The 2025 Major League Baseball Draft kicked off with a mix of surprises and strategic gambles that are sure to shape the futures of several franchises. Held on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Atlanta as part of the MLB All-Star Week festivities, the draft saw the Washington Nationals make history by selecting the youngest-ever No. 1 overall pick: 17-year-old shortstop Eli Willits from Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma.
Willits, a do-it-all shortstop, was a surprising choice at the top of the draft and earned a B- grade from USA TODAY Sports, while The Sporting News rated the pick a C+. Despite being projected to go fourth overall to the Colorado Rockies, the Nationals' decision to go with Willits reflected a clear strategy to save money later in the draft by betting on his high ceiling as a plus defender with a plus hit tool. Interim Nationals general manager Mike DeBartolo described Willits as the best hitter and fielder available, and while the pick carries risk due to his youth and need for development, it could pay off handsomely if he reaches his All-Star potential.
Following Willits, the Los Angeles Angels made a controversial move by selecting right-handed pitcher Tyler Bremner from UC Santa Barbara at No. 2 overall. Bremner, who was ranked as low as 18th by some experts, including Kiley McDaniel, was given a D grade by USA TODAY Sports and a C by The Sporting News. Known for his elite changeup, Bremner was chosen over several highly regarded college pitchers such as LSU’s Kade Anderson, Tennessee’s Liam Doyle, and Florida State’s Jamie Arnold. Experts noted that the Angels’ pick was a gamble, potentially an under-slot deal aimed at saving money for later picks, but some questioned whether this was the right time for the Angels to bypass more polished arms.
Speaking of Kade Anderson, the LSU left-hander, widely regarded as the top pitcher in the draft, fell to No. 3 where the Seattle Mariners eagerly snapped him up. Anderson, who led college baseball in strikeouts in 2025 and helped LSU to a national title, earned an A+ grade from USA TODAY Sports and an A from The Sporting News. His strong case as the best prospect in the draft and high floor make him a perfect fit for the Mariners, known for their excellent pitching development program. Seattle’s good fortune in landing Anderson at No. 3 was highlighted by ESPN insiders as a stroke of luck that could pay dividends for the franchise.
No. 4 overall went to the Colorado Rockies, who selected prep shortstop Ethan Holliday from Stillwater High School in Oklahoma. Holliday, the son of seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday and younger brother of former No. 1 pick Jackson Holliday, was seen as a potential cornerstone for the Rockies and earned an A+ from USA TODAY Sports and an A from The Sporting News. At 6-foot-4, Holliday brings big-time power and athleticism, and his selection was celebrated as a feel-good story given his family ties to the organization. The Rockies hope he can quickly ascend to the majors and provide a boost to their lineup.
The St. Louis Cardinals picked left-handed pitcher Liam Doyle from Tennessee at No. 5. Doyle, who boasts a fastball topping 100 mph and had an impressive 3.20 ERA with 164 strikeouts over 95 2/3 innings in 2025, was graded B by USA TODAY Sports and A by The Sporting News. Doyle's secondary pitches need refinement, but his raw talent and breakout season make him a promising addition to the Cardinals’ rotation, which has lacked high-velocity arms in recent years.
The Pittsburgh Pirates selected right-handed pitcher Seth Hernandez from Corona High School in California at No. 6. Hernandez, rated the No. 3 prospect by MLB Pipeline, earned an A grade from USA TODAY Sports and a B+ from The Sporting News. At 19, Hernandez is an advanced high school pitcher with a 70-grade fastball and a 60-grade changeup. While some questioned the Pirates’ focus on pitching given their need for hitting, Hernandez's high upside potential makes him a worthwhile pick.
At No. 7, the Miami Marlins took shortstop Aiva Arquette from Oregon State, who was one of the best college hitters in 2025. Arquette, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 222 pounds, earned a B+ grade from USA TODAY Sports and an A from The Sporting News. His athleticism suggests he could remain at shortstop despite his size, and the Marlins hope he can develop into a long-term cornerstone for their infield.
The Toronto Blue Jays grabbed left-handed hitter Jojo Parker from Purvis High School in Mississippi at No. 8. Parker, a Mississippi State commit, has a 60-grade hit tool and 55-grade power tool, and was graded B by both USA TODAY Sports and The Sporting News. Although he played shortstop in high school, Parker is projected to become a third baseman at the professional level. His twin brother, Jacob Parker, was also expected to be drafted on Day 1.
The Cincinnati Reds selected speedy shortstop Steele Hall from Hewitt-Trussville High School in Alabama at No. 9. Hall, graded B by USA TODAY Sports and B+ by The Sporting News, boasts a 70-grade speed tool and a standout glove. His offensive skills improved as a senior, and his bat will determine his future impact at the major league level.
Rounding out the top 10, the Chicago White Sox picked shortstop Billy Carlson from Corona High School, California. Carlson, a Tennessee commit, earned a B grade from USA TODAY Sports and an A grade from The Sporting News. He is regarded as the best defender among the high school shortstops in the draft, with a 70-grade glove and a 65-grade arm. While his bat needs development, Carlson’s defensive prowess provides a solid foundation for his future.
The draft continued with notable selections such as Jamie Arnold, a left-handed pitcher from Florida State, picked No. 11 by the Athletics and graded A by both USA TODAY Sports and The Sporting News. Arnold’s funky arm angle and plus-slider make him a polished arm expected to rise quickly through the minors.
Other significant picks included Gavin Fien, a high school shortstop taken No. 12 by the Texas Rangers (grade C/B-), and Gavin Kilen, a Tennessee infielder selected No. 13 by the San Francisco Giants (grade C+/B+). Daniel Pierce, a shortstop with plus speed from Mill Creek High School in Georgia, went No. 14 to the Tampa Bay Rays (grade B+/A-), while right-hander Kyson Witherspoon from Oklahoma was picked No. 15 by the Boston Red Sox (grade A/A). Witherspoon’s fastball peaks at 99 mph, and he boasts three plus secondary pitches.
The Minnesota Twins selected shortstop Marek Houston from Wake Forest at No. 16 (grade B-/B+), and the Chicago Cubs took outfielder Ethan Conrad, also from Wake Forest, at No. 17 (grade C+/B-). Arizona Diamondbacks picked shortstop Kayson Cunningham from Johnson High School, Texas, at No. 18 (grade B+/A-), and the Baltimore Orioles added Auburn catcher/outfielder Ike Irish at No. 19 (grade A/A). Irish moved from catcher to outfield due to injury but has a bat that could fast-track him to the majors.
Other noteworthy picks included third baseman Andrew Fischer at No. 20 to the Milwaukee Brewers (grade B-/B+), shortstop Xavier Neyens at No. 21 to the Houston Astros (grade A/A-), and shortstop/outfielder Tate Southisene at No. 22 to the Atlanta Braves (grade C-/B-). Kansas City Royals selected outfielder Sean Gamble at No. 23 (grade C/B+), and Detroit Tigers took shortstop Jordan Yost at No. 24 (grade C-/C+).
High-upside left-handed pitcher Kruz Schoolcraft, standing 6-foot-8, was picked No. 25 by the San Diego Padres (grade A/A), while Philadelphia Phillies selected right-handed pitcher Gage Wood at No. 26 (grade C/B+). Wood threw a no-hitter with 19 strikeouts at the College World Series in 2025. The Cleveland Guardians grabbed outfielder Jace LaViolette at No. 27 (grade B+/B+), and the Kansas City Royals took third baseman Josh Hammond at No. 28 (grade B/A).
The Arizona Diamondbacks selected right-handed pitcher Patrick Forbes at No. 29 (grade C+/A-), while the Baltimore Orioles picked catcher Caden Bodine at No. 30 (grade C/D) and shortstop Wehiwa Aloy at No. 31 (grade A/A). Aloy won the prestigious Golden Spikes Award in 2025, batting .350 with 21 home runs. The Cleveland Guardians rounded out the first 32 picks by selecting third baseman Brady Ebel from Corona High School, California (grade C/C).
The first round of the 2025 MLB Draft was marked by a significant number of high school shortstops, who made up five of the top 10 picks, and a strong presence of college pitchers. This trend reflects a shift toward athleticism and potential, with teams willing to take calculated risks on raw talent that could develop into future stars.
ESPN baseball insiders Alden Gonzalez, Jesse Rogers, and David Schoenfield weighed in on the draft’s surprises and standout picks. Gonzalez was stunned by the Nationals and Angels’ early picks but praised the Rockies’ selection of Ethan Holliday and highlighted Ethan Conrad’s surprising rise to the Cubs at No. 17. Rogers favored Billy Carlson’s defensive prowess for the White Sox and cautioned about the Pirates’ need for hitting despite drafting Seth Hernandez. Schoenfield pointed out the Mariners’ luck in landing Kade Anderson and expressed skepticism about Bremner’s upside but praised Jamie Arnold and Carlson as potential steals.
The draft’s opening moves set an intriguing tone, with teams balancing immediate needs, long-term potential, and financial strategies. The Nationals and Angels’ under-slot gambles are particularly notable, as they could allow those franchises to invest more heavily in later rounds, potentially uncovering hidden gems. Meanwhile, the Mariners, Rockies, and Cardinals secured highly regarded college pitchers and elite high school hitters, positioning themselves well for the future.
As the 2025 MLB Draft unfolds beyond the first round, the true impact of these selections will take years to fully assess. But the blend of youth, talent, and strategic risk-taking on display promises an exciting new generation of players ready to make their mark on professional baseball.
