MLBPA Proposes Expanded Draft Eligibility, June Return

MLB and the MLB Players Association are trading proposals over the amateur draft and a broader CBA, with the league pushing to reduce draft eligibility to college players only and cut the draft to 12 rounds by 2027, while the union advocates maintaining a 20-round format and expanding eligibility to include college sophomores. The MLBPA also seeks higher signing bonuses, flexible negotiation instead of fixed slots, lighter penalties for exceeding bonus pools, and more draft-pick trading to aid lower-revenue and postseason teams. In contrast, MLB has tied its draft overhaul to a wider push for a salary cap and other CBA terms, signaling a potential labor confrontation that could threaten offseason moves, spring training, and Opening Day if a deal isn’t reached. Context from historical negotiations shows the CBA has long been a focal point of labor strife, including past lockouts and strikes, with the 1994-95 strike leaving a lasting impact on the sport. The current phase indicates significant divergence on core financial and eligibility issues, raising expectations of a contentious offseason.