The 2020 Major League Baseball draft could be cut from 40 rounds down to five in order to save costs, according to ESPN . Last year, more than 1,200 players were picked in the draft, but this year just 160 will be chosen. Teams would also be allowed to pick up an unlimited number of undrafted players for $20,000 each.
The change is expected to only slightly reduce the amount of money spent by team owners, but it will likely have a significant impact on baseball’s developmental system. With fewer opportunities to turn pro this year, and with the NCAA allowing all spring sports seniors to redshirt the 2020 season, far more players may try to stay in school. And next year, if the draft bounces back up to 40 rounds, there could be a wave of sidelined talent.
