A Look Back at the 2025 MLB Draft Class

As the 2026 MLB Draft approaches, it’s a timely moment to assess the performance of the top selections from the 2025 draft. With a mix of high school talent and collegiate players, the initial forecasting of these young prospects sheds light on how they have adapted to professional baseball. Leading the discussion are players like Eli Willits, who was selected first overall by the Washington Nationals. Let’s examine how each player has fared and their prospects moving forward.

1. Washington Nationals: Eli Willits

Ranked No. 10 on B/R’s prospect lists and No. 1 in the Nationals organization, shortstop Eli Willits has made quite an impression in his first full professional season. In 59 games, he boasts a .290 batting average paired with an impressive .525 slugging percentage. Having earned a promotion to High-A after a successful stint in Single-A, Willits’ transition to professional baseball appears seamless. His ability to steal bases (35) further adds to his dynamic skill set, and at just 18 years old, he’s proving to be one of the most promising players from his draft class.

2. Los Angeles Angels: Tyler Bremner

Selected second overall, right-hander Tyler Bremner has solidified his status as the top prospect in the Angels' system with compelling stats: a 2.57 ERA over 9 starts. Bremner's ability to dominate right-handed hitters while struggling a bit against lefties indicates a potential area for improvement as he climbs the ranks to the majors.

3. Seattle Mariners: Kade Anderson

Kade Anderson, the highly anticipated lefty prospect who was ranked No. 7 overall and No. 2 in the Mariners' system, has been nothing short of dominant in Double-A. With a staggering 1.02 ERA, Anderson has showcased his command by allowing a mere .152 batting average against him. His impressive strikeout rate (90 K in 61.2 IP) positions him as one of the top pitching prospects and potentially a major league call-up if the Mariners find a spot in their rotation.

4. Colorado Rockies: Ethan Holliday

Despite being selected with high expectations, shortstop Ethan Holliday has faced challenges this season. Ranked No. 37 MLB, he started strong with 9 home runs but suffered a stress fracture in his foot, leading to season-ending surgery. This injury is a significant setback, but his early performance suggests he still harbors tremendous potential.

5. St. Louis Cardinals: Liam Doyle

Liam Doyle has had a mixed bag of results in Double-A, featuring a 6.08 ERA and striking out 64, yet also walking 27 batters. His high-octane fastball keeps him relevant within prospect circles, but he must tighten his control if he hopes to fulfill his promise as the No. 69 prospect in B/R’s rankings.

6. Pittsburgh Pirates: Seth Hernandez

Emerging as a star from the draft, right-hander Seth Hernandez is thriving at High-A with a 2.04 ERA and a stellar 93 strikeouts across 57.1 innings. His combination of dominance at Single-A and strong numbers suggest he’s one to watch as he continues to advance through the Pirates’ system.

7. Miami Marlins: Aiva Arquette

Shortstop Aiva Arquette has experienced growing pains during his transition to Double-A but enjoys a strong pedigree from his time at Oregon State. He possesses significant offensive upside that could be tapped into as he acclimatizes to the higher level of competition.

8. Toronto Blue Jays: JoJo Parker

JoJo Parker’s strong start has been notable among the 2025 draft picks. Currently hitting .246, his advanced approach at the plate showcases his potential, as he exhibits a solid on-base percentage and contributing power numbers.

9. Cincinnati Reds: Steele Hall

Steele Hall’s numbers demonstrate success in the Rookie League with a solid .307 average. The Reds made an interesting choice selecting him from the 2026 draft class last year, and early indications show he could blossom into a starting shortstop.

10. Chicago White Sox: Billy Carlson

Billy Carlson, known for his defensive chops, has shown promise at single-A but needs to focus on building an offensive game to become a complete player. His early performances indicate slight improvements that could lead to a positive trajectory in his MLB journey.

Player Highlights from the 2025 Draft

Other noteworthy mentions include the performance of Jamie Arnold (Oakland Athletics) in his Dual-A debut and Gavin Fien (Texas Rangers), who has shown potential for growth after a mid-season trade. Each of these prospects harbors distinct abilities that, if honed, could yield fruitful MLB careers.

Conclusion: Assessing the Future

Looking at the 2025 MLB draft class, it's clear that the first round selections are experiencing a range of outcomes in their first full pro season. With some players thriving and others overcoming challenges, the upcoming draft will be telling. The performances thus far provide valuable insights into the talent levels and impact these prospects could have on their respective franchises moving forward. As fans prepare to focus on the 2026 MLB Draft, many of these young players will be aiming for impactful pathways to the majors.