Can MLB teams rebuild through the draft?

Question

Does it ever happen that a team would trade veterans for a slew of draft picks? Probably not so much in MLB, huh?

Answer 1

You can't trade for draft picks, but from what I understand that could change in the next couple of years.

But, yes, you can build a team over a period of time through the draft and trading for youth The best modern example: The Tampa Bay Rays.

Answer 2

Yeah, but it is a slower process.  Most teams use a mix of draft picks, free agents, and trades to build their team.

Answer 3

In the MLB nobody is ever going to give up a veteran for just draft picks.  Since the minor league system is so deep they can give up veterans for players that have what they deem to be a good upside.  The draft can produce some  good players for your team but it takes forever for most guys to make it through the minor league system.

Answer 4

You can't trade draft picks in baseball.

The only team I can think of that has been built up through the draft is the Tampa Bay Rays...

Answer 5

They could but that would take a long process and good minor league managers that can bring out the potentional in all their young stars. Most likely  no one would just through the draft but it is possible after a couple years like maybe 5 you may have a contender team.

Answer 6

They can begin to rebuild but that is not something that is common.  If they can get lucky and pick up some great players out of the draft who actually do really well in the minors then they could possibly trade several of them for a couple of big players in the MLB.  However, you never know how a great college player will preform in the pros or if they my get hurt.  MLB teams wouldnt risk trading experienced players to try to get some rookies typically