MLB Combine: A Glimpse into the Future of Baseball Talent

June 26, 2023

Last week was the MLB Draft Combine in Phoenix and the numbers were impressive. The combine serves as a platform for aspiring baseball players to showcase their skills and potentially secure a path toward professional baseball.

One of the key aspects evaluated during the Combine is the physical prowess of the participants. Players undergo a series of tests and measurements designed to gauge their athleticism, strength, speed, agility, and endurance. These assessments include the 60-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, bench press, and various positional drills. The results of these tests provide valuable insights into a player's physical capabilities, helping teams identify exceptional athletes with the potential to excel at the professional level.

In addition to physical assessments, the Combine focuses on evaluating players' fundamental baseball skills. Participants showcase their throwing accuracy, arm strength, fielding abilities, and hitting prowess through a combination of drills and live gameplay situations. By closely observing their technique, footwork, hand-eye coordination, and overall baseball acumen, scouts can gauge a player's aptitude for the game and assess their readiness for the professional level.

Similar to the MLB, metrics are invaluable for travel and high school players to track progress. They allow teams to make data-driven decisions and prioritize players who demonstrate exceptional performance in specific areas. By combining traditional scouting observations with metrics, travel, and high school teams can make more informed choices when selecting players and ensuring growth.