MLB draft lottery to be explored in CBA

A revision of the current draft format will be one of the key points discussed when MLB Players Association executive director Tony Clark leads negotiations to replace the current collective bargaining agreement that expires Dec. 1.

Clubs draft in the reverse order of their winning percentage the previous season, perhaps an incentive to trade talent late in the season once executives realize a playoff berth is out of reach. A lottery to determine the order of top picks, such as the NBA has had since 1985 and the NHL has had since 1995, might change behavior.

''It will be beneficial to look at that,'' Clark said. ''And not look at it in a vacuum but appreciate whatever it is that we attempt to negotiate there or propose there, that it ties into the other moving pieces and doesn't create an imbalance.''

The idea of an international draft has been discussed in recent years but was planned to not be revisited until the current CBA expires. Commissioner Rob Manfred has said he's in favor of an international draft in order to create the most efficient competitive balance.

Clark sees the benefits to changing the current system but also acknowledges making such a significant change might not be easy.

''While conceptually it sounds nice to think of everyone entering the game in the same fashion, the truth is there are significant issues,'' Clark said. ''It will undoubtedly be part of the negotiation in '16, and it will be very interesting to see how that discussion manifests itself.''

- With files from theScore