The MLB Players Association (MLBPA) has put forth a proposal for the domestic draft that contrasts sharply with one made by Major League Baseball owners. While owners suggested reducing the draft to 12 rounds, slashing amateur signing bonuses by over $150 million, and barring high school players, the MLBPA advocates for preserving the current system.

Their proposal aims to maintain draft eligibility for high school and junior college players, and also for four-year university players after their sophomore year. The MLBPA also wants signing bonus pools to grow with industry revenues, which were $358.7 million in 2026, and proposes mechanisms for small-market teams to increase their pools. Additionally, the union suggests reducing the tax penalties for teams exceeding their allotted spending pools, allowing greater flexibility to attract amateurs who may be drawn to NIL money in college sports.

Further recommendations include moving the draft to June and permitting the trading of picks in the first 10 rounds. This comes after MLB's June 18 proposal for a 12-round draft with $200 million in signing bonus pools for 2027, alongside an international draft and a cap-and-floor system for the major league level. The MLBPA has yet to present its plan for international amateurs.