2021 MLB Draft Changes

The 2021 MLB draft will move from June to July 11-13 and will be held in Atlanta as part of the All-Star Game festivities, according to a memo obtained by ESPN that MLB sent to clubs Monday about changes to the draft. The draft has been held in early to mid-June for decades.

A number of benefits for clubs and the league arise from moving the draft. Holding it at the All-Star Game -- in conjunction with the Futures Game and after the College World Series -- allows the league to own the marketing and promotion of all of the young stars, likely having many of them on hand when the league gathers for the Midsummer Classic.

In addition, a bigger gap between the end of most amateur seasons and the draft allows MLB to create more programming, such as high school and college showcases, games, and leagues, in addition to a medical combine, all geared toward getting information to clubs before they make their selections.

MLB expects the 2021 draft to be between 20 and 30 rounds. The 2020 draft was just five rounds, breaking a long-standing trend of 40-round drafts.