Historical games do not default with Spring Training turned on. You need to go to League Settings and turn it on if wanted. When di you have the draft set for (the one that blew past)? In Historical games the draft should remain in November. Moving it earlier makes the game think it is tied to a previous year.
Can't help with the IAFA as I have not used it in some time and I don't think I've ever seen it in a historical game - do you mean the current season quickstart? I think there is a way to build relationships with the players so they will join your organization even if not the high bid. See if that's a thing wherever the IAFA settings are in the League settings. Checking the wiki, looks like it is still an options so as to build loyalty and get kids to sign with you.
https://wiki.ootpdevelopments.com/in...ur_Free_Agents