Major League Baseball’s recent proposal to significantly alter the amateur draft process has drawn sharp criticism from prominent players and the MLB Players Association (MLBPA). The league unveiled the plan on Thursday as part of ongoing negotiations ahead of the collective bargaining agreement’s expiration on December 1.

Under the proposal, the draft would be shortened from 20 rounds to 12, and the overall signing bonus pool for draftees would be nearly halved. Most notably, the plan would exclude high school players from eligibility, requiring domestic prospects to wait until after their sophomore year of college before entering the draft. MLB also aims to establish an international draft capped at 12 rounds. The league argues the changes would help more players benefit from both a college education and elite development environments while accelerating their progression to the major leagues.

The MLBPA responded swiftly, labeling the proposal as detrimental to the sport and future players. In a statement, the union called the measures “flat out bad for baseball,” arguing they would harm the next generation of athletes and the long-term vitality of the game.

Several high-profile players voiced their disapproval, highlighting how entering professional baseball directly from high school contributed to their development. Freddie Freeman, the nine-time All-Star and future Hall of Fame first baseman who was drafted in the second round out of Orange El Modena High School in 2007, expressed disbelief upon learning of the proposal. He described the proposals as "ridiculous" and “all about money,” asserting that the league’s approach to labor talks has prioritized cost-cutting over competitive balance.

Freeman emphasized that starting his professional career immediately after high school allowed him to grow within the Atlanta Braves’ organization and thrive as a player. “They believed in you at such a young age,” he said.

Similarly, Mookie Betts, also an MVP winner, recalled that being drafted out of high school by the Boston Red Sox in 2011 expedited his development. Betts noted that the professional game differs significantly from college baseball and that entering the pros earlier provided a critical advantage. Under the current system, he pointed out, players must remain in college for at least three years, which would have delayed his draft eligibility and, consequently, his MLB debut.

The league and the players’ union have been at an impasse over multiple issues this offseason, including the introduction of a salary cap, with the amateur draft now adding another layer of complexity. With a lockout looming and the start of next season uncertain, the dispute over the draft highlights the broader challenges in reaching a new labor agreement.

While MLB frames its proposal as a way to improve player development and education, union representatives and veteran players view it as primarily a financial maneuver that curtails opportunities and delays players’ arrival in the major leagues and their path to free agency.

Freeman summarized the sentiment succinctly: “That’s all just a money issue.”