Major League Baseball (MLB) has long been a highly sought after professional sport, with many aspiring players hoping to make it to the big leagues. As a result, there has been much speculation about who can be drafted and when. One of the most common questions is whether or not a 16 year old can be drafted to the MLB. The answer is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no.
MLB Draft Eligibility
The MLB Draft is an annual event in which teams select players from high school, college, and other amateur baseball programs. In order to be eligible for the draft, a player must be at least 17 years old and have graduated from high school. This means that a 16 year old cannot be drafted to the MLB. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
International Signings
While a 16 year old cannot be drafted by an MLB team, they can be signed as an international free agent. International free agents are players who are signed to a contract with an MLB team, but are not subject to the same draft rules as players from the United States. As a result, some players from Latin America, the Caribbean, and other nations may be signed to a contract before they are 17.
MLB Scouting
It is important to note that even though a 16 year old cannot be drafted, they can still be scouted by MLB teams. MLB teams often send scouts to high school and college games in order to evaluate potential players. While these players cannot be drafted until they are 17, scouts can still offer them advice and training in order to prepare them for the draft when they become eligible.
Benefits of Being Drafted Early
There are a number of benefits to being drafted early. For one, the earlier a player is drafted, the more time they have to develop their skills before making the jump to the professional level. This can be a huge advantage for any player, as it gives them more time to learn and adjust to the demands of professional baseball. Additionally, players who are drafted early are more likely to receive higher signing bonuses, as teams are more willing to pay for potential than they are for proven talent.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while a 16 year old cannot be drafted to the MLB, they can still be scouted and signed as an international free agent. Additionally, even though they cannot be drafted, they can still take advantage of the extra time to develop their skills before making the jump to professional baseball. Ultimately, the decision to pursue a career in professional baseball is a personal one, and any player who wishes to do so should take the time to evaluate their options and make an informed decision.