on 6/18/2026, 9:59 pm
Domestic players would not be eligible for the draft until they're 20 years old. The MLB draft would be reduced from 20 to 12 rounds. All international players would be subject to a separate international draft but be eligible at 18 years old. What this means is that American high school graduates would have to play 2 years at the collegiate level (D1 or lower or JUCO) before becoming eligible to be drafted or sign a professional contract. Another option would be play in one of the independent leagues (Long Beach is in one) until they reach the age of 20.
This would turn the MLB into a system similar to the NBA or NFL - rely on the colleges to develop players. Can you imagine how much better quality college baseball will be under this system? I doubt if college baseball will become as popular as college football or basketball but it will definitely be higher profile than it is now.
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