Major League Baseball has put forward a sweeping set of proposals during ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations with the MLB Players Association (MLBPA), aiming to fundamentally transform how the league acquires amateur talent. The changes, which could take effect as early as the 2028 draft, include eliminating high school players from the domestic draft, raising the minimum eligibility age, shortening the draft, slashing bonus pools, and introducing a formal international draft.
The proposal has already drawn sharp criticism from the players’ union, agents, scouts, and some club officials, who argue it would limit opportunities for young athletes and shift development burdens heavily onto colleges.
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Core Elements of MLB’s Proposal
According to multiple reports, the key components include:
• Ban on High School Picks: High school players would no longer be eligible for the domestic MLB Draft. Players would need to be at least 20 years old and two years removed from high school graduation (typically making them eligible after their sophomore college season).
• Shorter Draft: The domestic draft would be cut from 20 rounds to 12 rounds with hard slotting for signing bonuses.
• Reduced Bonus Pools: The amateur signing bonus pool for the domestic draft would be slashed to $200 million — a reduction of more than $150 million from recent years. A separate $200 million pool would apply to the new international draft.
• International Draft: A new 12-round international draft for amateurs outside the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, with eligibility starting at age 18 (up from the current 16 for many signings).
MLB has framed the changes as a way to bring more structure to international signings, reduce inefficiencies, and leverage the college system, noting that a large percentage of current big leaguers already come through the collegiate ranks.
MLB today proposed an overhauled domestic amateur-entry system that removes high school players from the draft, makes college players eligible after sophomore year, shortens the draft from 20 to 12 rounds, and cuts bonus pool from current $358.7M to $200M, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 18, 2026
Strong Pushback from MLBPA and Others
MLB today proposed an overhauled domestic amateur-entry system that removes high school players from the draft, makes college players eligible after sophomore year, shortens the draft from 20 to 12 rounds, and cuts bonus pool from current $358.7M to $200M, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 18, 2026The MLBPA quickly condemned the proposal, stating it would “destroy fundamental player rights and remove talent from our sport by barring high school and junior college players (anyone under age 20) from the domestic draft.”
Agents and scouts have expressed concerns that the changes would create barriers for talented young players who prefer professional paths over college and could diminish the talent pipeline. Some within clubs have also voiced private frustration.
On the other side, some college baseball stakeholders see potential benefits, viewing it as an opportunity to strengthen the NCAA game.
Broader Context in CBA Talks
These draft proposals come amid larger negotiations, including MLB’s push for a salary cap (strongly opposed by the union) and other economic issues. The amateur system changes represent a significant attempt by owners to control costs and development in the amateur market.
Negotiations are expected to continue, and the union is widely anticipated to reject this framework. Any final agreement would likely involve substantial compromises on both sides.
This story is developing, with potential ripple effects on high school baseball programs, college recruiting, international scouting, and the overall future of player development in MLB. Fans and stakeholders will be watching closely as talks progress.
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