It was not a mystery as to why Marcus Smith slipped down the board in the 2019 MLB Draft. He had a commitment to the University of Michigan, and it was expected that he would honor that pledge. Nonetheless, the Oakland Athletics took a chance, selecting Smith in the third round following his record setting high school career.
As it turned out, that commitment was not nearly as strong as one would have thought. The A’s managed to sign Smith for a $400,000 bonus, under the signing slot for a third round pick. With his bonus in hand, Smith was sent to the Arizona League, beginning his professional career.