Major League Baseball announced Friday that there have been discussions about instituting an international player draft, but an agreement could not be reached.
“The Office of the Commissioner and the Players Association have discussed various issues regarding international amateur players, including the possibility of an international draft,” a statement released by MLB read. “While both parties discussed an international draft, an agreement was not reached on some of the mechanics and procedures related to such a draft.
“Thus, an international draft will not be implemented in 2014. The parties intend to continue to discuss international amateur talent issues, and the current system of international talent acquisition as described in the Collective Bargaining Agreement will remain in place at this time.”
Commissioner Bud Selig said last year that drafting international players is “inevitable.”
Baseball America reported that one motivation for having an international draft is to crack down on age and identity fraud, performance-enhancing drug use and bonus skimming, which have mainly affected Latin American players.
ESPN reported that the discussions included instituting the international players draft in March. The owners were reportedly willing to “give up significant concessions,” including a higher minimum salary and less time to qualify for arbitration.
Currently, teams acquire international players via free agency that includes signing bonuses. According to Sports Illustrated, the bonuses have caused increased financial restraints on small-market teams, which have instead focused on building through amateur talent.
The 2013 First-Year Player Draft is June 6-8 and will be broadcast on the MLB Network. Coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET. It will also broadcast a draft preview show, simulcast on MLB.com, at 6 p.m.
The Houston Astros have the first overall pick.