MLB Proposes Radical Draft Changes in CBA Talks, High School Players Excluded
Major League Baseball (MLB) and the MLB Players Association (MLBPA) met on Thursday to discuss significant changes to the amateur talent acquisition process as part of their ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations. MLB introduced a proposal aimed at modernizing the draft system, which includes: Eliminating high school players from draft eligibility. Drafting college players at age 20, typically after their sophomore season. Shortening the draft from 20 rounds to 12. Implementing a $200 million hard slot bonus system for signing bonuses. Establishing an international draft similar to the domestic draft. MLB stated, "Over the last several years, college baseball has undergone a remarkable transformation... Our proposal is designed to build on that momentum to benefit the game at the college, minor-league and major-league levels." The proposed changes aim to enhance the quality of college baseball, allowing players to benefit from education and elite development while accelerating their path to the major leagues. However, this could deter top amateur athletes from choosing baseball over other sports that offer earlier financial opportunities. The MLBPA responded critically, arguing that the proposals would: Eliminate over a billion dollars in player compensation over five years. Remove fundamental player rights by barring high school and junior college players from the draft. Delay international signings, pushing the first international draft to as late as March 2028. As the current CBA is set to expire on December 1, both parties are still in the early stages of negotiations, with MLB outlining its ideal changes before further discussions.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-06-18