Report: MLB could skip amateur draft due to coronavirus shutdown

Major League Baseball is considering skipping its amateur draft this year and putting off the next international signing period, according to Ronald Blum of the Associated Press.

Both measures would be done to save teams cash during the COVID-19 shutdown, which will last until at least mid-May. With no money coming in from broadcasts, ticket sales or sponsorships, teams are looking for ways to cut expenses.

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Bonus rules for the draft and international free agents are part of the collective bargaining agreement between the league and the Player's Association, but MLB could attempt to cite the national emergency as reason to make unilateral changes, Blum writes.

MLB shut down all scouting activity -- including domestic and international, private and public -- on Mar. 16.

The draft is scheduled for June 10-12.

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