MLB Could Skip Draft for Financial Reasons During Coronavirus Outbreak With Service Time Conflict Brewing

Major League Baseball operations are currently frozen due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Many thought that this would blow over in a couple of weeks time, but all indications point to a months-long suspension of play. And now, an annual baseball tradition is in flux.

According to the Associated Press, MLB is considering skipping this year's entry draft and international signing period in an effort to save money during this crisis.

The report states that teams spend approximately $400 million total in draft bonuses, while also accumulating scouting costs.

Additionally, the league and MLB Player's Association are discussing how this delayed start to the season will affect the service time rules, which determines a player's free agency and arbitration eligibility. The league reportedly proposed that players will be credited for full service for 130 games or more, and a proportional number depending on how many games the season is shortened due to the global pandemic.

However, the player's union countered by saying that players should be granted full eligibility regardless if games are played at all in 2020.

This wasn't what the league envisioned happening. They took a page out of the NFL's playbook by taking the Entry Draft out of the MLB Network Studios and bringing it to the College World Series in Omaha, Neb., so selected players can show up to accept their respective jerseys and caps. Now, it may not happen at all, considering the NCAA canceled the CWS and amateur leagues were shut down, so there's nothing for MLB clubs to scout.

Don't expect a groundbreaking MLB Draft to occur this year. 2021 is a much safer bet.