Report: MLB considering skipping draft due to coronavirus

Major League Baseball is considering the idea of abandoning both the 2020 draft and the upcoming international signing period due to the coronavirus, sources told Ronald Blum of The Associated Press.

Skipping both events would help the league save money while games are paused during the ongoing pandemic, according to Blum.

Any decision would need to be made in conjunction with the MLB Players Association. Discussions between the league and union are ongoing.

The sides are also discussing other issues resulting from the stoppage, including how to calculate service time in a shortened season and when players might get paid, according to Blum.

MLB already canceled the remainder of spring training and delayed Opening Day for at least eight weeks in response to the growing pandemic. While the league is still hoping to play all 162 games this coming season, it's unclear if that will be possible.

The 2020 MLB Draft is scheduled to take place from June 10-12. For the first time, the draft's first round was moved to Omaha, Nebraska, to align with the beginning of the College World Series. However, the CWS has already been canceled.

MLB's next international signing period is scheduled to begin July 2.