MLB launching new league for draft prospects
Alex Trautwig / Major League Baseball / Getty
Major League Baseball, Prep Baseball Report, and five founding members announced the formation of MLB Draft League on Monday.
The league will be the first of its kind to focus on top prospects eligible to be drafted by MLB clubs that summer.
The founding teams of MLB Draft League are all former minor-league affiliates of professional clubs.
| TEAM | FORMER AFFILIATION |
|---|---|
| Mahoning Valley Scrappers | Indians Class-A |
| State College Spikes | Cardinals Class-A |
| Trenton Thunder | Yankees Double-A |
| West Virginia Black Bears | Pirates Short-Season A |
| Williamsport Crosscutters | Phillies Short-Season A |
A sixth team could be announced in the coming weeks, according to the release.
MLB Draft League plans to use a 68-game regular season, with an annual All-Star break centered around the MLB draft.
The 2021 draft is set to take place ahead of MLB's All-Star Game in Atlanta from July 11-13.
MLB also announced a partnership with the Pioneer League on Monday.