Why were no Dirtbags drafted in 2025?
Based on the information available, the primary reason no players from Long Beach State (the Dirtbags) were drafted in the 2025 MLB Draft is likely due to a combination of factors related to the team's performance and potentially individual player decisions:
Team Performance: Long Beach State finished the 2024 season with a 25-29-1 record, including a 10-20 record in Big West conference play. This suggests a less competitive season compared to other college teams that had multiple players drafted.
Player Transfers: It's worth noting that Myles Patton, a pitcher who had been with Long Beach State, transferred to Texas A&M for the 2025 season and was drafted by the Red Sox. This indicates that some players who might have been draft prospects from LBSU opted to play elsewhere.
Junior Year Decisions: College juniors can choose to return for their senior years instead of entering the draft. It's possible that some players who were draft-eligible decided to play another year at Long Beach State.
Bonus Negotiations and Agent Influence: The MLB draft's economic landscape, with assigned values for picks and signing bonus negotiations, can influence player decisions to attend the draft or sign after being drafted. Agents also play a role in advising players on these matters.
Overall Draft Class Strength: The strength of the overall draft class can also impact how many players from a particular school get drafted. In a strong year for prospects, competition for draft slots might be more intense.