MLB announces inaugural draft combine

Major League Baseball and USA Baseball are partnering up to hold an MLB Draft Combine this summer. The inaugural event will take place from June 21 to 28 at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C., and the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, N.C.

Together, USA Baseball and MLB clubs selected over 100 top prospects from both the high school and collegiate ranks. These players will convene for on-field workouts as well as strength and conditioning drills. They will be joined by several top baseball personnel, including executives and former players.

Torii Hunter, Fred McGriff, Brad Penny, Billy Butler, Royce Clayton, Rickie Weeks, Roger McDowell, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Gregor Blanco, Michael Barrett, Erik Kratz, Ray Searage, and Rajai Davis are among the list of decorated former players who will attend. Former managers Jeff Banister and Bo Porter, who both have baseball development backgrounds, will be in attendance, as will executives Omar Minaya, Raul Ibañez, and Michael Hill.

The experience will not only allow draft prospects to put their talents on display in a showcase-style setting but also prepare for careers in baseball. In addition to medical and performance assessments, they will undergo educational programming “designed to prepare them for a career in professional baseball,” according to the league. There will also be a unique showcase tournament designed specifically for the prep prospects in attendance.

This inaugural MLB Draft Combine will be open to the media. There are also plans in place for MLB and its clubs to provide content via their social channels. Further, MLB Network will provide frequent coverage, including five consecutive hours of footage, interviews, and analysis on June 25.

The 2021 MLB Draft will be held in Denver, Co., as part of the league’s All-Star Break festivities. The 20-round spectacle, which is set to kick off on Sunday, July 11, will span three days.