Concerns over the international draft got dozens of fans worried on Friday afternoon.
As a reminder, MLB and the MLB Players Association still have to negotiate the details of the international draft, the league’s idea, before July 25.
As of Friday, the sides are still very much apart in talks and negotiations.
A few Twitter users worried about the future of the 2022 season, which is obviously ongoing.
If there is no agreement regarding the international draft, is the rest of the season in jeopardy?
As always, ESPN reporter Jeff Passan helps us clarify some things.
“Just to clarify: If MLBPA and MLB don’t agree on an int’l draft proposal, it doesn’t affect the season. There wouldn’t be another lockout. The qualifying offer for free agents would remain and international entry would be status quo. This has been a public-service announcement,” he tweeted on Friday.
Just to clarify: If MLBPA and MLB don’t agree on an int’l draft proposal, it doesn’t affect the season. There wouldn’t be another lockout. The qualifying offer for free agents would remain and international entry would be status quo.
This has been a public-service announcement.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 8, 2022
Why The League Wants An International Draft
A qualifying offer is a one-year agreement that can be offered to a player who is set to leave a team as a free agent.
The Players Association will only agree to the international draft if the qualifying offer system is eliminated.
The MLBPA feels that players who are tagged with a qualifying offer can have their market value affected.
When they reject the QO, the team that signs them has to give up some really important draft pick compensation, thus affecting their price tag.
The league wants an international draft because it feels there are several situations of abuse going on in the amateur international player market, with underage signings and other issues.
They feel it’s a more fair way to allocate talent among clubs.
The deadline is set for July 25.
Let’s see if they can agree.
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