Great question — and it’s one a lot of people outside pro baseball don’t know.
Instructional League (often called “Instructs”) is a post-season development program run by MLB organizations, typically lasting a few weeks in the fall (after the Minor League season ends).
It’s a 3 week fall program where MLB teams bring in their top young prospects & newly drafted guys for extra coaching after the season.
It involves a lot of work both on and off the field… skill development, learning the game, and also developing a plan for the off season. The goal is to be ready to hit the ground running when spring training 2026 gets here.
What Happens During Instructional League?
Here’s an insider look at the Instructs I’ve been running for the Rockies over the past 3 weeks. Big thanks to the Rickies video team for putting this together!
You’ll see a few familiar faces, including some you’ll recognize from this year’s draft (2025).
Here’s what it’s all about:
Purpose of Instructional League
It’s not about competition — it’s about teaching and development.
Major League organizations invite select prospects (often younger players, high draft picks, or those needing extra reps) to work closely with coordinators and instructors on advanced skills, approach, and mindset.
These are all Minor League prospects who the teams hope will have a big impact on the future of the organization.
It’s designed to help top prospects refine individual skills, get personal instruction from coordinators and coaches, and build a focused plan for off-season improvement so they’re ready to compete in spring training.
Players work on swing adjustments, defensive mechanics, throwing programs, baserunning, mental approach, and strength plans specific to their needs.
Environment
The pace is slower and more focused than regular-season ball.
Players get:
1-on-1 coaching and position-specific work
Classroom sessions on strategy, mental game, and preparation
Controlled scrimmages to apply what they’re learning
Extra Bonus – Mental Toughness
It’s a proving ground for “growth under fatigue.”
By this point, players are mentally and physically worn out from a full season. Learning to stay sharp and execute anyway mimics what they’ll face in the big leagues — when the grind is real and excuses don’t matter.
🌄 In short:
Instructional League is like baseball’s version of grad school — where talent meets discipline and the lessons go deeper than mechanics.
My Role During Instructs
During Instructional League, my main responsibility is to help players finish the season strong and enter the offseason with a clear plan for improvement. Each day starts with a meeting where I outline the focus for the day and set expectations for the group. We talk about what we’re learning, what’s working, and where we need to adjust.
Infielders’ meeting during Rockies’ Instructs
On field
Infielders doing individual skill development with on knee drills
Speaking to the Instructs attendees in “the theater room”
I work closely with our staff and players on defensive fundamentals, throwing accuracy, and game awareness — the small details that separate good players from great ones. My job is to make sure every player leaves Instructs knowing exactly what to work on over the winter so they can show up to spring training ready to compete at a higher level.
It’s also about building relationships. I want players to understand that growth doesn’t stop when the season ends .
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About Author
Doug Bernier, founder of Pro Baseball Insider.com, debuted in the Major Leagues in 2008 with the Colorado Rockies, and has played professional baseball for 5 organizations (CO Rockies, NY Yankees, PIT Pirates, MN Twins, & TX Rangers) over the past 16 years. He has Major League time at every infield position, and has played every position on the field professionally except for catcher. (Click to watch this great defensive play by Bernier) Since retiring in 2017, Doug Bernier has worked for the Colorado Rockies organization in multiple roles, including Major League Professional Scout , Data & Game Planning Coordinator , Defensive Coordinator (2019–2021), and Field & Infield Coordinator (2022–present). He oversees player development throughout the Rockies’ Minor League system, focusing on infield defense, throwing mechanics, and game preparation. Off the field, he founded Pro Baseball Insider and created the Confident Infielder Program and Inner Circle, where he helps players and coaches learn pro-level fundamentals and build lasting confidence in their game.
1 Comment
Why are the nine boxes that compose the strike zone in different colors?