Drafted prep baseball players given flexibility to hire agents

High school baseball players drafted by major league clubs can now hire agents without affecting their college eligibility.

Baseball America reported that the measure was passed last week during the NCAA’s annual convention. The rule takes effect immediately in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12 and Southeastern Conference. It’s up to other Division I conferences to determine if they’ll also adopt the rule.

From Baseball America:

High school draftees must pay the agent’s going rate and may not receive any additional benefits. If they do not sign, they must terminate their relationship with the agent before enrolling in college.

Texas Tech outfielder Anthony Lyons voiced his support for the rule change at the convention.

“You’re dealing with high school students who are approached by professional baseball scouts, and a life-changing amount of money can be thrown your way,” he said. “In this situation, it’s very important for student-athletes in high school and their families to feel comfortable, to have an agent or advisor or lawyer to help them out.”

Agents widely support the change, as does the American Baseball Coaches Association. ABCA executive director Craig Keilitz told Baseball America that the new rule gives high school baseball players more freedom to make an educated decision about their futures.

The rule change does not affect college players with remaining eligibility.

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