Post by Royals GM (Mac - Retired) on Jan 22, 2014 12:01:16 GMT -8
This rule is simple, but very important. First, let it be stated that an international player cannot be signed without first signing with a MLB team or a MLB minor league affiliate. With that said, a player who is less 26 years of age or younger, will be bid on the same way defined minor leaguers are (flat AAS), and thus will be eligible for the 5 year prospect rule. If a player is 27 years of age or older, he is not considered a minor leaguer, and cannot be retained under the 5 year prospect rule. Instead, this player will require a major league contract and will be bid on the same way defined prospects and major leaguers are.
Important Note: International Players who come over mid-season are not eligible to be bid on in FA; they are to be left for the MLB Player Draft starting January 1st.
*Edit for clarity: If a player is 27 or older, they are eligible to be signed via Free Agency, and are ineligible for the MLB Player Draft that is held after the season (for more information on the draft, read the rule titled "MLB Player Draft") Age is determined on the day of the first MLB game of the season.
please clarify this part...
a player who is less 26 years of age or younger
27 years of age or older, he is not considered a minor leaguer
there is some gray in this rule
"26 or younger" is that 26 year and 364 days or younger or is it 26 and 0 days or younger
the reason i bring this up is that based on the wording of this rule, it looks like the gray area is between 26 years and 0 days and 26 years and 364 days. where does an international player fall under this
if the rule is 26 years and 0 days of younger, then the opposite part of the rule should be 26 years and 1 day or over is not considered for protected status
if the rule is 26 years and 364 days or younger, then it makes sense that the following should be 27 days or older is not eligible for protected status
Important Note: International Players who come over mid-season are not eligible to be bid on in FA; they are to be left for the MLB Player Draft starting January 1st.
*Edit for clarity: If a player is 27 or older, they are eligible to be signed via Free Agency, and are ineligible for the MLB Player Draft that is held after the season (for more information on the draft, read the rule titled "MLB Player Draft") Age is determined on the day of the first MLB game of the season.
please clarify this part...
a player who is less 26 years of age or younger
27 years of age or older, he is not considered a minor leaguer
there is some gray in this rule
"26 or younger" is that 26 year and 364 days or younger or is it 26 and 0 days or younger
the reason i bring this up is that based on the wording of this rule, it looks like the gray area is between 26 years and 0 days and 26 years and 364 days. where does an international player fall under this
if the rule is 26 years and 0 days of younger, then the opposite part of the rule should be 26 years and 1 day or over is not considered for protected status
if the rule is 26 years and 364 days or younger, then it makes sense that the following should be 27 days or older is not eligible for protected status
