MLB International Free Agency Rules

Major League Baseball is made up of both domestic and international talent. Many individuals have been in MLB systems since they were 16 years old due to the international free agency process. The process is one that is crucial to the success of teams and the league, and one that has a few specific rules.

Who is Eligible?

Players must be 16 years old by Sept. 1 of the signing period, which lasts from July 2 through June 15 of the next year. Players must currently reside outside of the United States, Canada or Puerto Rico. Foreign players who are at least 25 years old and have played a minimum of six seasons internationally are not included in the international pool, though they can still sign with a big league team.

How Much Money is Each Team Allotted?

Each MLB team is given $4.75 million to spend. Exceptions are that teams with a Competitive Balance Round A pick get $5.25 million and those with a Round B pick get $5.75 million. Teams can also trade international pool money in $250,000 increments. Teams are no longer allowed to spend more than is allotted or gained via trade. That is a shift from the past.

Different Rules for Cuba and Asia

Cuban players unfortunately have to defect to have a chance to reach the league. Players with six years of professional experience are exempt from the amateur rules.

Japanese and Korean players have to play at least nine professional seasons to be free agents. Those that don't are posted by their respective league and a bidding war begins, such as was seen with Shohei Ohtani.