Guardians Fail To Sign Second-Rounder Logan Schmidt

Key Points:

• The deadline for MLB teams to sign players from their amateur draft class was Monday at 5:00 pm Eastern, with all but two top-10 round picks signing professional contracts.
• Guardians second-round pick Logan Schmidt (59th overall) and Brewers fifth-rounder Aidan Knaak did not come to terms with their respective teams.
• Schmidt, a highly regarded high school left-handed pitcher committed to LSU, declined Cleveland's offer near the $1.6 million slot value and may pursue college or junior college before reentering the draft. Cleveland will receive the 60th overall pick as compensation.
• Knaak, a Clemson right-handed pitcher with mixed junior year stats, will return to college for his senior season, and Milwaukee loses the fifth-round pick without compensation since only unsigned players in the first three rounds generate compensation picks.
• Both players expressed appreciation for the negotiation process, with Schmidt highlighting respect for the Guardians and excitement for his next steps, while Clemson reportedly aims to retain Knaak with a competitive NIL offer.