The Minnesota Baseball Association (MBA) Board of Directors has outlined the anticipated team classifications for the 2025 season, reaffirming a three-class structure: Class A, B, and C. The final placements were expected to be confirmed at the November 2024 board meeting.
Key changes include the reorganization of Class A, which now consists of former Class B teams, and the addition of Waconia Lakers, St. Boni Saints, Hibbing Miners, and the Sartell Muskies. Elk River is expected to join after merging with Ramsey. Class A will feature eight sections, with 24 teams advancing to a single-elimination state tournament. The Prior Lake Jays will move to Section 2 in Class A. Section 2 will consist of Prior Lake (Jays), Burnsville, Chanhassen, Chaska, Eagan, Shakopee (Indians), and Victoria from the River Valley – East League. Also joining Section 2 will be St. Boni and Waconia of the Crow River Valley – North League. Section 2 will be eligible for four state tournament bids in the playoffs.
Class B, which underwent the most restructuring, will now be divided into eight districts, with 70 teams competing for 24 state tournament spots. Unlike Class A, Class B teams can draft two players from eliminated district teams for the postseason. The Prior Lake Mudcats will make their move from Class C to District 3 of Class B for the 2025 season. District 3 will be comprised of Eagle Lake (13/60 National League), Jordan and St. Clair from the River Valley League, and Faribault, Lonsdale, Montgomery, New Prague, Prior Lake (Mudcats), Shakopee (Coyotes), St. Benedict, Union Hill, and Webster of the Dakota-Rice-Scott League. District 3 will send three teams to the state tournament.
Class C will feature 139 teams across 11 regions, competing for 32 state tournament spots. Teams can draft three players from eliminated regional teams for the playoffs.
The MBA emphasized that while these assignments are nearly set, adjustments may still be made based on team movement, and reclassification will now occur annually.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more details.