2024 MLB Draft League Informational FAQ
What is the MLB Draft League?
The MLB Draft League is a six-team baseball league featuring a split-season amateur-professional format. The first half of the MLB Draft League season features Draft-eligible players aiming to improve their stock ahead of the annual MLB Draft in July. The League switches to a professional format in the second half, with paid players comprising the six rosters. The season concluded Wednesday, Sept. 5, with the League’s Championship Game.
First Half (June 4-July 13, 2024): Amateur/Draft-eligible players from the Divisions I-III, NAIA, Junior College and High School (graduating seniors) levels. 35 games per team.
Second Half (July 18-Sept. 4, 2024): Professional players who have exhausted their amateur eligibility. Players receive housing, meal money, travel and weekly compensation. 45 games per team.
What is the benefit of playing in the MLB Draft League?
MLB Draft League participants receive unprecedented visibility to MLB Club scouts through both in-person observation and state-of-the-art scouting technology that is shared with all 30 MLB teams. All facilities are former minor-league stadiums, which previously hosted teams from the New York-Penn League and Eastern League. The Draft League’s managers and coaches are former professional players, coaches and instructors who will help prepare the players for careers as professional athletes. All MLB Draft League games are streamed on the League’s website.
What technology will be used in the MLB Draft League? To whom is it made available?
The MLB Draft League relies heavily on the use of technology such as Trackman, Synergy and Rapsodo to help educate players. All of the data and analytics aggregated throughout the MLB Draft League season will be shared with the athletes, their college coaches (if applicable) and MLB scouts. Additionally, the League will use the data and video captured throughout the season to highlight and promote players on social media.
How many MLB Draft picks and professional players have the MLB Draft League produced?
Since its inception in 2021, the MLB Draft League has had 185 players selected in the MLB Draft and more than 90 undrafted free agents signed by a Major League organization. Additionally, 12 players from the Professional half of the 2022-24 MLB Draft League season had their contracts purchased by a Major League organization. Click here for a full list of players from the MLB Draft League who were selected in the 2021-24 MLB Drafts.
When did the 2024 MLB Draft League season start and end, and how many games?
The 2024 MLB Draft League season was split into two halves. The first half of the 2024 MLB Draft League featured a 35-game schedule beginning June 4 and concluding on July 13. The second half started Thursday, July 18, and finished Thursday, Sept. 5, with the League's Championship Game. 45 scheduled games per team in the second half.
Who is eligible to participate in the MLB Draft League’s first half?
Any current draft-eligible prospect from the Division I, Division 2, Division 3, NAIA and Junior College levels as well as graduating high school seniors can participate in the pre-Draft portion of the MLB Draft League.
Who is eligible to participate in the MLB Draft League’s second half?
College graduates and/or players who have exhausted their amateur eligibility can participate in the professional portion of the MLB Draft League.
How many teams are in the league?
Six. The Mahoning Valley Scrappers, the State College Spikes, the West Virginia Black Bears, the Williamsport Crosscutters, the Trenton Thunder and the Frederick Keys. Teams are geographically based in New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
What kind of baseball facilities will the MLB Draft League be playing in?
All facilities are former minor-league stadiums, which previously hosted teams from the New York-Penn League and Eastern League. In addition to high-level facilities, players will get a feel for life as professional players with travel and continuous gameplay.
- Trenton Thunder Ballpark (Trenton, N.J.)
- Eastwood Field (Mahoning Valley, Ohio)
- Medlar Field (State College, Pa.)
- Kendrick Family Ballpark (Morgantown, W.Va.)
- Journey Bank Ballpark (Williamsport, Pa.)
- Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium (Frederick, Md.)
What is the fee for players to participate in the MLB Draft League?
The league is free for players. In the first half, players need to pay their way to get to the league at the start date.
What are the players’ living arrangements?
Players will be provided housing free of charge by their MLB Draft League team. All teams in the league have extensive experience providing high-quality housing to players during their time as Minor League teams, and the league is working with teams to make sure all housing meets applicable COVID-19 safety precautions.
Are meals included in the MLB Draft League?
Players will receive pre-game and post-game meals.
What if my college team is still playing at the start of the league?
No problem. Players will report when their college season is officially over. MLB Draft League personnel will be in close communication with you throughout the process.
What is Prep Baseball Report’s role in the MLB Draft League?
Prep Baseball Report will be responsible for all on-field operations of the league, including player selection and recruitment, data capture and collection, and roster management during the season. Additionally, Prep Baseball Report will provide social media coverage of MLB Draft League players and teams.
What is the process to play in the MLB Draft League?
Prep Baseball Report’s scouting staff will source all players for the league. PBR staff will contact players’ college coaches for recommendations to identify all the top draft prospects, in addition to working off PBR’s draft lists and scouting information. PBR staff will also confer with pro scouts and advisors.
If I want to play, coach or work in the MLB Draft League, what should I do?
Click this form link and submit. You can also email draftleague@prepbaseballreport.com.
How will pitchers be used?
The MLB Draft League will follow best practices for player health and safety, including the recommended Pitch Smart pitch count limits.
COVID-19 Protocols
Player health and safety are of the utmost importance to MLB, PBR and the MLB Draft League teams. We are working together to implement comprehensive COVID-19 health and safety protocols, and will provide participating players with additional information prior to the season.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
Yes. Due to COVID-19 protocols, players should bring their own equipment, such as helmets, catchers gear, batting gloves, cleats, mitts, etc. Teams will provide helmets should a player not have their own. Wood bats will be provided by the team.
How can I stay up-to-date with all that is happening in the MLB Draft League?
For more information about the MLB Draft League, visit mlbdraftleague.com or follow @mlbdraftleague & @draftleaguedata on Twitter and @mlbdraftleague on Instagram.