MLB draft kicks off today with two rounds

A few things to know about this year’s Major League Baseball draft:

When

Starts today at 4 p.m. PDT and continues for 40 rounds over three days, with first two rounds (and new “competitive balance rounds”) from MLB Network Studios in Secaucus, N.J. Rounds 3-10 will be held via conference call with teams Friday, and rounds 11-40 on Saturday.

First pick

Houston Astros. They have the No. 1 overall pick for second straight year after taking shortstop Carlos Correa from Puerto Rico last year. Only Tampa Bay (2007-08) and Washington (2009-10) have had top selection in consecutive years.

Order

Determined by reverse order of finish in overall standings from last season. Also, teams are not allowed to trade picks.

What’s new?

Competitive balance rounds give 10 teams with lowest revenues and 10 teams in smallest markets opportunity to obtain additional picks through lottery, which was held last July. Lottery determined six picks immediately after first round. Remaining eligible teams went into another lottery for six picks after second round.

On the clock

Teams have 41/2 minutes to make picks in first round, 2 minutes during first competitive balance round, and 1 minute for second round, second competitive balance round and rounds 3-10. Rest of draft will have selections without delays.

Top prospects

Stanford RHP Mark Appel, Oklahoma RHP Jonathan Gray, San Diego 3B Kris Bryant, Georgia high school OFs Clint Frazier and Austin Meadows, North Carolina 3B Colin Moran, Texas high school RHP Kohl Stewart.

Signing deadline

Teams must sign their drafted players, other than college seniors, by 2 p.m. PDT on July 12.