The 2025 Major League Baseball Draft has already etched its place in history, particularly for the Arkansas Razorbacks, who showcased a remarkable presence with 11 players selected over the two-day event. This impressive haul not only tied them with Florida State for the most picks nationally but also matched the Razorbacks' own record set during the 40-round draft era in 2013 and 2018. However, this year’s feat is even more extraordinary considering the draft was shortened to 20 rounds in 2021, making the Razorbacks’ achievement a new benchmark in the modern era.
Arkansas made headlines by becoming the first school in its history to have first-round picks in back-to-back years, following Hagen Smith’s No. 5 overall selection in 2024. In 2025, the Razorbacks had an unprecedented four first-round picks: right-handed pitcher Gage Wood (26th overall, Philadelphia Phillies), shortstop Wehiwa Aloy (31st overall, Baltimore Orioles), left-handed pitcher Zach Root (40th overall, Los Angeles Dodgers), and left fielder Charles Davalan (41st overall, Los Angeles Dodgers). This milestone made Arkansas only the second college program ever to have four first-rounders in a single draft, sharing the distinction with the University of Tennessee, who achieved the same feat this year.
Gage Wood’s journey was one of the most compelling stories of the draft. The Batesville native battled back from an early-season injury to deliver a standout 3.82 ERA with 69 strikeouts over 37 2/3 innings. His crowning moment came during the College World Series, where he threw a historic no-hitter against Murray State—the first since 1960 and only the third in CWS history. Wood struck out a school and CWS-record 19 batters and was just one pitch shy of a perfect game, highlighting his dominance and resilience. His first-round selection also underscored Arkansas’ growing reputation for producing elite pitching talent.
Shortstop Wehiwa Aloy solidified his status as one of the nation’s premier players by becoming the third Golden Spikes Award winner in Arkansas history. His 2025 season was marked by a .350 batting average, 21 home runs, and 68 RBIs, earning him All-SEC First Team honors and the SEC Player of the Year award. The Baltimore Orioles recognized his talent with the 31st overall pick, adding a polished, powerful bat and defensive prowess to their organization.
Meanwhile, Zach Root, a junior transfer from East Carolina University, emerged as Arkansas’ ace on the mound. Root finished the season with a 3.62 ERA, 126 strikeouts, and a 9-6 record over nearly 100 innings, earning First-Team All-SEC honors and the 40th overall pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Just one pick later, the Dodgers selected Charles Davalan, a Canadian left fielder who thrived as Arkansas’ leadoff hitter. Davalan posted a .346/.433/.561 slash line with 14 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases, showcasing his all-around offensive skills and speed.
Beyond the first round, Arkansas continued to impress with valuable selections throughout the draft. Right-handed pitcher Christian Foutch was taken in the fifth round by the Boston Red Sox after posting a 4.09 ERA and striking out 31 batters in 22 innings. Fellow righty Aiden Jimenez, returning from Tommy John surgery, was picked by the Kansas City Royals in the fifth round after a strong 4-1 record and 3.40 ERA over 42 innings. Left-hander Landon Beidelschies, a transfer from Ohio State, went in the sixth round to the Atlanta Braves, finishing 4-0 with 70 strikeouts despite surrendering 14 home runs over 61 innings.
Third baseman Brent Iredale impressed with a .286/.450/.544 slash line, 14 home runs, and 57 RBIs, leading Arkansas in walks and hit-by-pitches, which earned him a seventh-round selection by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Right-handed pitcher Ben Bybee was chosen in the eighth round by the San Francisco Giants after a 4.38 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 37 innings. Center fielder Justin Thomas Jr. closed out the draft for Arkansas in the 11th round, selected by the Houston Astros following a late-season surge that included a .303 average, nine home runs, and seven stolen bases.
Left-handed pitcher Parker Coil was picked in the 16th round by the Milwaukee Brewers after an impressive 3-0 record and a sterling 1.27 ERA in limited innings, highlighted by an immaculate inning in March. The Razorbacks also saw key players sign as undrafted free agents, including right fielder Logan Maxwell with the New York Yankees and right-handed pitcher Dylan Carter with the San Francisco Giants. Both players contributed significantly to Arkansas’ success in 2025, with Maxwell posting a .316 average and 13 home runs and Carter maintaining an undefeated 6-0 record with a 2.18 ERA.
However, the draft also brought some uncertainty regarding Arkansas’ roster for the upcoming season. The Razorbacks’ top-ranked high school signee, Landon Schaefer, was drafted in the 20th round by the Philadelphia Phillies but has committed to attending Arkansas. Schaefer’s decision is a boon for the Razorbacks, especially after the likely professional signing of Ball State transfer Dylan Grego, who was picked in the 13th round by the San Diego Padres. A source close to Grego indicated he plans to sign professionally, which leaves the shortstop spot open for Schaefer or others like Nolan Souza and TJ Pompey, who are recovering from injuries or competing for infield roles.
Other players face pivotal decisions on whether to sign professionally or return to Arkansas, including Justin Thomas Jr., who is expected to sign with the Astros, and Parker Coil, whose signing decision remains uncertain. Additionally, McLane Moody and Denton Biller, both drafted in the mid-rounds, are weighing their options with the July 28 signing deadline approaching.
Despite the draft’s upheaval, Arkansas’ outfield remains robust, bolstered by key transfers Maika Niu, Zack Stewart, and Damian Ruiz, all of whom went undrafted but are expected to join the Razorbacks in 2026. Niu, in particular, has been excelling in the prestigious Cape Cod League and is a favorite to win its MVP award. This infusion of talent, combined with returning players like Kuhio Aloy and Brenton Clark, gives Arkansas a versatile and competitive outfield for the next season.
Arkansas’ national signing class, ranked No. 4 in the country, remains largely intact despite the draft. Alongside Schaefer, notable signees such as Jordan Martin, Carson Brumbaugh, Peyton Lee, Alexander Peck, and others are set to contribute, with some listed as two-way players adding depth to both pitching and field positions. The Razorbacks also anticipate the arrival of JUCO arm Isaac Godard, whose fastball velocity of 94-97 mph adds another dynamic weapon to the pitching staff.
Meanwhile, the 2025 MLB Draft also showcased emerging talent across the league, with several 2024 draftees already making their major league debuts. Players like Cincinnati Reds’ right-hander Chase Burns, Athletics slugger Nick Kurtz, and Houston Astros outfielder Cam Smith have set the stage for the incoming 2025 draftees to follow suit.
Among the top prospects from the 2025 draft likely to reach the majors by 2026 is Tyler Bremner, a right-handed pitcher from UC Santa Barbara selected second overall by the Los Angeles Angels. Bremner’s fastball touches 98 mph, complemented by an elite changeup. His journey has been marked by personal adversity, as he pitched through the illness and recent passing of his mother, Jennifer Bremner, whose memorial was held just last week. The Angels have a strong track record of rapidly promoting high draft picks, as seen with Christian Moore, Nolan Schanuel, and Zach Neto, suggesting Bremner could make a quick impact.
Other notable 2025 picks include Kade Anderson, a left-handed pitcher from LSU picked third overall by the Seattle Mariners, known for his mid-80s slider and fastball velocity reaching 97 mph despite having undergone Tommy John surgery. Ethan Holliday, an 18-year-old shortstop from Stillwater High and son of Rockies legend Matt Holliday, was selected fourth overall by the Colorado Rockies and is considered a top overall prospect with significant upside at the plate.
Liam Doyle, a left-handed pitcher with a 101 mph fastball and the NCAA Division I leader in strikeouts per nine innings, was picked fifth overall by the St. Louis Cardinals. Jamie Arnold, another lefty with a 97 mph fastball and a devastating mid-80s slider, was taken 11th overall by the Athletics. Aiva Arquette, a towering 6-foot-5 shortstop from Oregon State, was selected seventh overall by the Miami Marlins and is praised for his polished defense and strong bat. Catcher Ike Irish, taken 19th overall by the Baltimore Orioles, adds depth to their catching corps, though his path to the majors may shift depending on organizational needs. Rounding out the notable selections is Gage Wood, whose no-hitter and record-setting 19 strikeouts in the Men’s College World Series made him a compelling pick for the Philadelphia Phillies at 26th overall.
As the signing deadline nears, the baseball world will be watching closely to see which prospects sign professional contracts and which opt to hone their skills further in college. For Arkansas, the 2025 MLB Draft not only celebrated past success but also set the stage for a promising future, blending a rich history of talent development with fresh prospects ready to make their mark on the diamond.
