Sports fans know both Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball. However, not all sports fans are familiar with one of the newest additions to the baseball scene: the MLB Draft League. Established in 2021, the MLB Draft League offers a unique opportunity to see the next generation of MLB stars take the field. If you love watching young prospects improve their game and showcase their skills, the MLB Draft League is definitely worth checking out.
What Is the MLB Draft League?
The MLB Draft League includes six former Minor League teams and allows team members the opportunity to impress scouts and hopefully get drafted into the Majors. Created by the MLB and Prep Baseball Report, the league sees draft prospects and professionals play ball in a split-season format. All of the teams operate out of former Minor League facilities, providing both the players and the fans with a top-rate experience. Each team has former Major League players as managers and coaches who foster young talent and prepare them for professional careers.
How Does the League Work?
The MLB Draft League is unique for its split-season format. In the first half of the season, running from June to July, team rosters are filled with draft-eligible players including top college prospects looking to earn their spot in the Major League. The second half of the season, which lasts between July and September, switches rosters over to a professional format. Rosters are filled by paid players who have exhausted their amateur eligibility.
Meet the Teams
There are six MLB Draft League teams, all located in the East and Midwest.
Trenton Thunder
Arm & Hammer Park in Trenton, NJ
2021 Champions
West Virginia Black Bears
Kendrick Family Ballpark in Morgantown, WV
2022/2023 Champions
Mahoning Valley Scrappers
Eastwood Field in Mahoning Valley, OH
State College Spikes
Medlar Field in State College, PA
Williamsport Crosscutters
Muncy Bank Ballpark in Williamsport, PA
Frederick Keys
Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium in Frederick, MD
Why Attend a Game?
Exciting baseball is being played in the MLB Draft League. Since the Draft League began in 2021, 133 players have been drafted and over 70 more have been signed as free agents by Major League teams. In recent second-half seasons, a handful of professional players have seen their contracts bought out by MLB organizations. Attending any MLB Draft League game is a guaranteed way to see future MLB stars up close and personal before their careers take off. If this sounds exciting, check out tickets near you!