Oh yeah, they can totally ask for an inflated signing bonus, or it will be a wasted draft pick (that season). Similar to when the Mets drafted Kumar Rocker in 2021 out of Vandy.
The New York Mets selected Kumar Rocker, a Vanderbilt right-hander, with the 10th overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, expecting a steal. Rocker had agreed to a $6 million signing bonus, $1.4 million above the $4.74 million slot value for the 10th pick Wikipedia+1.
However, after Rocker traveled to New York for his post-Draft physical, Mets officials expressed serious concerns about his elbow health. His velocity had dipped during his junior season, and his mechanics raised red flags CBS Sports+1. Because Rocker had not participated in MLB’s pre-draft MRI program, his medicals were not shared with other teams, and the Mets could forgo making him an offer without penalty MLB+1.
Instead of negotiating a reduced deal, the Mets chose not to extend any offer before the 5 p.m. ET signing deadline. Acting GM Zack Scott said, “This is clearly not the outcome we had hoped for and wish Kumar nothing but success moving forward” MLB+1. Rocker’s agent, Scott Boras, countered that Rocker was healthy per independent orthopedic surgeon reviews and had no need for medical attention ESPN+1.
As a result:
The Mets did not sign Rocker.
They received the No. 11 pick in the 2022 Draft as compensation
Rocker remained eligible for the 2022 draft and later was selected 3rd overall by the Texas Rangers