MLB owners propose raising draft age to 20 starting in 2028

Under the plan, a prospect would need to be at least 20 years old by September 1 of the signing year and two years removed from high school graduation. The measure would also eliminate players who completed one year of junior college. The owners also seek to shorten the amateur draft from 20 rounds to 12 rounds beginning in 2027 and reduce spending on signing bonuses.

Player and coach reactions Several current players who signed as teenagers said the change would remove an option they valued. Pete Crow-Armstrong, selected at age 18 in 2020, said the minor leagues provide time to develop after leaving high school.

Ben Brown, drafted at 17 in 2017, recalled learning to manage money and live independently in the lower levels of the minors. College coaches said the proposal would increase the appeal of NCAA programs. Mississippi coach Mike Bianco said major-college baseball already offers strong competition and academic support.

Arizona State coach Willie Bloomquist said teams have told recruits they prefer to evaluate players after three years at a Power 4 program.

Background on current system In the 2025 draft, 56 college players were taken in the top 90 selections. College programs now offer 34 scholarships, up from a previous limit of 11.7. Several recent first-round talents, including Nick Kurtz and Paul Skenes, reached the majors after playing in college and spent little time in the minors.

MLB has said it will maintain 120 minor-league teams in the top four levels after current development agreements expire in 2030, though the composition of those teams would change without high school signees.