Major League Tryout FAQ

Major League Tryout Frequently Asked Questions

How much do major league tryouts/independent league tryouts cost?
Tryouts for major league organizations and the Major League Scouting Bureau are free of charge to attend.  Some independent league tryouts do carry a fee. These usually range between $50 and $100.

What should I bring to a major league tryout?
Bring your own glove, cleats, uniform etc.  If you have a wood bat and your own helmet, bring those too. However, the scouts running the workout should provide wood or composite bats, helmets and baseballs.

Who runs MLB tryout camps and independent league tryouts?
Tryouts for major league organizations are run by scouts within the organization. The Major League Scouting Bureau employs their own scouts who run their tryout camps. Each major league organization is invited to send their own scouts to evaluate at MLSB tryouts as well.

For league-wide independent league tryouts, each field manager is typically on hand to evaluate and sometimes assist in running the workout. A player personnel specialist often overseas the full tryout camp. During the individual independent team tryouts, on-field coaching staff usually run the tryouts.

How old do I have to be to tryout?
MLB tryouts are open to players 16 and up. If you’re 16 or 17 years old, you’re probably nowhere near ready for professional baseball; but the objective is to get on a scout’s radar, so they’ll watch you compete later on.
Independent league tryouts are for older players that are looking to sign a contract right away; typically players that have no remaining college baseball eligibility, or have already played in the minor leagues.

Exactly which skills do scouts look for at a major league tryout or independent league tryout?

Check out what baseball scouts look for.  For a totally detailed explanation, see "Live The Dream; Get Paid to Play Baseball."

What is the schedule at a pro baseball tryout?

Check out this article on a day at a major league tryout.

Where are major league tryouts and independent league tryouts held?
A major league tryout or independent league tryout can be held almost anywhere. Before spring training, some major league organizations hold open tryouts at their spring training facilities in Florida and Arizona. MLB tryouts held over the summer by the scouting bureau or individual organizations are often held on college or even high school fields; as long as they’re reasonably maintained.
A few major league clubs hold open tryouts as a public relations event at their major league stadium, but this isn’t the norm.

If you really want to know all about pro baseball tryouts and/or are seriously about the possibility of playing professionally, please consider purchasing "Live The Dream; Get Paid to Play Baseball!"

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