Early look at top five prospects for next year's MLB draft

Nick Burdi has helped pitch Louisville to the College World Series this season while impressing pro scouts.

AP

One of the best additions to the current collective bargaining agreement is the change in the deadline for draft prospects to sign, which was moved up from mid-August to mid-July. Doing so gives the players a chance to sign early enough to actually play baseball this summer. Those who sign have enough of the minor league season remaining to get a meaningful headstart on their pro careers; those who don't sign can still play some summer ball.