When a team drafts a player, how long does the team have control over him before his arbitration/FA years?

Question

Do the 6 years start from the year he was drafted or from the time he hits the big leagues?

Do the 6 years start from the year he was drafted or from the time he hits the big leagues?
And isn't there a difference between being arbitration eligible and when you can actually be a FA? (like Miguel Cabrera's case this year)

Answer 1

6 years.

Answer 2

As many as six years in the minors.

Once in the majors, between two and three years for arbitration (three for most, but there is a small percentage of "super twos" who earn arbitration rights), and six years for free agency. Existing contracts overrule standard deadlines (typically called "buying out" years of arbitration or FA).

So it could be up to 12 years.

Answer 3

I thought that arbitration was possible in a player's fifth year in the majors, then free agency after that. The first four years they can keep the player without paying much regardless of performance.

Answer 4

Depends if they sign the player or not. I think they have the right to sign a drafted player indefinitely. Once they sign the player, he has to wait for arbitration.

Answer 5

When JD Drew was drafted by the Phillie's, he decided not to sign w/them. So he sat out for 2 years and then became a free agent and signed w/the Cardinals.