MLB Players Association Counters Owners with Amateur Draft Reform Proposal

The MLB Players Association (MLBPA) has presented its own proposal for changes to the amateur draft, rejecting the owners' plan to reduce the draft from 20 to 12 rounds, lower the bonus pool from $360 million to $200 million, and implement an international draft. The union proposes keeping the draft at 20 rounds, moving it back to June, and allowing college players to be eligible after their sophomore year. To enhance competitive balance, the MLBPA suggests allowing revenue-sharing teams to increase their bonus pool by $2 million once over a five-year CBA, with an additional $1 million if they make the playoffs. The union also seeks to reduce penalties for teams exceeding draft pools, removing the loss of draft picks while maintaining financial fines. Additionally, the MLBPA proposes allowing the trading of draft picks in the first ten rounds, a significant change from current rules. The union's proposal notably omits any reference to an international draft, a key owner demand. The negotiations are described as preliminary sparring, with a potential lockout expected in December.