Here's everything you need to know about the MLB Draft Combine
MLB's Draft Combine continues to grow. A total of 323 players accepted invitations to the third annual event, which will be held June 19-24 at Chase Field in Phoenix. That contingent includes 169 members of MLB Pipeline's Draft Top 200 Prospects and 24 of the first 30 players on that list.
The showcase events will be two pro-style workouts that will be broadcast live on MLB Network, from 1-4 p.m. ET on Tuesday and from 3:30-6:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday. Those shows will include batting practice, infield/outfield and bullpen sessions as well as analysis of the prospects and interviews with players and club officials. Gates will be open to fans who wish to attend both workouts.
While at the Combine, players can meet with general managers, scouting directors and other team executives, as well as attend programs to educate them about their upcoming pro careers and social media branding. Those who consent to a comprehensive medical exam will be guaranteed at least 75 percent of the assigned pick value for wherever they are picked in the Draft, which will be held July 9-11 in Seattle.
The highest-ranked prospects scheduled to participate are:
*Paul Skenes, RHP, Louisiana State (No. 2)
*Wyatt Langford, OF, Florida (No. 3)
Max Clark, OF, Franklin (Ind.) HS (No. 5)
Jacob Wilson, SS, Grand Canyon (No. 7)
*Rhett Lowder, RHP, Wake Forest (No. 8)
Arjun Nimmala, SS, Strawberry Crest HS, Dover, Fla. (No. 9)
Noble Meyer, RHP, Jesuit HS, Portland, Ore. (No. 11)
Aidan Miller, 3B, Mitchell HS, New Port Richey, Fla. (No. 12)
Blake Mitchell, C, Sinton (Texas) HS (No. 13)
Colin Houck, SS, Parkview HS, Lilburn, Ga. (No. 14)
Jacob Gonzalez, SS, Mississippi (No. 15)
Enrique Bradfield, OF, Vanderbilt (No. 16)
Yohandy Morales, 3B, Miami (No. 17)
Matt Shaw, SS, Maryland (No. 18)
*Tommy Troy, SS, Stanford (No. 19)
Bryce Eldridge, 1B/RHP, Madison HS, Vienna, Va. (No. 21)
Thomas White, LHP, Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass. (No. 23)
*Brock Wilken, 3B, Wake Forest (No. 24)
Charlee Soto, RHP, Reborn Christian Academy, Kissimmee, Fla. (No. 25)
Kevin McGonigle, SS/2B, Monsignor Bonner HS, Drexel Hill, Pa. (No. 26)
Colt Emerson, SS/3B, Glenn HS, New Concord, Ohio (No. 27)
Walker Martin, SS, Eaton (Col.) HS (No. 28)
Nolan Schanuel, 1B/OF, Florida Atlantic (No. 29)
*Brayden Taylor, 3B, Texas Christian (No. 30)
Complete list ?
*Players participating in the College World Series will have the option to participate in a supplemental event if unable to attend the Combine in Phoenix.
Several players have helped themselves with their on-field performances at the first two combines. In 2021 in Cary, N.C., Gardner-Webb right-hander Mason Miller was the most impressive pitcher who took the mound, throwing seven of the eight fastest pitches registered, averaging 98.2 mph with his heater and peaking at 99.1. The Athletics drafted him in the third round and he needed just 28 2/3 innings in the Minors before making his big league debut this April.
Last year in San Diego, Crowder (Mo.) JC right-hander Jacob Misiorowski stole the show by throwing the eight hottest fastballs recorded, averaging 99.8 mph and topping out at 100.7. His heater also had the highest peak (2,816 rpm) and average (2,688) spin rates, and he delivered two of the three hardest sliders at 90.3 and 89.3 mph. He signed for $2.35 million as a Brewers second-round pick and may have the best stuff in the Minors right now.
Players and teams have repeatedly praised the interview process, which allows both sides to get know each other better. Louisville catcher Henry Davis, the No. 1 overall pick by the Pirates in 2021, stood out in that setting.
In addition to all of the prospects, several former big leaguers will serve in a variety of roles at the Combine, including Luis Alicea, Gregor Blanco, Mike Cameron, Eric Davis, Rajai Davis, Raul Iba?ez, Dan Otero, Brad Penny, Jeff Reboulet, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Michael Tucker. Clay Bellinger, Peter Bourjos, Michael Bourn, Sean Casey, Prince Fielder, Mike Hampton, Howie Kendrick, Jed Lowrie, Harold Reynolds, Eric Thames and Chris Young will be part of MLB Network's coverage team.