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MLB, USA Baseball Bolstering Prospect Development Pipeline


MLB and USA Baseball have unveiled enhancements to the joint Prospect Development Pipeline to feature a lineup of evaluation and showcase events for '21 and '22 MLB Draft prospects, including the first-ever MLB Draft Combine for high school and college baseball players. Additionally, the PDP League, a development and assessment opportunity for high school players eligible for the following year's draft, will return following the cancellation of the '20 iteration. From July 22-Aug. 1, it will feature the top 96 high school players who are eligible for the '22 Draft. The programs will be hosted at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, NC and will follow health protocols and other safety measures that are consistent with all state and local regulations, protect all participants and on-site personnel and maintain the integrity of the individual player assessments.

The inaugural MLB Draft Combine (June 20-28) will feature top high school and college baseball prospects, as identified by MLB clubs, who will have the opportunity to participate in a series of medical and performance assessments as well as educational programming designed to prepare them for a career in professional baseball. As part of the combine experience, the top 88 high school players eligible for the '21 MLB Draft will be selected to participate in a unique showcase tournament from June 20-26. The tournament will feature eight games, including bronze medal and gold medal games, as well as PDP Performance Assessments and a pro-style showcase workout.

Medical and performance assessments for all athletes will be conducted June 24-28. All participants of the newly formed MLB Draft League will have the opportunity to participate in combine assessments and evaluations through special events in the Draft League communities during June. MLB and USA Baseball are in communication with the NCAA to ensure athlete eligibility requirements are met overall.