The 2025 MLB Draft is set to take place in Atlanta’s Coca‑Cola Roxy. On Sunday, the future of baseball will be decided. Every pick represents both dreams and lavish contracts. But beneath all that, there’s a financial system containing slot values, bonus pools, and negotiations.

Well, this year, the numbers will amaze you. The overall bonus pool is $350,357,700, which is $15,982,700 more than last year’s. MLB provides each pick a set “slot value.” Spending less? That extra money can be used on other players. And if you spend too much? Expect huge fines or even the loss of draft picks in the future. Managing money is just as important as finding talent on MLB Draft Day.

Curious to know more about the rounds and the finances? Let’s get right into it.

How many rounds are in the MLB Draft 2025?

The MLB Draft lasts for 20 full rounds. Every team gets the chance to pick from over 600 prospects over the course of two days. The first ten rounds have set slot values that are closely related to a team’s bonus pool. It is a system that regulates signing bonuses while ensuring teams have some flexibility in the later rounds. And most importantly, from rounds 11 to 20, they don’t fit into that established framework of slot values.

How much does a first-round MLB draft pick make? Inside the Fortune

Getting to the first round is like winning the lottery. But do you know exactly how much a first-round pick makes? The Nationals’ slot value gives the No. 1 pick $11,075,900. From there on, each slot has a set value that goes down as the round goes on. These aren’t just ideas; they’re MLB’s rules regarding how to slot players. Players sign at, above, or below this “recommended” amount, and both teams and prospects have to deal with changing expectations.

How much does a second and third-round MLB draft pick make? Early Rounds, Big Bucks

Second- and third-round picks still earn serious cash. In Round 2, slot values fall between about $1.4 million and $2.2 million, with pick No. 44 valued at $2,223,600. And in the third round, bonus values continue to decline but remain in the high six-figure range—often $1 million or more—depending on exact pick position.

And also, did you know the MLB Draft is conducted for two days? On Day 1, Rounds 1, 2, and 3 take place. The other rounds? They are scheduled for the next day.

How much does a 4th to 6th round MLB draft pick make? Mid-Round Grind

On Day 2, July 14, picks from Rounds 4 to 10 will take place. Fourth-round picks cost between $722,600 and $544,900. Fifth-round picks cost between $534,400 and $407,300. Sixth-round picks cost between $403,900 and $317,200.

Mid-round picks are frequently the most strategic picks in the MLB draft. Why? Because teams can get great value by finding players who are undervalued but have potential.

How much do 7th- to 9th-round MLB picks get paid? Late round reality

The late rounds bring participants back to reality with a financial reality check. But the pay is still good by conventional standards. Seventh-round picks get between $314,500 and $250,300. Eighth-round picks get between $248,700 and $211,700. And in the ninth round, picks get between $210,900 and $196,000. These numbers aren’t that lavish, but they are good starting salaries for young talent.

How much does the 10th round and beyond pay to a prospect?

The tenth round is the last round of allocated slot values. And the picks range from $195,300 to $187,300. After Round 10, all picks can get a bonus of up to $150,000. If a club goes beyond that number, the extra money goes into their bonus pool. This system makes it easy to tell the difference between the top ten rounds and all that comes after them in terms of money.

From the tens of millions of dollars at the top to the six-figure deals later on, MLB’s 2025 Draft is a mixed bag. If you’re a GM, will you spend big in the first round, or will you save it for later?