Major League Baseball and the MLB Players’ Union are currently negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement that includes a controversial suggestion: high school draftees would have to wait at least two years after graduation before they become eligible for the draft.
Proposed eligibility shift could reshape college baseball
If adopted, the rule would keep the most promising prospects in the collegiate system for an additional season or two, swelling the talent reservoirs of NCAA programs.
Mid‑major conferences such as the Mountain West and the Pac‑12 could see a noticeable uplift, as players who might previously have headed straight to the minors now choose to enroll and develop over multiple years.
Powerhouses like Oregon State have historically attracted the top prospects, but a deeper pool could benefit programs such as San Diego State, Nevada and Grand Canyon, potentially reshaping the competitive balance.
Analysts have weighed in on the development; ESPN’s Jeff Passan and analyst Kiley McDaniel have both highlighted the possible ripple effects on draft depth and college competition.
While the measure is far from certain and faces significant opposition, its mere consideration underscores a growing interest in strengthening the college game as a feeder for professional baseball.