Major League Baseball announces new Amateur Recovery Period 

There are growing concerns that the demands of the amateur baseball calendar and year-round travel baseball and showcases do not allow adequate time for the rest and recovery that young athletes need to stay healthy. Starting this offseason, Major League Baseball will be instituting an Amateur Recovery Period that creates downtime for players by prohibiting teams from scouting amateur players or collecting on-field data -- allowing those players the time to focus on rest and recuperation while continuing to develop.

The Amateur Recovery Period dates for athletes will be as follows for this offseason:

High School Players: Oct. 15, 2025 through Jan. 15, 2026

College Players: Nov. 15, 2025 through Jan. 15, 2026

The idea for this initiative was the result of league discussions with medical experts and scouting directors, college coaches and other key figures in the sport. The year-round culture of amateur baseball -- and the pressure to skip rest and recovery in order to constantly perform at maximum effort -- has been identified as a key factor contributing to the dramatic increase in amateur pitcher injuries.

It was determined that a recovery period -- where teams were not allowed to evaluate amateur players -- would give players that opportunity to rest, recover and train. The policy states that during these months, clubs are not permitted to scout or obtain data from games, showcases, tournaments, batting practice, bullpens, infield-outfield, drills, workouts and any other activities related to throwing, hitting, catching or fielding.

“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. “This [recovery period] would potentially reduce the pressure on young pitchers and decrease the incentive for them to throw at maximum effort year-round, sending a message that MLB is serious about protecting youth pitchers and taking actionable steps to improve player health and safety.”

Athletes can still hit and pitch on their own in the recovery period, but the months-long break will regulate club activities with respect to domestic amateur players and third-party data providers. The league has stressed that they encourage players to explore areas that are important to long-term health and performance -- such as developing strength in the core and lower body, following a consistent arm care routine, increasing endurance and properly ramping up for their spring seasons. All in an effort to give players that much-needed rest, while not sacrificing a shot at succeeding at the next level.