The 2025 MLB draft was supposed to be a grand spectacle, but it turned into a no-show event. Here’s why:

• Lack of Player Attendance: For the first time, not a single draft pick attended the event. This marks a significant shift from previous years where a handful of players showed up.
• Agency Influence: Major agencies like The Boras Corporation, Excel Sports Management, and Wasserman advised their clients against attending, citing potential public embarrassment and contract negotiations.
• Economic Disincentives: The MLB draft’s economic structure, where signing bonuses are negotiable, discourages players from attending. High school players also have the option to attend college, which can be more financially rewarding due to NIL deals.
• League’s Efforts: MLB offered incentives like free flights, hotel stays, and tickets to the All-Star Game, but these weren’t enough to attract players.

Manfred’s Perspective: MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledged the importance of player attendance for marketing but admitted the current system has flaws. He suggested that significant economic changes might be necessary to improve the situation.

Future Outlook: With the current collective bargaining agreement expiring in 2026, there’s hope for reforms that could make the draft more appealing to players and fans alike.

Conclusion: The MLB draft’s lack of player attendance highlights deeper issues within the league’s draft system. Addressing these problems is crucial for the future of baseball.