Major League Baseball is proposing significant changes to its amateur draft as part of ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement talks with the MLB Players Association. Multiple reports say MLB’s plan would end eligibility for players to be drafted directly out of high school, raising the draft eligibility age to 20 instead. The proposal also calls for restructuring the draft itself by reducing the number of rounds, according to reports that cite a drop from 20 rounds to 12. In addition, MLB would create a new international draft, expanding the league’s efforts to manage amateur talent globally.
The MLBPA has criticized the proposal, with at least one report characterizing its response as a broad pushback to the draft eligibility and structure changes. Supporters of MLB’s approach argue it would reduce spending and alter how teams acquire amateur players, while opponents contend it would limit opportunities for younger prospects. The proposals are being discussed during CBA negotiations, and no agreement has been reached. The latest reporting also notes that relatively few players are selected from high school in the most recent draft, underscoring that the current eligibility rules have produced limited high school draft numbers.
