The Major League Baseball (MLB) Combine is a relatively recent addition to the professional baseball scouting and development landscape. It is an event where top amateur baseball prospects showcase their skills in front of MLB scouts, executives, and coaches in preparation for the annual MLB Draft. The event is modeled similarly to combines in other sports, such as the NFL Combine, and is designed to give teams a closer, standardized look at draft-eligible players.

Launched officially in 2021, the MLB Combine typically takes place in late June, a few weeks before the MLB Draft. The event includes a series of athletic assessments, skill evaluations, and live game situations. It is hosted in a centralized location — most often in partnership with USA Baseball at their National Training Complex or in MLB-affiliated ballparks.

Participants in the combine undergo a variety of evaluations. These include timed sprints, agility tests, strength measurements, and vertical leap assessments to gauge athleticism. More importantly, players are assessed on baseball-specific skills such as throwing velocity, batting exit velocity, fielding drills, and pitching accuracy. Pitchers throw bullpen sessions, while position players participate in batting practice and defensive workouts.

Beyond physical assessments, the MLB Combine also provides an opportunity for players to meet with team representatives in formal interview settings. These interviews give teams deeper insight into a player’s character, mindset, and approach to the game. Additionally, players have access to medical evaluations and can voluntarily share their medical information with teams, which can impact their draft positioning.

The combine is invitation-only, focusing on the top high school and college prospects eligible for the draft. While participation is not mandatory, it offers valuable exposure and can help players improve their draft stock by performing well in front of key decision-makers.

MLB has emphasized the combine as part of its broader effort to enhance transparency and consistency in the scouting process. It also serves to level the playing field, offering all teams access to the same data and insights on participating players.

Overall, the MLB Combine represents a modern, centralized approach to player evaluation, offering prospects a unique platform to make a final impression before one of the most pivotal moments in their careers — the MLB Draft. In 2025 the combine is in Phoenix, AZ