MLB Draft

Guide Note

The Major League Baseball Draft is held annually in June. The draft order is based upon the previous year's composite standings, with the holding the worst won-loss record gaining the first pick. Beginning with the 2007 draft, teams are required sign all draftees by August 15th, or they forfeit their rights to that player.

Fast Facts

1. Also referred to as the First-Year Player Draft and the Rule 4 Draft
2. First draft held in 1965
3. First ever #1 pick: Rick Monday
4. 2007 #1 pick: David Price, Tampa Bay
5. 2008 #1 pick: Tim Beckham, Tampa Bay

In order to be eligible for the MLB Draft, a player must:

1. Be a citizen of the United States, Canada, or a U.S. Territory
2. Have never signed a major or minor league contract before
3. Be a high school player who has graduated but not yet attended college
4. Be a college player who has completed their junior year, or is 21 years or older (Division III, Junior College, and Community College players are exempt from this requirement)