Marlins: Will the end of college baseball affect the MLB Draft?

Will the decision to cancel NCAA winter and spring sports this year have a direct impact on the MLB Draft in July and the Miami Marlins?

Another part of the game of baseball has been canceled that may have an impact on the Miami Marlins and Major League Baseball.

"As Dayn Perry of CBS Sports reported, “In response to the growing threat from coronavirus, which was recently declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization, the NCAA on Thursday cancelled all winter and spring championships. Most notably, that means neither the men’s nor women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament will be held this year.“However, it also means that the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska has been cancelled even though the event isn’t until early June — almost three months away. “"

It’s still early, but with the decision of league office to suspend spring training baseball and push back the start of the Major League season could still have an effect on how the Marlins prepare for the MLB draft this summer. Miami holds the third overall selection.

"“This decision is based on the evolving CVOID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities,” a statement from the NCAA read in part."

The Marlins, like every other team, is playing a waiting game now that is has been decided to shut down spring baseball and postpone the start of the Major League system. It also means the 30 teams won’t have as much tape on potential college players who may be selected.

The Marlins issued a statement regarding the news from the league office on Thursday. The news came on the same day the NHL halted its season. The Players Championship golf tournament in Ponte Vedra, Florida was also halted after one official day. The NBA had halted its season after two players tested positive for the virus.

More from Marlins News

"“We support the Commissioner’s decision to suspend Spring Training games and delay the start of the 2020 Major League Baseball season at least two weeks,” Marlins CEO Derek Jeter wrote in a statement via MLB.com.“This is an unprecedented time and this is certainly an unprecedented decision that was made in the best interest of the players, fans, and communities across the country. We urge everyone to continue to exercise the preventive measures set forth by the CDC and stay informed regarding the latest developments on this virus. The Marlins will make additional announcements, including those regarding ticket information, as details become available.”"

The team had started the Grapefruit League 12-6 in February and up until Thursday.
Last year, the College World Series was won by Vanderbilt, who was led by outfielder JJ Bleday. Bleday was the first-round pick of the Marlins, the fourth player selected overall.

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