The only thing certain about 2021 is we’re all probably anxious about how it will go. Looking ahead, the inevitable storyline is how things will progress with the pandemic and the effect it will have on baseball at all levels. Things aren’t back to normal and won’t be for some time, but at least it feels like we’re headed in the right direction.

Beyond COVID-19, there is still plenty to watch for in amateur baseball in 2021. The MLB Draft is set for July, giving us an extra month of covering a class that is deep with talent at the high school and college levels. The prep crop has prospects coming out of the usual pipelines, but the Northeast and Midwest are especially strong too. The strength of the college class is the quality and quantity of right-handed pitching, as well as catching. The top two arms are on the same staff in Vanderbilt’s Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter, leading the usually stout SEC, which has 28 of the top 100 college prospects. There are four from the junior college ranks, plus a Division III player in LHP Mo Hanley (Adrian College, MI).

Watching a draft class take shape is always fun and interesting and this year’s is no different. One of the biggest aspects will be the advent of the MLB Draft League, powered by Prep Baseball Report. Draft-eligible players will have a chance to improve their stock between the spring season and draft in July.

In addition to all that, PBR state directors have several other things to follow in 2021. As always, you can expect our boots-on-the-ground staff to bring you in-depth coverage throughout the year.