MLB Owners Propose 12-Round Draft, $160 Million Cut to Bonus Pool, and International Draft Starting in 2027

MLB owners are proposing to reduce the domestic amateur draft from 20 rounds to 12 rounds, cut the bonus pool from $360 million to $200 million, and require draftees to be at least 20 years old and two years removed from high school. Forbes reported that the owners also want to set fixed slot values for each pick and introduce an international draft.

The proposals would apply beginning in 2027, when the current collective bargaining agreement expires.

Under the plan, high school players would be excluded from the draft, directing more prospects toward college programs before eligibility. The domestic draft has shortened over time. It ran 50 rounds from 1998 to 2011 and 40 rounds from 2012 to 2019.

It dropped to five rounds in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and returned to 20 rounds in 2021. Owners and the MLB Players Association came close to adding an international draft in 2022 during the last round of bargaining. That element was set aside when the sides could not reach a broader agreement.

Forbes reported that the owners argue college programs now provide superior development and exposure. The proposals would also eliminate the flexibility teams currently have to shift bonus-pool money across rounds. The changes would reduce spending on domestic amateurs by at least $160 million in 2027 while the international draft would begin later.

Forbes noted that owners have floated the measures ahead of negotiations that could include discussion of a salary cap.