Olney: Int'l Draft sought in new CBA

[rico43]

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TORONTO -- Major League Baseball is pushing for an international draft as a centerpiece of change in the next collective bargaining agreement with the players' association, according to sources familiar with the proposal.

The current agreement expires in December, and the two sides have been in negotiations.

Under the terms of MLB's initial concept, the new international draft system would start in March of 2018, with a 10-round draft held over two days. As the new structure evolved, with terms grandfathered into the process, the minimum age for draft-eligible players would be 18 years old by 2021.

As part of baseball's proposal, MLB would operate facilities in the Dominican Republic, where international draft prospects would be invited to live to develop their skills and education before becoming eligible. This would also give MLB much greater control over a process which has often been viewed by baseball executives as a wild, wild West of player procurement.

Under MLB’s proposal, Olney reports that international draftees would receive bonuses that are comparable to those received by players currently selected in the annual June amateur (Rule 4) draft.

[bravesfanMatt]

Good

[CJ9]

I was listening to an interview with someone in the Braves' front office a few months ago -- I forgot if it was Coppy or one of the others -- and they were strongly opposed to the draft. They pointed out that even if we'll have a cap on the big dollars we can hand out next year, our scouts still are so good at finding talent that they didn't want to limit that through a draft. He pointed to Albies and Acuna both getting less than $300k. I'd imagine an international draft makes it harder to get those kind of guys.

[cajunrevenge]

It will be harder because there will be more information widely available for all teams. So harder for top prospects to go under the radar. Plus the age limit will be raised to 18 so they will have 2 more years for teams to scout.

[bravesguy]

I think the biggest change will be that they will have to declare for a draft. Now, it is up to a team as to if they want to scout a player. If they have to declare, they put themselves into the mix. Poor scouting teams get brought up to the same level.

Maybe the draft would allow for teams to bypass their slot and not draft anyone? what if a team has no one they would like to give $3M to, but has someone they would give $300K. They would have to not draft anyone in rounds 1-3 and take him in round 4-6? seems like a lot of issues.

[Nerfherders]

I think it's generally good for baseball, if not for the Braves in particular. At least we got Maitan before the switch-over, if it happens.

[mfree80]

I think it's generally good for baseball, if not for the Braves in particular. At least we got Maitan before the switch-over, if it happens.

Looks like the Braves picked the right year to go all in on the International Market.

[bravesfanMatt]

Looks like the Braves picked the right year to go all in on the International Market.

is it. We will be in the penalty this year. so any team not in the penalty can just blow it out this next June and not have to worry about any restrictions. It will be interesting to see if any language gets added to penalize anyone this year for going over.

[Enscheff]

I'd be willing to bet any teams currently in the penalty box will be forfeiting draft picks in this new draft.

[cajunrevenge]

Depends of the Yankees are in the penalty when the draft starts. If they are in the penalty there is no chance mlb has teas forfeit a pick.

[50PoundHead]

If it's only 10 rounds, that means 320 players would be drafted and I think most teams sign more than 10 guys, so there will still be a lot of undrafted free agents.

I don't know what to think about raising the age eligibility. It's probably good for both side for the most part.

[rico43]

If it's only 10 rounds, that means 320 players would be drafted and I think most teams sign more than 10 guys, so there will still be a lot of undrafted free agents.

I don't know what to think about raising the age eligibility. It's probably good for both side for the most part.

I'd be surprised if every team selects 10 players.