Free agency doesn’t end when a player signs — it reshapes the MLB Draft. Our latest Reliance Baseball News article breaks down how qualifying offers connect both worlds, why teams are compensated for losing stars, and what front offices weigh when signing big-name free agents.

Marc Topkin - Homer Bush Jr. has the tools to do a lot of things really well, and the Rays have been pleased with what they’ve seen since acquiring him in July 2024 from the Padres as part of the return for reliever Jason Adam. The 24-year-old Bush gets on base. He hits for average. He steals bases. He plays a strong center field. He showcased all those skills while spending the entire season at Double-A Montgomery and hitting .301/.375/.360 with 57 stolen bases in 121 games. “Homer quietly put together a very solid season this year for us,” Rays assistant GM Kevin Ibach said. “He’s just a very well-rounded player who is also a leader in the clubhouse. Offensively, he has shown the consistent ability to get on base. The stolen base numbers obviously stand out, but the elite speed can impact the game in so many ways. “He’s a gifted center fielder with more reps on the grass than (2025 Rays rookie) Chandler (Simpson) had at the same level, for example. So we feel very comfortable about the defensive floor at the end of the day.’’ The one thing the 6-foot-2, 215-pound Bush hasn’t done yet is hit for power, despite having the build of a football player. He hit zero home runs in 2025 and has slugged just .373 in three pro seasons since being drafted by San Diego in the fourth round in 2023 out of Grand Canyon. “You look at his body, and he wouldn’t look out of place playing (for the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers),” Ibach said. “So while the impact hasn’t quite shown up in the offensive stat line, there’s optimism about some untapped power potential.’’ Bush is the son of the former big leaguer of the same name.

The 2025 World Series isn’t just about who wins—it’s a masterclass in how champions are built. This article explores how roster construction, long-term player investment, and international scouting define winning organizations and what lessons agents, scouts, and players can take into 2026 and beyond.

Congratulations to Reliance Baseball's, Ben Simon of the Mets organization on winning the Eastern League Double-A Championship with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies! Since his promotion to Double-A, Ben was lights out — posting a 1.06 ERA across 11 games (17 IP) with 20 strikeouts, a .194 opponent average, and a 10.59 K/9. When the playoffs came, he raised his game even higher, earning a critical 6 out save in Game 2 of the ELCS while throwing 4.1 scoreless innings with 0 hits and 0 walks allowed. Despite not being a “star” at Elon University, Reliance Baseball identified Simon as a hidden gem at a mid-major program. Our team guided Ben and his family through every step of the draft process, making sure he was in the best position to succeed. The result? A $150,000 signing bonus with the New York Mets — proof that the right guidance can uncover value where others overlook it. Quick Facts: - Name: Ben Simon - Birthplace: Princeton, NJ - Height/Weight: 5’11” / 197 lbs - Age: 23 - Draft: 2023 MLB Draft – Round 13 - College: Elon University - Organization: New York Mets - Signing Bonus: $150,000

⚾ Families often wonder whether changing a graduation year can give their son an edge in development, recruiting, or even the MLB Draft. Looking at the 2025 Draft, the data shows almost no difference in signing bonuses between 17-, 18-, and 19-year-old seniors. Yet, oddly enough, the first three high school players selected were ages 17, 18, and 19 — Eli Willits, Ethan Holliday, and Seth Hernandez — proving that elite talent rises at any age.