When you sign an IFA or draft prospect after the minor league season is complete (season 5 for example) the following season (6) they show as 0 years, and can not be traded. They are treated the same as an IFA or draft pick from season 6. It says 0 pro years, and 0 ml years. 

My question is, does this player develop for 4 full seasons, thus stealing a half season of development that most drafted players do not receive as they only report to the farm for half a season after the draft and then the following season are listed as 1 pro year.


Anyone observe anything on this before? I know the player begins season 6 with 0 years, but I have never tracked anyone to see how their 4th year went in terms of development.

Best example I could find:  Hardball Dynasty – Fantasy Baseball Sim Games - Player Profile: Rashun Bryant

I drafted him as a 22 y/o college senior and didn't sign him.    He was signed as a FA the next season by another team.   I see three seasons of development.

Same thing.  Hardball Dynasty – Fantasy Baseball Sim Games - Player Profile: Earl Mohr

Gained 1 pt in eye in 4th season. 

I think an 18year old would be a better example, as college kids or 21-23 year olds tend to stop developing later anyways.

He's not asking if a HS guy who doesn't sign at all develops in any particular way; as you point out, those guys just vanish, the question would be pointless.  He's asking if you get an extra full season of development if you sign an IFA after the minor league season is over so you can't play him.

The answer is, "no."  I do that all the time for minor league filler.  You just lose the development for the half-season the guy didn't play.

Does this mean that if you don't play a prospect in his signing season, he can never develop fully to his potential, due to lost playing time?

Or does his development just get spread out over the three seasons he does play - that is, the three seasons of development are about as good as the 3 1/2 would have been if they'd signed right away?

Not sure if its possible to prove either way, but if it's the first, that means its far better to sign an IFA at the beginning of the season than the end.

Neither of the players I posted improved in their 4th season.    That would lead me to believe they were stunted somewhere.    Could have been poor coaching, lack of playing time, etc, etc.    But it looks like that missed season counted in the standard 4.

Either way, I don't think players develop the same in that first half season either.

Yes, what I meant was if I sign an IFA in day 120...he develops for half a season, next season he has a 1 beside his pro years...if I sign a player after the minor league season, he carries over a 0 in his pro years...Im looking for examples of 18 year olds. 

Mike your examples appeared to be 22 and 23 years old when signed. Those guys tend to slow down development in the 3rd year anyways. 

Sorry for the delay in replying to the thread. Moved and was without internet for a couple days then forgot about it.

I'd suggest opening your IFA signings page and sort by age.   Surely someone has done what you're looking for in one of your past seasons.