Major League Baseball (MLB) has proposed a draft overhaul that would raise the age for international amateurs and slash the money spent on signing bonuses. If the league gets its way, starting in 2028, a prospect for the amateur draft would have to be at least 20 years old by the September 1 of their signing year and two years removed from the graduating year of their high school class.

Impact on Teen Players

This proposal would limit the choices for teen players, potentially benefiting colleges. Many current MLB stars, including Pete Crow-Armstrong and Mike Trout, signed as teenagers. Crow-Armstrong, who was selected as an 18-year-old with the No. 19 overall pick in 2020, hopes other young ballplayers will still have the option to begin their pro careers early.

Some players, like Cubs pitcher Ben Brown, who was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies as a 17-year-old, have fond memories of staying in hotels with roommates in the lower levels of the minors and learning how to budget money on a low salary. Brown believes that going into pro ball at a young age was a blessing, allowing him to work hard and develop his skills.

College Baseball on the Rise

College baseball has grown rapidly in recent years, with NCAA programs now offering 34 scholarships instead of the old cap of 11.7. Some players, like shortstop Roch Cholowsky, who played at UCLA for three seasons, have benefited from the college game. Cholowsky could be the No. 1 selection in next month’s MLB draft after a standout career with the Bruins.

Mississippi baseball coach Mike Bianco believes that the college game has become more enticing, with more young prospects deciding it’s the best option. Bianco’s four sons all played at least some college baseball, and he would have made them go to college even if they had been potential first-round draft picks.

Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.