MLB to shorten draft from 40 rounds to five

Major League Baseball announced major changes to the 2020 draft shortening it from 40 rounds to five.

The move made between the MLB and MLB players association was strictly to reduce money costs due to the coronavirus epidemic.

There is always friction between that off the MLBPA and front office officials but the move essentially allows teams to sign an unlimited number of undrafted players for $20,000 in addition to the five round draft picks in place, according to ESPN.

The move allows teams to delay signing bonuses with a max of $100,000 to be paid within 30 days of a player signing, 50% of the remainder due July 1st, 2021 and the rest paid off by July 1st 2022.

The last time the MLB shortened their draft was in 2012 going from 50 rounds to 40, according to ESPN.

The 2020 MLB draft is slated for June 10th.