Can I Walk On to an MLB Team?
Playing professional baseball for Major League Baseball (MLB) is a dream of many, yet only a select few are able to achieve it. But is it possible for someone to walk on to an MLB team as an undrafted player? The answer is yes, but it is not an easy path. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice to even have a chance at making it.
MLB Draft
The MLB Draft is one of the most important events of the year for prospective professional players. It serves as a way for teams to acquire the best amateur talent and is the primary way that players enter the league. Every year, teams select players from high school and college in a process that lasts three days and 40 rounds. Teams select players based on their ability to help the team win games and make it to the postseason.
The MLB Draft is the primary way for players to enter the league, but it is not the only way. Some players are able to make it to the big leagues without ever being drafted. This is known as “walking on” and is a much more difficult path to take.
What Does it Take to Walk On?
Walking on to an MLB team is no easy feat. It requires a great deal of dedication, hard work, and sacrifice. There are a few things that can give a player an edge, though.
Skills and Characteristics:
- Athletic Ability: A player must possess a high level of athletic ability. They must be able to hit, throw, and field at a high level in order to be considered.
- Mental Toughness: Mental toughness is crucial for a player trying to walk on. The player must be able to handle the pressure of being in a professional environment and have the drive to keep working and improving even when things don’t go their way.
- Leadership: Leadership is an important characteristic for any player, but especially for those trying to walk on. Teams want players who can be positive influences in the clubhouse and help lead the team to victory.
- Resilience: Resilience is key for any player who is trying to walk on. It is inevitable that players will face adversity and failure along the way. Those who can bounce back and keep pushing forward will be more successful.
How to Get Noticed
Just because a player has the necessary skills and characteristics does not mean they will be noticed by scouts. The player must be proactive in order to be seen and have a chance at walking on.
- Play in Summer and Fall Leagues: Playing in summer and fall leagues is a great way for players to get seen by scouts. These leagues provide an opportunity to showcase skills and show that a player is ready for the professional level.
- Go to Showcases: Showcases are events where players can show off their skills in front of scouts. These events are great opportunities for players to stand out and get noticed.
- Talk to Scouts: Talking to scouts is a great way for players to get their name out there. Scouts are constantly looking for players so it is important for players to make sure they are seen.
- Stay Positive: Staying positive is essential for any player who is trying to walk on. It can be difficult, but players must remain focused on the goal and stay motivated even when things don’t go their way.
MLB Tryouts
Once a player has gotten noticed by scouts, they may be invited to a tryout. Tryouts are held by MLB teams and are the player’s chance to show what they can do. It is important for players to make the most of their tryout and show that they belong in the big leagues.
Making It to the Big Leagues
Making it to the big leagues is a difficult task, even for those who have been drafted. Players who walk on must overcome even more obstacles in order to make it. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice to make it to the big leagues, but it is possible.
The Upside of Walking On
Though it is a difficult path, there are some advantages to walking on.
- No Pressure to Perform: Players who walk on don’t have the same pressure to perform as those who were drafted. This can be beneficial as it allows players to focus on the game without worrying about the results.
- Freedom to Move: Players who walk on are not tied to any team and can move freely from team to team. This gives them the opportunity to find the best fit for their skills and make the most of their career.
- Less Competition: There is less competition for those who walk on. With fewer players trying to make it, the chances of making it to the big leagues are higher.
The Bottom Line
Walking on to an MLB team is a difficult task, but it is possible. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice to even have a chance at making it. Players must possess the necessary skills and characteristics, as well as be proactive in order to get noticed. Once they get noticed, they must make the most of their opportunity and show that they can play at the professional level. Though it is a difficult path, there are some advantages to walking on, such as less pressure to perform, freedom to move, and less competition.
Conclusion
Playing professional baseball for Major League Baseball is a dream of many, yet only a select few are able to achieve it. Walking on to an MLB team as an undrafted player is a difficult task, but it is possible. It takes a great deal of dedication, hard work, and sacrifice, as well as a few key skills and characteristics. Those who are willing to put in the work and make the necessary sacrifices can have a chance at making it to the big leagues.