Some of MLB‘s current stars, such as Fernando Tatis Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto, and Ronald Acuna Jr., just to name a few, have been signed as international free agents when they were teenagers.
MLB wants to replace that signing process with an international draft.
Their idea is to eliminate some of the irregularities associated with the current process, such as kids signing earlier than they should and extreme pressure to perform, which can lead to the use of banned substances.
However, it would change a system that has been in place for years and involves trainers, coaches, academies, scouts, and many people who may not disappear, but could see their roles altered somewhat.
It’s fair that there is some resistance to change.
Tatis Is Definitely Not Thrilled With The Idea Of An International Draft
Tatis is certainly not a fan of the international draft idea.
Fernando Tatis Jr.: "The International Draft is going to kill baseball in DR. It's going to affect us a lot, because there will be many young people who used to give them the opportunity to get a bonus and with the draft it will not be the same ”, per @ElCaribeRD. pic.twitter.com/KpUm6KEazb
— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) March 9, 2022
“Fernando Tatis Jr.: ‘The International Draft is going to kill baseball in DR. It’s going to affect us a lot, because there will be many young people who used to give them the opportunity to get a bonus and with the draft it will not be the same’, per @ElCaribeRD: that was a tweet by reporter and analyst Hector Gomez, quoting Tatis’ dissatisfaction with the concept of a draft.
The draft will involve some bonuses, but it’s important to note that undrafted free agents will be capped at $20,000, per Maria Torres of The Athletic.
Important correction: UFA bonuses would be capped https://t.co/rshi4gXndh
— Maria Torres (@maria_torres3) March 9, 2022
The league wants to implement the international draft starting in the 2024 season, but David Ortiz, a prominent and influential voice in baseball for obvious reasons, feels that it’s better to wait at least a few more years.
Until the international draft is approved by the Players Association, the CBA deal will have to wait.
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