2025 MLB mock draft 1.0: Who will go No. 1 to the Nationals?

The foolish season for the MLB draft is in full swing. Faculty convention tournaments and lots of state highschool tournaments have concluded, so the season is over for a lot of key gamers and a focus has shifted to personal exercises or playoff video games. Rumors are beginning to swirl about who will go the place, so it is time for my preliminary full first-round projection.

As talked about in my up to date 150 prospects rankings and mini-mock two weeks in the past, the highest of this class is down a bit of from latest years, however which means the celebs might be discovered later within the draft and the highest of the draft might be much more unpredictable.

This week’s NCAA tournament regionals might be key for a few of the gamers listed beneath, however most of these nonetheless enjoying have achieved sufficient that a couple of video games will not matter a lot. The MLB draft mix (June 21-25) might be enormous for prospects projected to go in Rounds 3-5, whereas the actual fireworks for first-round implications will come both in non-public exercises or within the conferences groups are having to kind by means of all the info they’ve collected prior to now 12 months on this class.

Right here is who your favourite staff is focusing on on the prime of this 12 months’s draft, which takes place July 13-14.

1. Washington Nationals

Ethan Holliday, 3B, Stillwater HS (Oklahoma)

Prime 150 rank: 3

This one continues to be extensive open and my alternative right here is extra a mirrored image of “I do not fairly have sufficient data to alter it from Holliday” than “I am assured it’ll be Holliday.” Eli Willits and Seth Hernandez are the main prep choices whereas the school choices (lefties Liam Doyle, Kade Anderson and Jamie Arnold) appear much less doubtless.

Bonus calls for will definitely be an element, that are influenced by potential touchdown spots. Holliday’s sizzling spots are picks Nos. 1, 4 and 5. Willits’ are No. 1, probably No. 2, then Nos. 5-No. 8. Hernandez’s are No. 1, probably No. 2, No. 3 after which a spot till perhaps No. 9. If you happen to’re confused, you are now caught as much as the place the trade is.

2. Los Angeles Angels

Liam Doyle, LHP, Tennessee

Prime 150 rank: 6

I am not ruling out a highschool participant going right here as a risk (as referenced above), however I am additionally not taking it that critically. The Angels’ historical past is to take quick-moving school gamers early and promote them rapidly by means of their system, then overpay some highschool gamers later.

Doyle had probably the most unbelievable common seasons in years, however did get hit round within the SEC match. You may justify Kade Anderson or Jamie Arnold as the highest school prospect right here, however Doyle suits their pursuits higher. Aiva Arquette is talked about, and I believe he is of their combine, however I might assume a pitcher is the place the Angels land.

3. Seattle Mariners

Kade Anderson, LHP, LSU

Prime 150 rank: 7

It is beginning to sound like this decide might be a pitcher. Hernandez is an actual possibility however comes from a dangerous participant demographic as a excessive schooler. Anderson is ending sturdy, and Arnold is posting strong Okay/BB numbers however getting hit round, so I am going to lean to Anderson in a good end.

4. Colorado Rockies

Aiva Arquette, SS, Oregon State

Prime 150 rank: 8

If Holliday would not get right here, I am instructed the choices thought of will embody the remaining school left-handers (Arnold on this case), Kyson Witherspoon and Arquette. Witherspoon in all probability goes a bit after this, so he looks as if the least doubtless except there’s an underslot deal.

5. St. Louis Cardinals

Eli Willits, SS, Fort Cobb-Broxton HS (Oklahoma)

Prime 150 rank: 2

On this state of affairs, I believe this decide will come right down to Willits and Arnold, with JoJo Parker and Billy Carlson among the many viable decisions on the periphery.

Previously, St. Louis has leaned closely into dependable school starters, however Willits is sort of just like St. Louis 2024 first-rounder JJ Wetherholt.

6. Pittsburgh Pirates

Jamie Arnold, LHP, Florida State

Prime 150 rank: 1

The Pirates have been tied to Arquette (not out there on this state of affairs), any of the three school lefties (simply Arnold on this state of affairs), and whichever of the prep shortstops get right here (Carlson and Parker on this state of affairs). I believe Arnold’s strong likelihood to be one of the best pitcher on this class wins out.

7. Miami Marlins

Billy Carlson, SS, Corona HS (California)

Prime 150 rank: 5

Carlson is closely within the combine for plenty of picks beginning round No. 5 and may go fairly quickly after that. Like Arnold, he could possibly be the one from one of the best of his participant demographic to slide however may additionally simply be one of the best of the group. We’re stepping into the again of the highest tier of expertise, so groups choosing right here might be reactive and take who will get to them from the highest group.

8. Toronto Blue Jays

Kyson Witherspoon, RHP, Oklahoma

Prime 150 rank: 10

I do not assume the Blue Jays would take Seth Hernandez, however I do assume they’re on a lot of the different gamers within the consensus prime group, so Witherspoon is the one who is sensible on this state of affairs; any of the earlier 4 picks on this mock can be Toronto’s decide in the event that they have been the one to fall, too.

9. Cincinnati Reds

Seth Hernandez, RHP, Corona HS (California)

Prime 150 rank: 4

This can be a best-case state of affairs for Cincinnati because the Reds get their man right here after Hernandez loses some coin flips up prime. I believe this may be fairly unfortunate for Hernandez and there is likely to be a staff mendacity within the weeds between No. 3 and No. 9 that may take him that hasn’t tipped its hand but.

10. Chicago White Sox

JoJo Parker, SS, Purvis HS (Mississippi)

Prime 150 rank: 9

Parker has a number of potential touchdown spots within the prime 10. He is likely to be one of the best hitter within the draft, it is simply that his different instruments aren’t pretty much as good as his competitors.

For some groups, the highest tier is 10 gamers (I principally agree, although I would embody one or two extra) so the White Sox’s decide could possibly be fairly easy, however odds are their board would not simply have all 10 names in an analogous order.

11. Athletics

Brendan Summerhill, CF, Arizona

Prime 150 rank: 27

The A’s are in a troublesome spot, as you’ll be able to surmise from the theme creating that the highest tier of expertise is now operating out. That additionally means costs will come into play beginning round right here as plenty of gamers grade out equally; which means mocks get a lot more durable as a result of brokers and groups do not know anybody’s value but. The A’s have been tied to Summerhill all spring and that is about the place he ought to land anyway; he’ll be ranked larger once I replace my checklist.

12. Texas Rangers

Steele Corridor, SS, Hewitt-Trussville HS (Alabama)

Prime 150 rank: 11

The Rangers will take any participant demographic however are inclined to lean towards instruments/upside at premium picks. Corridor is among the youngest gamers within the draft and is a plus-plus runner with the texture to drag/elevate the ball in video games.

13. San Francisco Giants

Wehiwa Aloy, SS, Arkansas

Prime 150 rank: 14

I’ve heard each Wake Forest SS Marek Houston and Aloy at this spot. Each are school shortstops however in any other case fairly completely different gamers. Aloy has contact points, is not a fantastic runner however is an effective defender, and Houston makes lots of contact with restricted energy and is a superb defender. Aloy has an opportunity to be a beginning large league shortstop with plus energy and that upside is uncommon, particularly from the school ranks.

14. Tampa Bay Rays

Josh Hammond, 3B, Wesleyan Christian HS (North Carolina)

Prime 150 rank: 18

Hammond had a fantastic summer time and was getting Austin Riley comps for his two-way prowess (many groups most well-liked him as a pitcher over the summer time), then confirmed up notably stronger this spring, trying like a lifeless ringer for Josh Donaldson, headlined by plus-plus uncooked energy, although with a extra power-focused offensive strategy.

15. Boston Red Sox

Gavin Fien, 3B, Nice Oak HS (California)

Prime 150 rank: 13

Fien is considerably polarizing as he has medium instruments however had an enormous summer time efficiency whereas his lesser spring efficiency has soured some groups. He was knocking on the door of the highest 10 earlier than the spring and should not get out of the primary 20 or so picks regardless of scouts being a bit confused by their spring seems.

16. Minnesota Twins

Jace LaViolette, CF, Texas A&M

Prime 150 rank: 9

Talking of a complicated spring, LaViolette additionally has scouts not sure what to make of him. His swing is a bit mechanical and stiff, however he has huge instruments and has carried out fairly effectively all issues thought of — although he has been streaky. There’s some considering that he ought to loosen up his swing, perhaps like Cody Bellinger, as a result of he has 30-homer energy and is viable in middle subject at 6-foot-6.

He is a uncommon expertise with strong school efficiency, however the fear about his swing and the contact points he may need at larger ranges is creating uncertainty about his draft place. He may sneak into the highest 10 however extra doubtless goes within the later teenagers. The Twins have taken gamers like this and had some success, equivalent to Trevor Larnach and Matt Wallner.

17. Chicago Cubs

Gage Wooden, RHP, Arkansas

Prime 150 rank: 21

Wooden is a sizzling title due to his enormous stuff, however he has began solely 10 video games in school. Some scouts assume that if he could make plenty of begins for Arkansas this postseason, he may have an increase like Cade Horton, who went No. 7 in 2022 out of Oklahoma and is now within the large leagues for the Cubs. This projection is a bit of speculative, however I do not assume Wooden would get out of the 20s if the draft have been held at present. He’s a extra refined model of one other Arkansas pitcher the Cubs took within the second spherical in 2023, Jaxon Wiggins.

18. Arizona Diamondbacks

Slater de Brun, CF, Summit HS (Oregon)

Prime 150 rank: 16

You are going to see De Brun on this spot in lots of mock drafts as a result of he is fairly just like Corbin Carroll, Alek Thomas and Slade Caldwell, all prep place gamers who’re brief and fast middle fielders — and all taken by the D-backs. He belongs on this juncture of the draft anyway and Arizona nonetheless appears fairly enthusiastic about this kind of participant.

19. Baltimore Orioles

Xavier Neyens, 3B, Mount Vernon HS (Washington)

Prime 150 rank: 19

That is the realm the place you will see Neyens, De Brun’s northwest prep operating mate, essentially the most in projections. He belongs right here, however the subsequent few picks are groups that are inclined to lean into Neyens’ ability set: huge uncooked energy, strong athleticism and infield match. Baltimore has taken plenty of gamers like this over time and Neyens has an intriguing upside (assume Joey Gallo, each the great and unhealthy variations) for this juncture of the draft.

20. Milwaukee Brewers

Daniel Pierce, SS, Mill Creek HS (Georgia)

Prime 150 rank: 20

Pierce has lots of curiosity from the late teenagers into the 20s and will go anyplace in that vary, (or perhaps get overpaid later) as a result of there are a ton of prep place gamers at this juncture of the draft and one or two of them have to slip as school skills invariably are moved up whereas prep gamers get large bonuses to attend a bit longer. Pierce is a standout athlete and defender with nice make-up and get in touch with charges however restricted current energy.

21. Houston Astros

Tate Southisene, SS, Fundamental HS (Nevada)

Prime 150 rank: 22

Tate’s brother Ty received $1 million from the Cubs within the fourth spherical final 12 months and the Cubs are tied to Tate this spring, although Houston is as effectively. Southisene is a bit uncommon as a prep shortstop with standout energy and persistence in a smaller body, although not fairly as quick or younger as Steele Corridor, one other participant with that basic ability set who went 9 picks earlier on this projection.

22. Atlanta Braves

Marek Houston, SS, Wake Forest

Prime 150 rank: 15

There was lots of anticipation when Houston confirmed scouts a brand new and improved swing final fall that induced some to say Dansby Swanson as a comp. But it surely was adopted by a little bit of a letdown when his energy numbers did not improve very a lot this spring. He is nonetheless a plus runner and defender with strong contact charges, however extra like 10-15 homer potential. He has a great little bit of curiosity within the teenagers, so that is extra of a flooring than his sizzling spot.

23. Kansas City Royals

Ike Irish, C/OF, Auburn

Prime 150 rank: 26

Irish has lots of momentum after ending second within the SEC in OPS in convention video games after a gradual begin. There are touchdown spots for him everywhere in the first spherical, together with the highest half of the spherical, so that is close to the latter finish of his vary. As traditional, the Royals are being tied to plenty of prep pitchers so I might assume they’d line up a couple of of their subsequent picks after taking Irish right here on this state of affairs.

24. Detroit Tigers

Kayson Cunningham, SS, Johnson HS (Texas)

Prime 150 rank: 17

Cunningham is one other participant with numerous curiosity within the teenagers who loses out a bit on this state of affairs, although Detroit has an additional decide at No. 34 and the pool house to get a greater participant to this decide.

Cunningham has arguably one of the best hit software within the draft and can play the infield, however would not have a lot energy proper now, is likely to be extra of a second baseman and being previous for the category makes him a no-go for some model-oriented groups. He is additionally among the many probably large leaguers on this deep prep class, so this can be a nice worth.

25. San Diego Padres

Kruz Schoolcraft, LHP, Sundown HS (Oregon)

Prime 150 rank: 33

It is typically good enterprise to foretell a prep left-hander to the Padres with Kash Mayfield and Boston Bateman taken as their first two picks final 12 months, and Robby Snelling and Ryan Weathers as first-rounders in previous years.

Schoolcraft additionally suits round this spot within the draft, with some likelihood to go within the highest 20 however extra doubtless being a slot-or-above possibility within the 20s and early 30s. He is 6-foot-8 with mid-90s velo and a plus changeup, although his breaking ball high quality is inconsistent.

26. Philadelphia Phillies

Matthew Fisher, RHP, Evansville Memorial HS (Indiana)

Prime 150 rank: 40

The Phillies have had some success with being extra open to prep right-handers within the first spherical than the common staff (Andrew Painter, Mick Abel), although they have not achieved it of late. That is the juncture within the draft the place the following tier of prep arms behind Seth Hernandez (Schoolcraft, Cam Appenzeller, Aaron Watson, Landon Harmon) will go flying off the board and the Phillies appear to be most enthusiastic about Fisher of this group.

27. Cleveland Guardians

Tyler Bremner, RHP, UC Santa Barbara

Prime 150 rank: 28

Bremner appeared like a possible top-10 decide coming into the spring, then did not have the season many have been hoping for, however he nonetheless has a starter look with mid-90s velocity, and a knockout changeup. The Guardians are good on the final stage of pitcher growth and Bremner has fallen too far at this level.

Prospect promotion incentive picks

28. Kansas Metropolis Royals: Aaron Watson, RHP, Trinity Christian HS (Florida)

Compensation picks

29. Arizona Diamondbacks: Ethan Conrad, RF, Wake Forest
30. Baltimore Orioles: Sean Gamble, 2B, IMG Academy (Florida)
31. Baltimore Orioles: Mason Neville, CF, Oregon
32. Milwaukee Brewers: Gavin Kilen, SS, Tennessee

Aggressive steadiness picks

33. Boston Pink Sox: Dax Kilby, SS, Newnan HS (Georgia)
34. Detroit Tigers: Anthony Eyanson, RHP, LSU
35. Seattle Mariners: Nick Becker, SS, Don Bosco HS (New Jersey)
36. Minnesota Twins: Caden Bodine, C, Coastal Carolina
37. Tampa Bay Rays: Jaden Fauske, OF, Nazareth Academy HS (Illinois)

These three groups had their first-round picks moved down 10 slots after exceeding the second surcharge threshold of the aggressive steadiness tax. We’ll embody full writeups for them so all 30 groups have a projected decide.

38. New York Mets

Marcus Phillips, RHP, Tennessee

Prime 150 rank: 37

Phillips is electrifying, sitting within the upper-90s with plus stuff from a low-arm slot however some groups fear his arm motion will restrict him to aid. The Mets have not been scared to take this type of danger prior to now and Phillips may additionally land within the 20s, so this may be a pleasant worth.

39. New York Yankees

Andrew Fischer, 3B, Tennessee

Prime 150 rank: 53

Fischer is sneaking up the board alongside the identical traces as Ike Irish and Ethan Conrad, as pure hitters who’re in all probability large leaguers of consequence. Fischer has the least defensive worth of the group as a possible first baseman who has some shot to play third base, however he additionally would possibly go larger than this because the demand for SEC-proven hitters is at all times excessive.

40. Los Angeles Dodgers

Cam Cannarella, CF, Clemson

Prime 150 rank: 34

Cannarella hasn’t appeared fairly the identical as he did final spring and scouts appear to assume he will not go within the prime 20-30 picks. I believe this drop is simply too far for his expertise and can be one other draft coup for the Dodgers.