2025 MLB Draft: Early Projections for Top Picks
The Washington Nationals secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft after winning the draft lottery during the annual winter meetings back in December. As the annual festivities are set to commence on July 13, the Nationals will be on the clock while various high school and college baseball games continue to shape the draft class.
Heading into the 2025 season, Oklahoma prep shortstop Ethan Holliday and Texas A&M outfielder Jace LaViolette are widely regarded as the consensus top two players available in the draft. Additionally, left-hander Jamie Arnold from Florida State and right-hander Tyler Bremner from UC Santa Barbara are considered the best pitchers in the class. This mock draft includes projections for the first round, the Compensation Round, and Competitive Balance Round A, allowing for inclusion of all 30 teams. Notably, the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and New York Yankees will see their first picks moved back 10 spots as a penalty for exceeding the luxury-tax threshold.
The projected first pick belongs to the Washington Nationals, who are expected to select shortstop Ethan Holliday from Stillwater High School in Oklahoma. Standing at 6'4'' and weighing 200 pounds, Holliday is praised for his impressive raw power, reminiscent of his father's run-producing abilities. Following him, the Los Angeles Angels are projected to choose outfielder Jace LaViolette from Texas A&M, whose solid performance contrasts with a notable strikeout rate, raising questions about his overall contact consistency. The Seattle Mariners and the Colorado Rockies are forecasted to select pitchers Jamie Arnold and Tyler Bremner, respectively, while other teams such as the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates are anticipated to focus on strong positional players and prep arms.
As the draft date approaches, more evaluations will be made as prospects compete in various collegiate and high school competitions, further refining their standings in the anticipated draft order. This mock draft offers an early glimpse into the potential future of MLB teams as they prepare to make critical decisions that could impact their rosters for years to come.