The selection of the rosters for the East Coast Pro Showcase and Area Code Games always gives an early indication of the strength of New England's incoming class of prep and high school seniors.
For example, we started to get a sense that the Class of 2021 could be special last summer when 10 players from New England earned selections to the elite showcase events that kicked off a year-long interview process culminating with the 2021 MLB Draft. As it turned out, New England was particularly laden with MLB Draft prospects in 2021. A total of 31 players either from New England or attending New England schools were selected in the 2021 MLB Draft. Of those 31, 15 were selected in the first 10 rounds, eclipsing the previous record of 12 for the first 10 rounds, set in 1965.
New England's high school and prep players were well represented in the 2021 MLB Draft. East Catholic High (Conn.) left-hander Frank Mozzicato (Manchester, Conn.) was the first New England player selected -- seventh overall in the first round -- while Dexter School outfielder Josh Baez (Boston, Mass.) was one of three New Englanders selected in the second round.
Perhaps it should come as no surprise that New England's incoming class of seniors does not appear to be quite as strong this year. A total of eight New England players earned selections to the 2021 Area Code Games, while only five received invitations to the East Coast Pro Showcase. Let's take a look at the players selected as well as noteworthy omissions.
