What Time Is the MLB Draft 2025? The MLB Draft is one of the most exciting events for baseball fans, marking the moment when young athletes take their first steps toward becoming future stars of Major League Baseball. If you’re wondering, “What time is the MLB Draft?” you’re in the right place. For 2025, the draft is set to take place over two action-packed days, July 13-14, in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of the MLB All-Star Week festivities. Let’s break down the schedule, key details, and what you need to know to catch all the action.
Table of Contents
When and Where to Watch Day 1
The 2025 MLB Draft kicks off on Sunday, July 13, at 6 p.m. ET, live from the Coca-Cola Roxy in The Battery Atlanta, a vibrant sports and entertainment district near the Atlanta Braves’ Truist Park. This opening night is the big one, covering the first three rounds, compensatory rounds, competitive balance rounds, and prospect promotion incentive selections—105 picks in total. The first 43 selections will be broadcast live on ESPN and MLB Network, starting with a pre-show at 5 p.m. ET. After that, MLB Network will continue airing the remaining picks, with a simulcast available on MLB.com for those streaming online. Whether you’re tuning in on TV or online, you won’t want to miss the excitement as top prospects like Eli Willits, Tyler Bremner, and Ethan Holliday hear their names called.
Day 2 Schedule and Streaming
Day 2 of the draft, Monday, July 14, starts at 11:30 a.m. ET and covers rounds 4 through 20, wrapping up the 615 total selections. Unlike the star-studded opening night, this portion won’t be on traditional TV but will be streamed live on MLB.com and MLB.TV. This is when teams fill out their rosters with promising talents who could become future contributors, so it’s worth following if you’re a die-hard fan or tracking your favorite team’s picks. The earlier start time makes it perfect for catching during a lunch break or while relaxing at home. Keep your phone or laptop handy to stay updated on every pick
Why the Timing Matters
The mid-July timing of the MLB Draft isn’t random. It’s strategically placed to align with the end of the college and high school baseball seasons, ensuring players are eligible and ready to transition to professional ball. Unlike the NFL or NBA drafts, which happen post-season, the MLB Draft occurs midseason during All-Star Week, adding to the festive atmosphere. This year’s event in Atlanta ties into the All-Star Game at Truist Park, making it a celebration of baseball’s present and future. The 6 p.m. ET start on Sunday is prime time for fans to tune in after a day of All-Star Week activities, while the 11:30 a.m. ET start on Monday caters to those eager to follow the later rounds. It’s a schedule designed to maximize engagement, whether you’re at the event or watching from afar.
How to Stay in the Loop
If you’re as pumped about the draft as I am, there are plenty of ways to stay connected. MLB Network’s pre-show at 5 p.m. ET on July 13 offers insights, prospect highlights, and interviews with front-office folks, setting the stage for the draft. You can also follow along on social media—posts on X from accounts like @MLBDraft will keep you updated with real-time pick announcements and analysis. For a deeper dive, check out MLB.com’s Draft Tracker for rankings, player profiles, and team-by-team breakdowns. If you’re in Atlanta, the Coca-Cola Roxy and Truist Park are the places to be for an immersive experience. And don’t forget, teams have until July 28 at 5 p.m. ET to sign their picks, so the drama doesn’t end when the draft does
The 2025 MLB Draft is a can’t-miss event for baseball fans, with its prime-time start on Sunday and comprehensive coverage across TV and streaming platforms. Mark your calendar for July 13 at 6 p.m. ET and July 14 at 11:30 a.m. ET, and get ready to cheer for the next generation of baseball stars.