In a significant development amid broader collective bargaining negotiations, Major League Baseball has formally proposed sweeping changes to both its domestic and international amateur player acquisition systems, aiming to reshape talent development pipelines for years to come. The league presented these ideas to the MLB Players Association during recent meetings, as the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) heads toward its expiration on December 1, 2026.
At the core of MLB’s domestic amateur proposal is a shift toward a college-centric model. Under the plan, high school players would become ineligible for the draft beginning with the 2028 class, with eligibility instead tied to players turning 20 years old by September 1 of the draft year and being at least two years removed from high school graduation. College players—who already make up the vast majority of draftees—would become eligible one year earlier than under the current rules. This adjustment would not require active college enrollment; prospects could also be selected after stints in leagues like the MLB Draft League or independent circuits.
MLB argues this evolution reflects the transformation of NCAA baseball, bolstered by expanded scholarships, NIL opportunities, revenue sharing, and improved facilities. The league points to data showing that 75 percent of domestic Major Leaguers now come through the college ranks, with many arriving in the big leagues faster and contributing immediately. Proponents believe the changes would allow more young athletes to benefit from higher education and elite development environments before turning pro, ultimately strengthening college programs and fan connections to future stars.
The proposal envisions separate Domestic and International Drafts, each featuring a hard-slotted 12-round format with equal signing bonus pools starting at $200 million. Teams could trade selections with limitations—such as restrictions on consecutive first-round trades and caps on acquiring early picks—while draft picks could be dealt for the following year’s event under certain rules. Additional elements include mandatory medical evaluations at a Draft Combine, attendance bonuses for top prospects, a reduction in draft lottery selections from six to four, elimination of Competitive Balance picks, and allowances for signing unlimited passed-over players.
On the international side, MLB seeks to address what it describes as persistent challenges in the current unregulated signing system, including early verbal commitments that pull young athletes out of school, performance-enhancing drug use, and inefficiencies where a high percentage of signees never reach the Majors. Only about 6 percent of international signings currently make it to the big leagues, with many released within a few years.
Key pillars of the international proposal include raising the signing age by one year (requiring players to turn 18 by September 1 of their draft year), implementing a structured International Draft with transparency to curb “handshake” deals, expanding scouting and development leagues with housing, stipends, and education programs, and introducing safeguards such as trainer codes of conduct, bans on PED providers, and protections against exploitative financial arrangements. MLB emphasizes keeping kids in school longer, reducing pressure on teenagers, and creating more opportunities for older, overlooked prospects.
These amateur system proposals come as part of wider CBA negotiations that have already seen the sides exchange opening offers marked by significant philosophical differences. MLB has advocated for a hard salary cap (around $245 million) paired with a floor (near $171 million) to promote greater competitive balance, a priority Commissioner Rob Manfred has highlighted as a top fan concern. The union, conversely, has pushed for measures like a “competitive integrity tax” on low-spending teams, higher minimum salaries, expanded draft lotteries to deter tanking, and adjustments to revenue sharing and free agency rules without a formal cap.
With talks still in early stages and no immediate resolution in sight, the amateur draft proposals represent an area where MLB sees potential for modernization that could benefit players, clubs, and the game’s grassroots levels. Whether these ideas gain traction—or serve as bargaining chips in the larger economic discussions—remains to be seen. As the December 1 deadline approaches, stakeholders across baseball will be watching closely to see if a new agreement can be reached without the disruptions of past labor strife.
The coming months promise intense negotiations. For now, MLB’s vision for the amateur drafts underscores a belief that evolving the pathways to the Majors can create a more sustainable and equitable future for the sport.
