The MLB Draft is a chaotic and emotional experience for players, with varying levels of excitement, disappointment, and disbelief. This article delves into the personal stories of several Cleveland Guardians players, each with their own unique draft-day memories. From the anticlimactic signing of Slade Cecconi to the unexpected call for Erik Sabrowski, these tales showcase the diverse range of emotions and experiences that come with being drafted into Major League Baseball.
Slade Cecconi, drafted in 2020, recalled a bizarre and remote draft process due to the pandemic. He faked a contract signing in his living room, a moment his mother made memorable by having him sign the contract with a pen. The Diamondbacks selected him, and he signed his contract electronically, feeling anticlimactic and weird. Austin Hedges, on the other hand, was convinced he'd be a first-rounder in 2011, but ended up being picked by the San Diego Padres in the second round. His high school team banquet was interrupted by the draft, and he was met with awkward glances as he arrived.
Erik Sabrowski, a 14th-round pick in 2018, recalled a frustrating day of watching the draft unfold without his name being called. He was cooking breakfast the next morning when his wife shouted, 'Erik, that's you! San Diego!' He was thrilled to be drafted, despite the earlier disappointment. Tim Herrin, a 29th-round pick in 2018, was socializing at his brother's graduation party when he received a call from his agent, informing him of Cleveland's interest. He tried to avoid upstaging his brother's accomplishment, but the dual celebration was inevitable.
Shawn Armstrong, an 18th-round pick in 2011, was asleep on the couch when he was selected. He was offered a signing bonus significantly lower than what he had requested, and he accepted it after his coach advised him to do so. Steven Kwan, a fifth-round pick in 2018, was in disbelief when Cleveland took him, despite being told to expect a team in the 10-12 range. Joey Cantillo, a 16th-round pick in 2017, was disappointed in himself for not pitching better, but he was still thrilled to be drafted.
Parker Messick, a second-round pick in 2022, laid out caps for each team at his grandparents' house, but no one guessed the team that drafted him. He was eventually selected by the Guardians, and four years later, he's an All-Star. Hoskins, a 5th-round pick in 2014, was surprised when the Phillies called him, as they never reached out during the scouting process. Stephen Vogt, an undrafted senior prospect in 2007, was thrilled when the Tampa Bay Rays took him in the 12th round.
Matt Festa, a 7th-round pick in 2016, was surprised to be drafted as a redshirt senior. He had emailed every Division II school he could find, seeking an opportunity. Kahlil Watson, a 16th-round pick in 2021, felt like the whole city was there to celebrate, despite being projected as high as the back half of the top 10. These stories highlight the diverse emotions and experiences that come with being drafted into Major League Baseball, from excitement to disappointment, and everything in between.
