The Major League Baseball draft is fast approaching, set to take place on July 13 at Cobb County’s Roxy Theater. While it may not attract as much attention as the Home Run Derby or All-Star Game that follow, the draft still brings plenty of excitement for fans and teams alike.
With several intriguing prospects and key positions up for grabs, this draft promises to be full of surprises.
Top Picks and Predictions
The first few picks of the 2025 MLB Draft are highly anticipated, with several standout players expected to go in the top 10. While the order of selection remains uncertain, there are a few key names that are nearly guaranteed to go early.
One major highlight is the group of shortstops, with up to 10 shortstops expected to go in the top 20 picks. These players represent the future of the position, from high school stars to college All-Americans, and they will be the focus of most teams looking to bolster their rosters.
Predicted First Overall Pick
The Washington Nationals hold the first pick, and all signs point to them selecting Ethan Holliday, a shortstop from Stillwater High School (Okla.). The Nationals are in a rebuilding phase, and Holliday, a potential building block, could be the foundation they need as they move forward.
While other players may also be considered, the Nationals are likely to prioritize a player with long-term potential rather than a ready-made ace.
Other Top Picks
At number 2, the Los Angeles Angels are predicted to pick Kade Anderson, a left-handed pitcher from LSU. Anderson’s impressive performance in the College World Series, including a three-hit shutout against Coastal Carolina, has cemented his place as one of the top arms in the draft.
The Seattle Mariners are expected to select Aiva Arquette, a shortstop from Oregon State, with the third pick. Arquette’s physical presence and offensive potential make him an exciting prospect who can contribute to the Mariners’ lineup in the future.
The Colorado Rockies at pick 4 are projected to select Eli Willits, a shortstop from Fort Cobb-Broxton (Okla.) High School. Willits, still just 17 years old, is seen as a high-end building block for the Rockies, who are in need of long-term assets.
More Players to Watch
As the draft continues, the St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Miami Marlins are all expected to target key players like Liam Doyle, Seth Hernandez, and Billy Carlson. These players, including pitchers and shortstops, will bring much-needed talent to these organizations, helping to shape their futures.
Notable Picks Beyond the Top 10
Beyond the top 10, there are plenty of players who could make an impact. For example, the Chicago White Sox are expected to select Ike Irish, a versatile player from Auburn who could play in the outfield.
Similarly, the Toronto Blue Jays will likely grab Jamie Arnold, a left-handed pitcher from Florida State, adding depth to their pitching staff.
Teams like the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, and Kansas City Royals will also make key selections, each aiming to bolster their squads with prospects who can make an immediate impact in the future.
Key Players in the Later Rounds
As the draft moves into the later rounds, teams will target players like Jace Laviolette (OF, Texas A&M) and Slater de Brun (OF, Summit High School, Ore.), who bring potential value despite their earlier setbacks or inconsistencies.
Players like Gavin Kilen and Gavin Fien could also be high-impact players, depending on where they are picked.
