Scrappers Extend Season from 68 to 80 Games

NILES, Ohio – Major League Baseball and Prep Baseball Report announced Monday the Mahoning Valley Scrappers and the other five MLB Draft League teams will play 80-game seasons in 2022 – up from 68 during the inaugural 2021 season.

The first half of the season – spanning from June 2 to July 16 – features amateur, MLB Draft eligible players. The dates of the 2022 draft have yet to be determined, but there is a pre-draft showcase event for major league scouts on June 26-27, which will feature on-field and off-field assessments and state-of-the-art scouting technology. The event will be open to fans, but the location of the event has yet to be named.

The second half of the MLB Draft League season is July 22 and concludes on Sept. 6 with the league’s championship game. 

Professional players who have exhausted their amateur eligibility or otherwise wish to begin their professional careers are targeted for this second half with the Scrappers, Frederick Keys, State College Spikes, Trenton Thunder, West Virginia Black Bears and Williamsport Crosscutters. 

Team rosters will be announced at a later date.

Additionally, all Tuesday games played during the 2022 season will be seven-inning contests. 

MLB Draft League President Kerrick Jackson says more than 90 players were drafted or signed to professional contracts last season.

“The league brought together players from all competitive levels – big and small four-year colleges, junior college and high school athletes – ultimately creating a one-of-a-kind scouting and fan experience and giving these players unmatched exposure and development to enhance their careers,” he says. “The expanded format for 2022 will provide additional opportunities for players to achieve their goal of playing in the Major Leagues, as well as maximizing the enjoyment for our fan base, with the additional games, and supplement of professional players.” 

Mahoning Valley opens the 2022 season June 2 at Eastwood Field against the West Virginia Black Bears. For more ticket information or other information about the Scrappers, call 330 550 0000 or click HERE.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.