MLB wants to completely change how young players enter professional baseball. A new rule proposal would stop high school players from entering the draft. It would also cut the draft from 20 rounds down to 12. These changes would leave hundreds of young players with no chance to be drafted and cut total signing bonus money by almost half. Former World Series champion AJ Pierzynski says he absolutely hates the idea.

The new plan forces players to go to college instead of turning pro right out of high school. Pierzynski believes this is just a way for MLB to create a free minor-league system.

“I absolutely hate this idea… Basically, what this is saying is, they want college baseball to be the new minor leagues,” Pierzynski said in a conversation with Erik Kratz via Foul Territory.

According to ESPN reporter Jeff Passan, MLB proposed this massive change during the ongoing CBA talks. The owners are trying to limit spending and create a strict salary cap before a possible lockout happens. Under the new rules, high school players can no longer enter the draft directly. Starting in 2028, domestic players must be 20 years old by September 1 to get drafted.

They must also be two years removed from high school. On the other hand, college players would be eligible to be drafted a year earlier, generally in their sophomore year, provided they meet the new age requirements.

The domestic draft is proposed to be cut from 20 rounds down to 12 “hard-slotted” rounds. Total amateur signing bonuses would be slashed from the current $358.7 million to $200 million. MLB has done this before as well. After the 2020 pandemic season, MLB reduced the draft from 40 rounds to 20. It is believed that this new proposal is a step towards helping owners save money.

As per Pierzynski, this is nothing but a remodelling of the minor leagues. Currently, high school players and junior college players are draft-eligible. Four-year college players usually become eligible after their junior year or upon turning 21. Now, if college players in their sophomore season get drafted and high school players get excluded, the new college baseball would be an updated version of the MiLB.

A shorter draft also hurts late-round players who just need a chance to prove themselves. For example, Pierzynski’s podcast co-host, Erik Kratz, was drafted in the 29th round. Under this new plan, that round would not even exist. Capping the bonus money is also just another way to keep player pay low.

“It’s amazing how it always comes back to the owners spending the least amount of money,” Pierzynski added.

Despite all these changes, MLB also needs to check its existing guaranteed contracts.

MLB’s guaranteed contract is leaving players exposed

Remember Jurickson Profar? He signed a $42 million contract with the Atlanta Braves last year, only to get suspended for 80 games for testing positive for PEDs. Then, in early March this year, Profar was suspended for the entire 2026 season after failing another drug test. So, from his $42 million and 3-year deal, the Braves have had Profar’s services for just 80 games so far.

2027 is still left, and if not suspended again, he will return next year. MLB’s guaranteed contract ensures that while his 2026 salary was forfeited, he is still eligible for his $15 million next year. If the Braves DFA him, Profar would still get his dues. This is what makes a few players sacrifice their long-term goals and illegally beef up for some insane numbers. Even if they get suspended, the minimum amount will still be payable.

Especially for the international talents coming to MLB, hoping for bigger paycheques. The current CBA is yet to get a proposal around this, but it may be the need of the hour.