MLB Announces 2025 Draft, 2026 International Signing Period Bonus Pools

[Jamie Cameron]

This week, the league office released bonus pool allocations and pick values for the 2025 MLB Draft. Additionally, MLB released international signing bonus pools for the 2026 signing period.

Image courtesy of © Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Despite finishing with the 14th-worst record in 2024, the Twins will pick 16th in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft, courtesy of falling two spots in the MLB Draft Lottery. They will revert to picking 14th in all subsequent rounds. They have the 12th-largest bonus pool overall, at $12,653,000 (marginally more than 2024). This is primarily a function of their Competitive Balance Round A pick, 36th overall, which revenue-sharing recipient teams garner in either Comp Round A or Comp Round B on an annual rotation.

The Twins' top-100 picks and slot values are as follows:

• Slot value for pick 16: $4,929,600
• Slot value for pick 36: $2,692,200
• Slot value for pick 54: $1,761,600
• Slot value for pick 88: $893,000

This combination of financial and pick flexibility puts the Twins in a strong position to work with a draft class shaping up to be uncertain in terms of top-tier talent, but with plenty of depth through around 75 picks—and interesting prep bats, in particular.

Reminders on Draft Financials
Organizations are allowed to spend up to 5% more than their total pool without incurring a penalty, a choice most teams take advantage of. The Twins and the Rockies are the only MLB teams who have never spent any overage on their bonus pool. Any amount up to 5% over the pool is met with a 75% tax on the overage. If a team spends between 5-10% more than their pool, the penalty is 75% tax on the overage and loss of a future first-rounder. Any team who exceeds their bonus pool by more than 10% up to 15% pays 100% tax on the overage and will lose a first- and a second-round future pick. Any team who exceeds their bonus pool by more than 15% loses two future first-round picks, in addition to paying 100% tax on the overage.

Rounds 11-20 work differently from the first half of the draft. These picks do not come with an assigned slot value. Teams can spend up to $150,000 per pick without that spending coming out of their bonus pool. If they spend over that amount, any overage will be deducted from their bonus pool. For example, an 11th-round pick signing for $250,000 will result in $100,000 being subtracted from that team's bonus pool. 

MLB Announces 2026 International Bonus Pools
MLB announced bonus pools for the 2026 international signing period, too. The 2026 signing window opens on Jan. 15th, 2026 and runs through Dec. 15th, 2026. The Twins are in a group of eight teams (which also includes the Tigers) who have the joint second-largest bonus pools. The Twins can spend $7,357,100 in the 2026 international signing window.

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[DocBauer]

It sounds crazy to say, but with such a convoluted top of the 1st round with no agreement on who is #1, #2, etc...and debate who the top 10 might even be...this is actually a good draft to have a decent $ pool and sit around 16 like the Twins are. 

The Twins will continue to follow their basic draft principles, but you might see a few more HS picks this year.

[Jamie Cameron]

14 hours ago, DocBauer said:

It sounds crazy to say, but with such a convoluted top of the 1st round with no agreement on who is #1, #2, etc...and debate who the top 10 might even be...this is actually a good draft to have a decent $ pool and sit around 16 like the Twins are. 

The Twins will continue to follow their basic draft principles, but you might see a few more HS picks this year.

Doesn't sound crazy at all. I think 16 is a solid spot. You can see how your board plays out, likely pick a player who is in your top 14 (because there is always surprises) and you still have a premium Comp pick at 36. I'd expect them to tap into the prep class in some way, which is always fun.

[rdehring]

Thanks, Jamie.  This information is appreciated.

With that large International pot of cash, hopefully the Twins will start seeing some International players contribute three or four years out.  Seems there has been little International help, signed by the Twins, since that big year when they got Sano, Polo and Keps. 

[Jamie Cameron]

7 hours ago, rdehring said:

Thanks, Jamie.  This information is appreciated.

With that large International pot of cash, hopefully the Twins will start seeing some International players contribute three or four years out.  Seems there has been little International help, signed by the Twins, since that big year when they got Sano, Polo and Keps. 

For sure! Couple things on that note:

1. Twins will always been in that top two quadrants of team with the most money to spend, so opportunities should be ample.

2. We're still in a bit of a crossover time between the old international admin and the new. Some of the bigger agreements will still have been made pre Barinas/Goldstein.

Appreciate you reading!