When Duce Robinson signed his national letter of intent to play for USC, college football fans across the nation couldn’t contain their excitement. The five-star tight end prospect was a major get for the Trojans and a huge boost to their 2023 class. But Robinson isn’t just a football player; he’s also a talented baseball player who is drawing comparisons to New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge. In fact, Robinson’s decision to sign on March 30th, also Opening Day in Major League Baseball, was far from coincidental. While Robinson may not be an S-tier prospect in the MLB Draft, there’s a good chance that with time and experience, he could develop into an elite-level player on the diamond.
Robinson is no ordinary athlete, as he is being compared to one of the most impressive two-sport stars of recent memory: Kyler Murray. Murray made history by winning the Heisman Trophy while also being drafted in the first round of the MLB draft. Robinson shares some similarities with Murray, as he excels at both football and baseball. However, Robinson has the potential to be even better than Murray as he possesses incredible talent on the football field. He is a gifted pass-catcher and has the potential to become a true mismatch nightmare for opposing defenses. Robinson would be a huge addition for Oklahoma, and could develop into one of the most talented pass-catchers in the country.
Kyler Murray’s decision to decline the Oakland A’s $14 million offer to play baseball may have seemed risky at first, but it ultimately paid off. As the presumptive No.1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Murray knew he had the potential to sign for even more money in football. And that’s exactly what happened. The Arizona Cardinals selected him as their first pick and he signed for over $35 million, fully guaranteed. Murray is a rarity in the world of sports, comparable in talent to iconic athletes like Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders. It’s no wonder he chose football, as it’s where he’s truly excelled.
The debate about whether athletes should focus on one sport or try their hand at multiple sports is an age-old question. In the case of Robinson, his talent in both football and baseball cannot be denied. While quarterbacks like Murray may be more valuable than tight ends like Robinson, there is no denying Robinson’s potential as an MLB prospect. With his impressive bat speed, power and outfield skills, Robinson could have a very high ceiling in baseball. The question then becomes, is it worth it for Robinson to focus on just one sport or to try his hand at both in college and the pros? Only time will tell, but Robinson’s talent and versatility make him an intriguing athlete to watch.
When it comes to choosing a career path, financial stability is always something to consider. While baseball may not offer the same initial payout as football, it’s important to remember that success in any career takes time and dedication. That being said, having someone like Riley in your corner can only help guide you towards success. With his track record of getting athletes like Murray to maximize their potential and earning power, Robinson is in good hands. Plus, the fact that Robinson played high school ball at the same school as Spencer Rattler, another one of Riley’s successful pupils, only adds to the perfect fit between athlete and coach. Ultimately, the decision is up to Robinson, but with the right guidance, he could make a name for himself in either sport.
The NFL and MLB are two of the biggest sports leagues in the United States, and each has its own unique set of rules when it comes to rookie contracts. It’s hard to compare the two leagues’ contracts dollar-for-dollar, but when you dig a little deeper, you can see that there is quite a bit of difference between them. For example, the first pick in the fourth round of the NFL this year is set to make a cool $4.1 million over four years. In order for a baseball player to make that kind of money in their rookie contract, they would have to be a top-20 pick or have a team willing to pay them just to keep them off of a football field. Furthermore, while NFL rookies generally only have four-year contracts, MLB rookies can be under team control for up to six years, assuming they reach the majors. There’s no doubt that both leagues have their pros and cons, but when it comes to rookie contracts, the NFL definitely has the upper hand.
When it comes to the value of top draft picks in professional sports, there is a stark contrast between the MLB and the NFL. While the No.1 pick in the 2023 MLB Draft is set to receive a little less than $10 million, the top selection in the NFL can expect a whopping $27 million signing bonus with an average annual value of $10.24 million. Interestingly, some teams choose to manipulate this value, paying prospects less than the slotted amount to save money for future investments. However, in the MLB Draft, overpaying a prospect can come with significant consequences, such as paying a tax on the overage or even losing future draft picks. It’s important for teams to weigh their options carefully and make strategic decisions when investing in talented young players.
Paying extra for a player and sacrificing valuable draft picks is no small feat for any sports club, let alone for just any prospect. In order for a club to make such a big investment, they have to be truly in love with the player’s potential. This is where we find ourselves with Robinson, a high school athlete who has yet to fully prove himself on the diamond. Despite this, Robinson has something most prospects don’t: leverage. With the ability to call his own shots, Robinson is in the enviable position of being able to make his own future. For every high school recruit, that’s the dream.
