Key Takeaways
- MLB prohibits teams from scouting amateur players during designated recovery periods starting this offseason
- High school players get three months of protected rest (Oct. 15, 2025 – Jan. 15, 2026)
- College players receive two months without evaluation pressure (Nov. 15, 2025 – Jan. 15, 2026)
- Policy targets dramatic increase in amateur pitcher injuries linked to year-round performance pressure
- Teams cannot collect data from games, showcases, workouts, or any throwing activities during the period
New Policy Creates Protected Rest Windows
Major League Baseball announced its Amateur Recovery Period, a first-of-its-kind policy that creates mandatory downtime for young players by restricting when professional teams can evaluate talent. The initiative prohibits MLB clubs from scouting amateur players or collecting on-field data during specific months, removing the constant pressure to perform at maximum effort year-round.
The policy applies differently based on player level. High school athletes receive protection from October 15, 2025 through January 15, 2026, while college players get coverage from November 15, 2025 through January 15, 2026. During these windows, clubs cannot scout or obtain data from any baseball activities including games, showcases, tournaments, batting practice, bullpens, and workouts.
Medical Experts Drive Policy Development
The recovery period emerged from discussions between league officials, medical experts, scouting directors, and college coaches who identified year-round amateur baseball culture as a key factor in rising injury rates. The constant cycle of travel baseball, showcases, and evaluation opportunities has created an environment where young athletes feel compelled to skip rest and recovery.
“Young pitchers are foregoing periods of rest and recovery in order to ‘max-out’ at showcase events and perform for MLB teams, even when feeling tired or fatigued,” said Dr. Gary Green, medical director for Major League Baseball. The policy aims to reduce this pressure and decrease incentives for athletes to throw at maximum effort throughout the year.
Players Maintain Training Flexibility
Athletes can continue individual skill development during the recovery period, including hitting and pitching on their own. However, the policy specifically regulates club activities and third-party data collection related to domestic amateur players. MLB encourages players to focus on long-term health and performance development during these months.
The league recommends using the protected time for core and lower body strength development, consistent arm care routines, endurance building, and proper preparation for spring seasons. This approach allows players to maintain their development trajectory while getting necessary physical and mental recovery.
Strategic Implications for Youth Baseball
The Amateur Recovery Period represents MLB’s most direct intervention in amateur baseball scheduling and culture. By removing evaluation pressure during peak rest months, the policy could influence how travel teams, showcase operators, and training facilities structure their calendars.
The initiative sends a clear message about professional baseball’s commitment to player health and safety. It also creates a standardized approach to protecting young athletes that could influence other sports facing similar year-round participation pressures.
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via: MLB
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