Because Major League Baseball’s Draft Lottery won’t happen until later this winter, we do not yet know what the 2026 MLB Draft order will be. But being it is another slow news day (as they say) about our national pastime, we might as well look ahead to what figures will be another interesting Rule 4 Draft, which is more commonly referred to as the first-year player or amateur draft.
As knowledgeable fans know, MLB ranks amateur baseball players from high schools, colleges, and other amateur baseball clubs. The draft order is determined by a state-lottery-like system (which began in 2023), where teams that did not make the postseason in the previous season participate in the lottery to determine the first six picks. The team with the worst record has the best odds of receiving the first pick. Prior to 2023, the draft order was determined by the previous season’s standings, with the worst team automatically selecting first.
(MLB.com)
The 2026 MLB Draft is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA, which is a change from previous years when it was held on Sundays.
Again, although it is still way too early to start talking – or thinking – about the 2026 Rule 4 Draft, here are the details, which most certainly are subject to change:
- Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Broadcasting:
- First hour: NBC
- Rest of the event: MLB Network and Peacock
Play Ball!
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