<P> The first amateur draft was held in 1965 . Unlike most sports drafts , the first - year player draft is held mid-season , in June . Another distinguishing feature of this draft in comparison with those of other North American major professional sports leagues is its sheer size : under the current collective bargaining agreement the draft lasts 40 rounds , plus compensatory picks . In contrast , the NFL draft lasts for seven rounds ( a maximum of 256 selections ) , the NHL entry draft lasts seven rounds and roughly 215 picks , and the NBA draft lasts for only two rounds ( 60 selections ) . </P>
<P> The first amateur draft was held in 1965 . Unlike most sports drafts , the first - year player draft is held mid-season , in June . Another distinguishing feature of this draft in comparison with those of other North American major professional sports leagues is its sheer size : under the current collective bargaining agreement the draft lasts 40 rounds , plus compensatory picks . In contrast , the NFL draft lasts for seven rounds ( a maximum of 256 selections ) , the NHL entry draft lasts seven rounds and roughly 215 picks , and the NBA draft lasts for only two rounds ( 60 selections ) . </P>
why does mlb have so many draft rounds
why does mlb have so many draft rounds
under the current collective bargaining agreement the draft lasts 40 rounds , plus compensatory picks
under the current collective bargaining agreement the draft lasts 40 rounds , plus compensatory picks