MLB team owners are discussing major changes to the amateur player-entry system, according to multiple reports. The proposals include cutting the current amateur draft from 20 rounds to 12 rounds and reducing the overall signing bonus pool. Owners also want to restructure how draft spending works by creating hard slot recommendations for teams’ selections. Another element under consideration is a change to player eligibility, with a reported plan to require prospects to be 20 years old rather than following the current age rules.
In addition to revising the amateur draft, owners are also considering adding a separate international draft. The proposal would introduce a new formal mechanism for teams to acquire international talent, alongside existing international signing practices.
The reports indicate these ideas are part of an effort to overhaul the draft process and signing economics, but they do not describe final approval or an agreed timeline. The proposals reflect ongoing negotiations over how MLB should balance competitive equity, player development, and team spending.
