The '21 MLB Draft “is set to be held July 11-13 in Atlanta,” around a month later than its typical date, according to sources cited by Collazo & Cooper of BASEBALL AMERICA. The move to July will tie the draft “into All-Star weekend,” and it will allow MLB “to include draftees in one of the biggest weeks of the MLB season.” The draft “is set to be 20 rounds,” per an agreement between MLB and the MLBPA after the five-round draft this year. The move to July also means it will take place “after the NCAA College World Series has concluded” (BASEBALLAMERICA.com, 8/31). ESPN.com's Kiley McDaniel noted a "number of benefits for clubs and the league arise from moving the draft," including the ability for MLB to "own the marketing and promotion of all of the young stars, likely having many of them on hand when the league gathers for the Midsummer Classic." There also will be a "bigger gap between the end of most amateur seasons and the draft" that lets the league "create more programming, such as high school and college showcases, games, and leagues." Additionally, a medical combine can be held that would be "geared toward getting information to clubs before they make their selections" (ESPN.com, 8/31).
