MLB Proposes Major Changes to Draft Eligibility, Shifting Focus to College Players

In a bold move that could reshape the landscape of amateur baseball, Major League Baseball unveiled a significant proposal on Thursday aimed at altering its draft eligibility system. As part of ongoing negotiations with the MLB Players Association, the league is suggesting the elimination of high school players from the draft pool, instead allowing college players to enter the draft after their sophomore year.

Currently, players who enroll in college must wait until after their junior season or until they turn 21 before they can declare for the draft. MLB emphasized the need for this shift, stating, “Over the last several years, college baseball has undergone a remarkable transformation. Expanded scholarships, NIL opportunities, revenue sharing, and significant investments in facilities and player development have made college baseball an increasingly important pathway that is producing major league-ready talent at an accelerated rate.” This statement underscores the league’s recognition of the evolving dynamics in amateur baseball.

The proposed changes include not just the adjustment of eligibility rules but also a reduction in the draft from 20 rounds to 12 and a cut in the draft bonus pool from $358.7 million to $200 million. Sources indicate that this overhaul aims to streamline the selection process and enhance the development of college talent. The number of high school players drafted has already seen a decline, with only 96 high school athletes selected in 2025 compared to 115 in 2021, reflecting a growing trend towards college recruitment.

This announcement arrives just a month ahead of the 2026 MLB Draft, where numerous elite high school players are expected to be in contention. Among the 334 players invited to the MLB Draft Combine next week, a notable 140 are currently in high school, highlighting the pool of young talent that could be affected by these potential changes.

If the proposal gains approval, it would not only allow more high-level talent to enter college baseball but also enable college players to join the draft a year earlier than current regulations permit. This could lead to younger rosters across Major League Baseball, fostering a fresh influx of talent.

MLB’s proposal also includes the establishment of an international amateur draft, which would create a separate selection process for players outside the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. This new draft would feature a 12-round format and would be limited to players who are at least 18 years old, a shift from the existing rule that allows players as young as 16 to be drafted.

As the negotiations between MLB and the MLBPA unfold, this proposal marks a significant step towards redefining the future of player development in baseball. With the current collective bargaining agreement set to expire on December 1, the coming months will be crucial in determining the direction of these changes.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.