MLB's Manfred Looks To Grow Draft By Having More Prospects Attend

MLB began its '17 Draft last night in Secaucus, N.J., and Commissioner Rob Manfred said the league is continuing to seek better schedule coordination with the NCAA to allow more players to attend the Draft in person. This is part of a larger effort MLB is pursuing to grow the event significantly. California prep SS/P Hunter Greene, who was picked No. 2 overall by the Reds, was one of four draftees present last night. That number has never hit double digits in the televised history of the Draft.

Manfred said, “The event could be improved if we could figure out the logistics of having more players being present. You hear a lot of talk from various constituencies in the game about marketing players. But it starts here tonight.” The Twins selected California prep SS Royce Lewis with the top pick, and high school players represented the top three picks in the Draft for the first time since '90.