In terms of the Pittsburgh Pirates and smaller market teams in general, the best way to build for the future is through the draft. However, with the new bonus allotment system, it has become even more difficult for teams to sign some of their picks. This can be seen every year as a number of top prospects either do not get drafted, slide down the board due to signability concerns, or get drafted and choose to go to college instead. For instance, in 2016 the Pittsburgh Pirates did not have enough bonus money to sign Nick Lodolo at pick number 41.
Pittsburgh Pirates Draft: Gunnar Hoglund Unlikely to Sign
