As the college baseball season draws to a close, attention turns to the upcoming MLB draft. While the primary phase of the draft will not take place until mid-July, many of the top prospects are preparing for crucial performances in their respective conference tournaments. Success in these high-stakes environments has the potential to elevate a player's stock as they head toward the draft.

In recent expert analyses, various mock drafts have outlined the current landscape of top prospects. A recent mini-mock from analysts has projected the first 14 picks of the upcoming draft, with a significant focus on high school talent. The first selection is projected to be Ethan Holliday, a third baseman from Stillwater High School in Oklahoma. Known as the son of seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday, Holliday's potential has piqued the interest of many scouts, though analysts caution that the draft order remains fluid. Following Holliday, the second pick is expected to be Jamie Arnold, a left-handed pitcher from Florida State, with Seth Hernandez, a right-hander from Corona High School in California, also among the early selections.

The mock drafts continue to evolve, and different analysts have noted variations in player rankings. One mock indicated that while Holliday and Arnold remain popular choices at the top, players such as Liam Doyle from Tennessee and Aiva Arquette from Oregon State are also expected to go early in the draft. Notably, the Pittsburgh Pirates may consider Kade Anderson, another high school standout, despite his position in the rankings owing to historical hesitations surrounding right-handed high school pitchers. Other new names have emerged, showcasing the depth of talent available this year, particularly with strong showings from players in conference tournaments.