While I'm sure more would have gotten on board with your roster if it was released nearer when the game came out and people started franchises, I'm sure many people will still give yours a look. And now that you have the base of it, for future years I'm sure you'll be able to add on and also have it ready for release time.
I'm sure many people who want their rebranded league to have a complete fresh start with no prior stats will enjoy this. I know that was the big appeal to me and I may in fact still give it a shot after for a second franchise once it's out.
I'm also glad to hear you seemingly gave up on needing 3,000 players for release. I don't think it's as important to have complete 90 man rosters for every franchise as it is to just have it released. Especially considering many of those "filler" players are never going to make it to the MLB anyway. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't even think Bacon's roster is 3,000 players deep.