB debuts are not eligible for a PPI selection. Chourio’s extension differs from Witt’s because the latter had already played in MLB before signing.
# Bobby Witt Jr.’s MVP Finalist Status Earns Royals Extra Draft Pick: A Look at MLB’s New Prospect Promotion Incentive
## Understanding the New Rule
In a move to reward teams for developing exceptional talent, Major League Baseball (MLB) implemented a new rule in the 2023 season. This rule directly incentivizes organizations to nurture homegrown players who achieve significant recognition on the national stage. The core principle is straightforward:
**If a player drafted by an MLB team earns a top-three finish in either the MVP or Cy Young Award voting, the drafting team receives an extra draft pick.**
This innovative system aims to bolster competitive balance within the league and encourage organizations to prioritize player development.
## Bobby Witt Jr.’s Stellar Performance
The Kansas City Royals’ shortstop, Bobby Witt Jr., emerged as a standout performer in the 2023 season, solidifying his position as one of baseball’s brightest young stars. He not only showcased exceptional talent on the field but also garnered widespread recognition from fans and analysts alike. Witt’s impressive accomplishments culminated in a top-three finish for the American League MVP award, securing him a place alongside baseball’s elite.
### Key Highlights of Witt Jr.’s Season:
* **Offensive Powerhouse:** Witt Jr. consistently delivered at the plate, recording [insert number] home runs and [insert number] RBIs throughout the season.
* **Speed and Defense:** Known for his exceptional athleticism, Witt Jr. excelled in the field, making highlight-reel plays with his speed and agility. He also contributed significantly on the base paths, stealing [insert number] bases.
### Impact on the Royals Franchise
The impact of Witt Jr.’s MVP finalist status extends beyond individual accolades, benefiting the entire Kansas City Royals franchise:
* **Increased Draft Capital:** The extra draft pick awarded to the Royals due to Witt Jr.’s achievement provides valuable resources for acquiring promising young talent. This strategic advantage can bolster the team’s future prospects and accelerate its path towards contention.
* **National Exposure:** Witt Jr.’s success has generated immense national attention, raising the profile of both the player and the franchise. This increased visibility attracts fans, sponsors, and media coverage, contributing to the overall growth and success of the Royals organization.
## Benefits and Practical Tips for MLB Teams
The new rule incentivizing prospect promotion offers significant benefits for MLB teams:
* **Focus on Development:** The extra draft pick encourages organizations to prioritize player development and invest in nurturing homegrown talent. This shift in focus can lead to a stronger pipeline of young players, enhancing the long-term success of the team.
* **Competitive Balance:** By rewarding teams that develop standout players, the rule aims to promote competitive balance within the league.
**Practical Tips for MLB Teams:**
* **Implement Data-Driven Scouting:** Utilize advanced analytics and data analysis to identify promising young talent in the amateur draft.
* **Create a Player Development Culture:** Foster an environment where player development is prioritized through individualized training programs, mentorship opportunities, and access to expert coaching staff.
* **Invest in Minor League Systems:** Strengthen minor league affiliates by providing resources, facilities, and supportive environments that cater to the needs of developing players.
