Overview
- The league presented the package on Thursday as part of CBA talks, proposing domestic eligibility at age 20, a cut from 20 to 12 draft rounds, and a $200 million hard bonus pool for drafted players.
- MLB would also introduce a 12‑round international draft with 18‑year eligibility, a separate $200 million international pool, and strict limits on undrafted signings including $10,000 maximum bonuses.
- The MLBPA immediately rejected the plan, saying the measures would slash more than $1 billion in player pay over five years, remove rights for young players and damage development pathways.
- Owners argue the changes respond to expanded college resources and widespread international signing abuses and would give teams predictable costs through hard slot values.
- Negotiations remain early and adversarial with the current CBA expiring Dec. 1, 2026, raising the risk that the stalemate over salary caps and these draft reforms could lead to a work stoppage.