The summer air in Atlanta is about to get a whole lot more exciting. Major League Baseball has officially laid out the roadmap for the 2025 MLB Draft, presented by Nike, and it's shaping up to be a can't-miss event, especially for fans eager to see the future stars of the game.
Mark your calendars for July 13th and 14th. That's when the magic will unfold over two days, kicking off during the electrifying MLB All-Star Week. Opening night, Sunday, July 13th, is when the real drama begins. From 6 p.m. ET, live from the Coca-Cola Roxy in The Battery Atlanta, the first 105 picks will be broadcast on ESPN and MLB Network. This isn't just the first round, mind you; it's a deep dive, encompassing the first three rounds, compensatory selections, competitive balance rounds, and those crucial prospect promotion incentive picks. It's a concentrated burst of talent identification, setting the stage for what's to come.
For those who can't get enough, the action continues on Monday, July 14th, starting at 11:30 a.m. ET. This second day will cover rounds 4 through 20, with all the updates streaming live on MLB.com. In total, we're looking at a 20-round affair, a comprehensive sweep of amateur talent across the country and beyond.
It's always fascinating to see how the draft order shakes out. The top six picks were locked in by the annual Draft Lottery back in December. For the rest, it's a familiar story: the teams that finished lower in the standings get the earlier picks, with postseason teams slotted based on their playoff performance. This year, the Washington Nationals are in a familiar, and enviable, position. Having secured the number one overall selection, they'll be picking first for the third time in their history, a spot that previously yielded future stars like Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper. On the flip side, the Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays are set to make the most noise on opening night, each holding a hefty six picks. The Cleveland Guardians, Kansas City Royals, and Milwaukee Brewers aren't far behind with five selections each.
MLB Network is pulling out all the stops, offering its 17th consecutive year of comprehensive coverage. Expect interviews with the newly drafted players, behind-the-scenes footage from club draft rooms, in-depth player profiles, and insights from the front office personnel. Their Draft Pre-Show kicks off at 5 p.m. ET, giving you all the pre-draft buzz. And for those on the go, MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM will be providing live, on-site coverage from the Roxy, starting at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 13th.
But the journey to the draft doesn't just begin in July. The 2025 MLB Draft Combine, held at Chase Field in Arizona from June 17th to 21st, is a crucial stepping stone. Over 300 of the top draft-eligible players will be there, undergoing medical and performance assessments, participating in educational programs, and, importantly, getting face-to-face time with general managers and scouting directors. It's a vital opportunity for these young athletes to showcase their skills and prepare for the next chapter of their careers.
As the weeks unfold, we'll get more details on the players expected to be in attendance and how fans can be part of the excitement. One thing's for sure: the 2025 MLB Draft is more than just a list of names; it's the unveiling of dreams and the foundation of future baseball legacies.