MLB proposes major draft changes among items in latest CBA talks, reports say

Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association remain locked in ongoing collective bargaining negotiations, with the league recently bringing a significant proposal regarding player acquisition to the table.

Proposed Changes to the Amateur Draft

Among the most notable shifts is a proposal from MLB to institute a hard 20-year-old age limit for all amateur draftees. This move would effectively end the long-standing practice of drafting high school players directly into the league.

International Talent Acquisition

According to reporting from ESPN, the league is seeking to implement a 12-round draft specifically for international players. Under the current system, players can sign with organizations as young as 16, though these processes are often defined by informal handshake agreements that the league now aims to eliminate.

By raising the age threshold for international signees to 18, the league seeks to restructure the pipeline. Furthermore, increasing signing ages would inherently push back the timeline for players to reach free agency, which currently requires six years of major league service time.

Tension in CBA Talks

These proposals are part of a broader package regarding amateur players, which reportedly includes plans for significant budget cuts for the traditional U.S.-based draft. The atmosphere surrounding these negotiations is tense, especially following the owners' recent push for a salary cap. That proposal has become a major flashpoint between the league and the MLBPA, fueling concerns over a potential prolonged lockout.

The Associated Press contributed to parts of this report for 205focus.com.