MLB's Draft Overhaul Targets International System, Bonus Cuts
Sweeping proposal creates first international draft, slashes high-school bonus pools, and introduces lottery. Agents push back.
Sweeping proposal creates first international draft, slashes high-school bonus pools, and introduces lottery. Agents push back.
MLB has proposed a sweeping draft overhaul that would create the first international draft and restructure the domestic draft with significant cuts to bonus pools for high-school prospects. The plan, presented to the Players Association, aims to align the two talent pipelines under a unified system, potentially transforming how teams acquire amateur talent globally. The proposal includes a hard cap on international spending, a draft lottery for domestic order, and a reduction in the number of rounds.
For high-school players, bonus pools would shrink substantially, limiting the signing bonuses that once rewarded top prep talent. MLB argues the changes would curb runaway spending and create a more predictable system for both clubs and players. The structural changes could produce clear winners and losers.
Small-market teams that currently struggle to compete for elite international prospects may gain a more level playing field under a capped system. Large-market clubs that have dominated international spending—like the Yankees and Dodgers—would face tighter constraints. Among players, college prospects might benefit from fewer high-school picks ahead of them, while high-schoolers see their earning potential slashed.
Agents have already voiced strong opposition, arguing the proposal limits player choice and earning potential. By removing the market-driven dynamic, players would lose leverage in negotiations, especially top international talents who currently command multi-million-dollar bonuses. The union must weigh the benefits of a unified system against the loss of individual bargaining power.
What's next: The draft overhaul is part of ongoing collective bargaining negotiations. The MLBPA will counter with its own proposals, and the final shape of any changes will depend on the broader CBA deal. The outcome sets a precedent for baseball's next labor agreement and will dictate how teams build rosters for years to come. Read at ESPN
This overhaul could fundamentally reshape how MLB teams build rosters on a budget. A unified draft with hard spending limits would level the playing field between small- and large-market clubs, potentially increasing parity. But it also risks suppressing player earning power, especially for international and high-school prospects. The negotiation between MLB and the union will determine whether the sport prioritizes competitive balance or individual player freedom, setting a precedent for the next collective bargaining agreement.
ESPNespn.comBy Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan19 Jun, 16:46en
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