MLB alters scouting rules for draft-eligible players
Photo credit: https://www.youtube.com
Major League Baseball has has introduced new rules and protections aimed at amateur player health.
The policy, called the Amateur Period Recovery Policy, adds and codifies new rules about the scouting of players over the winter.
While there are many nuances involved, the policy essential encourages top amateur players to rest, rather than trying to push themselves to get in shape for showcases and that no team or employee is to scout players for the winter.
MLB has adopted a new rule that prohibits teams from scouting/evaluating/gathering data on draft eligible players over the fall/winter offseason. The goal is to encourage pitchers to rest and recover.
The moratorium runs from October 15th-January 15th and applies only to domestic players, which includes the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. It doesn't apply to international or undrafted free agents.
Arm health an increasing issue
Arm injuries, especially among younger players, have been on the rise in baseball over the last decade. A 2024 report indicated that a player was five times more likely to require surgery if they did not have an offseason rest period.
Players can still work out if they choose, but the winter will be referred to as a dead period of scouting.
[The hope is to] reduce the incentive for amateur players to perform at maximum effort year-round by designating a period in the calendar, during which time clubs are prohibited from evaluating amateur players, to ensure appropriate rest, recovery and development for players.
The policy was written with full support of Major League Owners.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 19 | 155 ANSWERS MLB alters scouting rules for draft-eligible players Do you agree with the new policy aimed at protecting player health? | ||
| Yes | 142 | 91.6 % |
| No | 13 | 8.4 % |
| List of polls | ||