Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft
The Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft, also known as the MLB Draft, is an annual event that takes place during the summer months. It is a time when amateur baseball players from high schools, colleges and universities across the United States are selected by Major League Baseball teams. The draft consists of 40 rounds and lasts for three days. In this article, we will take a closer look at the MLB Draft, its history, and what it means for the future of baseball.
History of the MLB Draft
The MLB Draft began in 1965, with the goal of creating a more level playing field for all teams. Prior to the draft, teams were allowed to sign any amateur player they wanted, which often resulted in the wealthier teams signing the best players. The draft was also seen as a way to prevent teams from hoarding talent and keeping them in their minor league systems without giving them a chance to play at the major league level.
Since its inception, the draft has undergone several changes. In 1987, the draft was shortened from two days to one day. In 2012, the draft was expanded from 50 rounds to 40 rounds in an effort to reduce the number of players who are drafted but never make it to the major leagues. In addition, teams are now given a set amount of money that they can spend on signing bonuses for their draft picks, with higher picks receiving higher bonuses.
The Draft Process
The MLB Draft is a complex process that involves scouting, evaluating, and selecting the best amateur players in the country. Scouting is done by teams' scouting departments, which consist of professional scouts who travel across the country to watch high school and college baseball games. The scouts evaluate players' skills, such as hitting, fielding, and pitching ability, and make notes on each player's strengths and weaknesses.
Once the scouting reports are compiled, teams' front offices use them to create a list of players they are interested in drafting. On draft day, teams then take turns selecting players in each round, with the order determined by the previous season's standings. The team with the worst record in the prior season receives the first pick in each round, while the team with the best record receives the last pick.
Impact of the Draft on Baseball
The MLB Draft has had a significant impact on the sport of baseball. Prior to the draft, teams with more money were able to sign the best players, creating an uneven playing field. The draft has helped to level the playing field, allowing smaller market teams to compete with larger market teams. Additionally, it has helped to create a more competitive balance by preventing teams from hoarding talent in their minor league systems.
The draft has also had an impact on the careers of individual players. Some players who were drafted high have gone on to have successful major league careers, while others who were drafted low have exceeded expectations. The draft also provides an opportunity for players who are not drafted to sign as free agents and try to work their way up through the minor league system.
Conclusion
The Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft is an important event in the world of baseball, as it helps to level the playing field for all teams and provides an opportunity for talented amateur players to pursue a career in the sport. While the draft has undergone several changes over the years, it remains an integral part of the game, and its impact will continue to be felt for decades to come.