ATLANTA — As excitement builds for the 2025 MLB Draft, a notable aspect is missing for the first time in 15 years: not a single draft prospect will be present at the live event. The Coca-Cola Roxy Theater will host the draft broadcast, primarily featuring MLB Network and ESPN capturing players’ reactions from their homes. Families will celebrate at home, yet the absence of draftees at the venue means there will be no traditional stage moments or public interactions.
The MLB Draft, while gaining some popularity in recent years—marked by an upward trend in viewership—is still relatively overlooked compared to its NFL and NBA counterparts. The NFL Draft averaged 13.6 million viewers for its first round this year, while the NBA attracted an audience of 3.77 million. Conversely, MLB’s first round only drew approximately 863,000 viewers in the previous year. The complexity of the MLB Draft process, including bonus pools and compensation picks, contributes to this gap in audience engagement.
In response to declining attendance, MLB has made efforts to enhance the draft’s profile by moving it to coincide with the All-Star Game and encouraging public attendance. These changes have resonated, evidenced by last year’s expansion of viewership. Yet, attendance among players has remained low; historically, only about four players per year have attended the draft, with only two No. 1 overall picks joining the event.
The absence of 2025 draftees raises questions about the reasons behind this trend. Insider conversations suggest that complex dynamics—such as the views of agents, financial incentives, and the changing landscape of college baseball—play a significant role. Many agents discourage their clients from attending, fearing it could harm negotiating leverage or compromise their positions in the draft.
Furthermore, the changing landscape of name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation has redefined priorities for top college players, who may feel that their presence should come at a financial benefit. One agent proposed a financial incentive, suggesting that if players were compensated—potentially $10,000 each—they would be more likely to participate.
This situation raises broader questions about player engagement and fan interest. If the players that fans are meant to support choose not to present themselves at the draft, it may lead to decreased excitement and viewership. Team officials also face challenges due to the draft’s timing, which coincides with the trade deadline, creating an overlap of critical decisions during the season.
Despite these challenges, fans are expected to tune in on Sunday to see which prospects their teams select. The league’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the draft experience and improve audience engagement remain vital, and with players’ absence, it becomes crucial for MLB officials to address these concerns moving forward to maintain the momentum of this evolving event.