THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,631 MLB PLAYERS | 16,402 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,631 MLB PLAYERS | 16,402 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Draft  | Story | 12/2/2010

Free Agent Draft Compensation

 At the end of the 2010 regular season I provided a story that included a breakdown of the raw draft order with the completion of the 2010 campaign.  That order has already changed with the beginning of free agency, and the spending season has only just begun.
 
 
 
To view that story and re-familiarize yourself with the raw draft order for the 2011 draft, please visit this link:
 
 
 
https://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=5034
 
 
 
Now that players have already gone through the process of being offered, and either accepting or declining arbitration, we now know the maximum number of players that could affect the final draft order.  A handful of players have already signed with new teams, and we likely will see quite a few more sign over the course of the next week as the Winter Meetings approach.
 
 
 
This could be the last year baseball has to deal with this system, as the draft process, from hard slotting to either a drastic overhaul or complete elimination of the free agent compensation process, is long overdue for some significant changes.
 
 
 
Below is a list of the eligible free agents and their respective Elias Sports Bureau ranking.  The rankings are used as tie-breakers in the event a team signs more than one free agent (the team losing the ‘better’ free agent is awarded the signing team’s better pick).
 
 
 
Type A Free Agents:
 
 
 
1. Jayson Werth (Phillies) -- 91.807
 
2. Rafael Soriano (Rays) -- 91.799
 
3. Cliff Lee (Rangers) -- 87.500
 
4. Victor Martinez (Red Sox) -- 87.054
 
5. Carl Crawford (Rays) -- 85.128
 
6. Adrian Beltre (Red Sox) -- 81.633
 
7. Paul Konerko (White Sox) -- 78.095
 
8. Scott Downs (Blue Jays) -- 76.352
 
9. Carl Pavano (Twins) -- 75.568
 
10. Adam Dunn (Nationals) -- 74.167
 
11. Grant Balfour (Rays) -- 72.923
 
 
 
Type B Free Agents:
 
 
 
1. Javier Vazquez (Yankees) -- 71.970
 
2. Jon Garland (Padres) -- 71.947
 
3. Brad Hawpe (Rays) -- 70.769
 
4. Orlando Hudson (Twins) -- 70.238
 
5. Felipe Lopez (Red Sox) – 67.532
 
6. John Buck (Blue Jays) -- 67.411
 
7. Kevin Gregg (Blue Jays) -- 66.967
 
8. Joaquin Benoit (Rays) -- 66.879
 
9. Pedro Feliciano (Mets) -- 66.855
 
10. Octavio Dotel (Rockies) -- 66.473
 
11. Juan Uribe (Giants) -- 65.608
 
12. Miguel Olivo (Blue Jays) -- 65.251
 
13. Yorvit Torrealba (Padres) -- 63.900
 
14. Trevor Hoffman (Brewers) -- 62.829
 
15. Randy Choate (Rays) -- 62.460
 
16. J.J. Putz (White Sox) -- 62.213
 
17. Adam LaRoche (Diamondbacks) -- 61.667
 
18. Jesse Crain (Twins) -- 60.657
 
19. Aaron Heilman (Diamondbacks) -- 58.420
 
20. Kevin Correia (Padres) -- 57.591
 
21. Chad Qualls (Rays) -- 56.168
 
 
 
That’s 32 players, which is essentially another round of the draft added in between the first and second rounds, should all of the remaining free agents sign with new teams.
 
 
 
Keep in mind that no team that finished among the 15 worse in all of baseball during the 2010 season can lose their own first-round pick by signing any free agent.
 
 
 
And here is how the supplement first round would break down should all of the remaining free agents sign with other teams.
 
 
 
34. Nationals (Dunn)
 
35. Blue Jays (Downs)
 
36. White Sox (Konerko)
 
37. Red Sox (Martinez)
 
38. Rangers (Lee)
 
39. Twins (Pavano)
 
40. Rays (Soriano)
 
41. Phillies (Werth)
 
42. Red Sox (Beltre)
 
43. Rays (Crawford)
 
44. Rays (Balfour)
 
45. D-Backs (LaRoche)
 
46. Brewers (Hoffman)
 
47. Mets (Feliciano)
 
48. Rockies (Dotel)
 
49. Blue Jays (Gregg)
 
50. White Sox (Putz)
 
51. Red Sox (Lopez)
 
52. Padres (Garland)
 
53. Giants (Uribe)
 
54. Twins (Hudson)
 
55. Yankees (Vazquez)
 
56. Rays (Hawpe)
 
57. D-Backs (Heilman)
 
58. Blue Jays (Buck)
 
59. Padres (Torrealba)
 
60. Twins (Crain)
 
61. Rays (Benoit)
 
62. Blue Jays (Olivo)
 
63. Padres (Correia)
 
64. Rays (Choate)
 
65. Rays (Qualls)
 
 
 
Compensation picks are awarded for all type A free agents first, with the worst team losing such a player getting the highest pick, following in order, one-by-one, all of the other teams.  Teams with multiple free agents will receive another pick, again in order once all of the other teams have been awarded a compensatory selection.  The same process is then used for type B free agents.
 
 
 
There are already three compensatory picks in the first round for unsigned first-round picks from the 2010 draft, dropping the first pick of the sandwich round to 34.  There will also be a selection awarded in the supplemental third round to the Mariners for not signing 2010 third-rounder Ryne Stanek.
 
 
 
Here is a list of free agents that have already signed with other teams:
 
 
 
• Victor Martinez, Tigers (Red Sox receive the Tigers’ first-round pick, #19 overall, and a sandwich pick)
 
• John Buck, Rangers (Blue Jays receive a sandwich pick)
 
• Joaquin Benoit, Tigers (Rays receive a sandwich pick)
 
• Jon Garland, Dodgers (Padres receive a sandwich pick)
 
• Juan Uribe, Dodgers (Giants receive a sandwich pick)
 
• Javier Vazquez, Marlins (Yankees receive a sandwich pick)
 
• Yorvit Torrealba, Rangers (Padres receive a sandwich pick)
 
 
 
As you can see, the Tampa Bay Rays have the most to lose in free agency, but the most to gain in the draft.  Carl Crawford and Rafael Soriano are two of the most coveted free agents this offseason, and could garner the Rays four additional first-rounders.  In total, depending on where their free agents sign, they could receive three additional first-round picks from other teams and seven supplemental first-rounders.  They’re going to need a good chunk of the money they are looking to shed this offseason to sign all of those picks.
 
 
 
With four free agents and five potential additional first-round picks, the Blue Jays look as though they will put their mammoth scouting corps to good use for the second consecutive year.
 
 
 
The Padres also appear to be loaded with additional picks with as many as three sandwich rounders coming their way.  In addition, not listed above is the compensatory selection for unsigned 2010 first-rounder Karsten Whitson, which will be the 10th overall pick.
 
 
 
Arizona also has a premium pick coming to them for their unsigned 2010 first-round pick (Barret Loux) to go along with two potential supplemental first-rounders.
 
 
 
With two type A free agents and one type B, the Red Sox have the potential to gain five additional first-rounders to their usual aggressive draft efforts.
 
 
 
American League Central rivals the Twins (four) and White Sox (three) both look to add quite a few picks to their draft efforts next June.
 
 
 
The thoughts and opinions listed here do not necessarily reflect those of Perfect Game USA.  Patrick Ebert is affiliated with both Perfect Game USA and 5 Tool Talk, and can be contacted via email at pebert@5tooltalk.com.

Draft | Story | 10/30/2026

2027 Draft Preview: Prep Middle Infielders

Ryan Miller
Article Image
2027 MLB Draft Profile Preview: Collegiate Right-Handed Pitchers | Collegiate Left-Handed Pitchers The premium profile in each class often are prep middle infielders, a sought-after group with the athletic ability to stick on the dirt or land throughout the diamond long term. This demographic has produced the superstars of today’s game and therefore are selected in prime spots while demanding high-end signing bonuses. This group features a mix of loud tools, high level projection, and impact defenders. Below we break down at the top prep middle infielder in the 2027 cycle.  ‘27 SS Dylan Seward (CA)- liftoff from the No. 1 player in the class. A solo blast to RCF to extend the lead for @TheCanesBB #WWBA @California_PG @Vol_Baseball commit https://t.co/lJjNg6T7PS — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 27, 2026 SS Dylan Seward, Norco (CA)  The Southern...
Tournaments | Story | 10/29/2026

WWBA Underclass Prospect Recap

Kyler Peterson
Article Image
WWBA Underclass Scout Notes: Days 1-2 | Day 3 | Day 4 Stars Being Stars These are some of the more well-known names on the national landscape, playing across several big events in which they performed at the highest of levels. Their showings in Fort Myers were simply a continuation of what we've almost come to expect at this point from them!  Kasen Langerhans (2028, Round Rock, Texas) batted leadoff and stuck at the hot corner for Texas Twelve Red Sox 2028 in Fort Myers. The Texas native has the looks a young left-handed power bat and the swing is built for it. Langerhans produces easy bat speed, delivering a fast and leveraged barrel through the zone. He creates backspin and uses the ground well, really getting into the legs. The infielder has excellent power projection and took comfortable, intentful cuts in the box. Langerhans got the job done at the top of the order...
Tournaments | Story | 10/28/2026

WWBA Sophomore Prospect Recap

Kyler Peterson
Article Image
WWBA Sophomore Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 Stars Being Stars These are some of the more well-known names on the national landscape, playing across several big events in which they performed at the highest of levels. Their showings in Fort Myers were simply a continuation of what we've almost come to expect at this point from them!  2029 MIF Easton Housewright (Knoxville, Tenn.) currently stands at 6-foot,175 pounds with strength in the lower half, present above-average athleticism. Continued to shine at the top of the lineup as the left-handed hitter is your prototypical leadoff hitter, consistently finding a way on and scoring. Takes quality at-bats with an above average awareness of the strike zone. Loose hands with easy bat speed that find the barrel often for hard line drives into the gaps that frequently turn into XBHs. Confident and balanced approach. Also...
Tournaments | Story | 10/27/2026

Beyond the Board: SS Malachi Butler

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
As the 2027 draft cycle moves through the fall and into the offseason, we kick off a new series called Beyond The Board. With each installment, we will provide an in-depth scouting report for some of the top players in the class, breaking down their tools, strengths, question marks, and overall projection. This week we take a look at Georgia prep shortstop Malachi Butler. The Georgia Tech put together an outstanding showing on the circuit this summer and has been a significant riser early in the 2027 cycle.  Player: Malachi Butler Position: SS B/T: L/R Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 190-pounds School: McEachern HS Hometown: Powder Springs, Ga.  Physical Description: 6-2/190. Strong, athletic build. Well-proportioned body. Has strength with room to continue to add more.    High speed BP swing from '27 SS Malachi Butler (GA)... #PGNational @PG_Georgia https://t.co/M9OWUX9rPw...
Tournaments | Story | 10/27/2026

South Fall World Series Scout Notes

Jay Vossler
Article Image
Kason Mead (2029, Spring, Texas) had a great weekend for Premier Baseball Donato 2029. Went 5-9 with a pair of doubles and a home run, driving in five without striking out. Physical frame with a lot more strength on the way. Impressive bat speed that attacks the top of the zone well. Works to all fields consistently and the profile indicates that he’ll be able to build off that with more impact. Lot to like, should be a riser as he goes into his sophomore season. Sterling McCormack (2029, Magnolia, Texas) performed well for Premier Baseball Donato 2029. Reached four times, including a double. Gains ground well on the stride, using his physicality to his advantage as he stays on an uphill plane, geared for slug. Plenty of strength at the point of impact. Landon Hardy (2029, Spring, Texas) had a strong showing for Scorpions Team Easton 2029. Went 4-11 with a double and homer, driving...
Tournaments | Story | 10/27/2026

WWBA Freshman Prospect Recap

Jheremy Brown
Article Image
Stars Being Stars These are some of the more well-known names on the national landscape, playing across several big events in which they performed at the highest of levels. Their showings in West Palm were simply a continuation of what we've almost come to expect at this point from them!  Kolt Hampton (2030, Chandler, AZ) is a left-handed hitting infielder with present barrel speed and twitch in the turn. Turned around an upper 80s heater that plated two runs in the first inning of the quarterfinals and never looked back. Also got it done on the rubber punching out three and topping out at 86. The number one player in Arizona produced all week and took care of business defensively.  Landen Davis (2030, Beaufort, SC) showed up at the dish this event hitting .500 with four doubles and five RBIs. Stays tight in the turn with present strength and the approach plays to all fields....
Tournaments | Story | 10/24/2026

SBA Takes 14u Title Behind Offense

Jheremy Brown
Article Image
To say there were standouts all over the field for the 14u WWBA World Championship would be an understatement as the matchup of Team Elite 14u Scout and SBA Bolts National 14u saw two of the more loaded rosters going head-to-head with a title on the line. And after weather threw a giant wrench into pool play, both Sunday and Monday were nothing but sunshine and high intensity baseball leading into the final game of the event.  While the game ultimately ended via run rule after five in favor of SBA upon a 9 run inning, it was a tight contest up until that point with Team Elite carrying a 3-2 lead thru four innings.  Team Elite drew first blood as a Ross Logan walk quickly turned into the first run of the game following a well struck single by Cooper Ooten into left field who eventually came around to score following a double steal, scoring before the third out of the inning was...
Softball | Softball Tournament | 10/22/2026

PG Softball Chesterfield Fall Showcase High School Division

Erica Beach
Article Image
PG Softball Chesterfield Fall Showcase HS Division Oct 17-18, 2026 Chesterfield First Community Athletic Complex CHESTERFIELD, MO — It was a perfect weekend for softball, with 16 teams converging on the Chesterfield First Community Athletic Complex to compete in the High School Division. Teams from Illinois, Minnesota, and Iowa were there to battle it out, and there was only one undefeated team in the tournament: the Southeast Iowa All-Stars 16U Gold Flowerbach, who went a stellar 5-0 on the weekend. We were treated to some stellar performances all weekend and below we highlight some of the standout athletes who caught our eyes.  Lucy Turner (2027, Marion, IA) of the Cedar Rapids Reds was a truly dynamic two-way player this past weekend. Offensively, she batted .444 with 5 RBIs and an impressive 6 stolen bases, which led the tournament. She also scored 6 runs for her team and...
Tournaments | Championship | 10/22/2026

Wildcatters Reign Supreme at 13u WWBA

Jheremy Brown
Article Image
After both the Best of the West and the Beast of the East wrapped up, a big conglomerate of high end talent and stacked teams descended upon West Palm for both the 13u and the 14u WWBA World Championships. While the weather threw a wrench into the plans early on and some adjustment was needed to ensure the event moved forward, it was nothing but sunshine and competitive baseball throughout Sunday and into the early morning Monday.  Kicking off with the 13u WWBA World Championship, the first thing to point out is the fact this was a wood bat tournament played on 60-90 fields and while the combo was a first for most, you wouldn't know it with their level of play throughout the weekend. In an unsurprising twist and a continuation of their 12u dominance, the 13u championship saw the #2 seeded Goldin Prospects lock horns with the top seeded Houston Wildcatters, aka the champion of the...
Tournaments | Story | 10/22/2026

17u Coastal Fall Invitational

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Dalton Fisher (2028, China Grove, NC) stands at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, with a lean, projectable frame and room to add strength as he develops. Bats and throws right-handed and plays the outfield. Shows a good approach at the plate with quick hands, solid bat speed, and the ability to drive the ball to all fields. Fisher went 2-for-3 with 1 RBI, putting together a great day at the plate. Bradley Edwards (2028, Summerville,SC) Stands at 6-feet-5 225 strong build and the potential to generate considerable power. Bats and throws right handed is a right handed pitcher. Shows good arm strength and the ability to attack hitters while generating swings and misses. Demonstrates a competitive approach on the mound with the ability to challenge hitters in the zone. Recorded 4.2 innings pitched with 10 strikeouts, a 56% strike rate, and a fastball that topped out at 85 mph. Jackson Pierce (2028,...
Loading more articles...