Interesting breakdown there......comes down to pitchers are prioritized, the better you are at any position the more $$$ you can get, outfielders need to be special to get $$$, looking for a big bopper at first base. No real super secret there.

Same in swimming. I think women have 14.5 to give on a team that is usually in the 28 athletes range. Priority is given based on upper level meet cuts and power rankings. If you can contribute to the relays, that factors in as well.