2025 MLB Draft Tracker: Live Updates, Picks, and Analysis
The 2025 MLB Draft kicked off with a bang, as the Washington Nationals selected prep shortstop Eli Willits with the No. 1 overall pick, setting the tone for an unpredictable Day 1. The Los Angeles Angels followed with college pitcher Tyler Bremner at No. 2, the Seattle Mariners picked Kade Anderson at No. 3, the Colorado Rockies nabbed prep standout Ethan Holliday at No. 4, and the St. Louis Cardinals rounded out the top five with college pitcher Liam Doyle. Below, we break down the top picks, highlight potential steals and stretches, and provide expert analysis from ESPN’s David Schoenfield and Dan Mullen.
1. Washington Nationals: Eli Willits, SS, Fort Cobb-Broxton HS (Okla.)
Draft Ranking: No. 3
Who is Willits? The son of former Angels outfielder Reggie Willits, Eli is a young, high-upside shortstop who reclassified for the 2025 draft, not turning 18 until December. A true shortstop with strong contact skills and speed, his power potential remains a question mark as he transitions to pro ball.
Why the Nationals took him here: In a draft lacking a clear top prospect, the Nationals surprised many by selecting Willits over favorites like Ethan Holliday or Kade Anderson. His youth is a major asset, akin to draft-night profiles of stars like Carlos Correa and Francisco Lindor. This pick may also allow Washington to save bonus money for later rounds, setting up potential splashy selections. Steal or Stretch? Likely a steal due to his high ceiling and youth, though his lowerсию
2. Los Angeles Angels: Tyler Bremner, RHP, UC Santa Barbara
Draft Ranking: No. 18
Who is Bremner? A college pitcher who started the season as a top prospect but struggled with inconsistency, Bremner rebounded with strong strikeout numbers (111 K’s in 77⅓ innings) and a plus changeup. His fastball sits 94-96 mph, but his slider needs refinement.
Why the Angels took him here: The Angels’ selection of Bremner at No. 2 raised eyebrows, as he was projected lower. This pick aligns with their strategy of drafting fast-moving college players, possibly at an underslot deal to save bonus money. However, his inconsistent college performance makes this a risky choice. Steal or Stretch? A stretch, given his draft ranking and concerns about his development potential in an Angels system not known for pitching growth.
3. Seattle Mariners: Kade Anderson, LHP, LSU
Draft Ranking: No. 1
Who is Anderson? The College World Series Most Outstanding Player, Anderson led Division I with 180 strikeouts and a 3.18 ERA. A polished lefty with a five-pitch arsenal, including a 92-97 mph fastball, he’s recovering from high school Tommy John surgery but projects as a quick mover.
Why the Mariners took him here: Seattle capitalized on the surprise picks above them, landing a top-tier talent at No. 3. Anderson’s polish and command make him a safe bet to join their strong rotation soon, though he lacks the elite upside of recent college aces. Steal or Stretch? A steal, as the Mariners secured the draft’s top-ranked player at a bargain slot.
4. Colorado Rockies: Ethan Holliday, 3B, Stillwater HS (Okla.)
Draft Ranking: No. 2
Who is Holliday? Son of Matt Holliday and brother of 2022 No. 1 pick Jackson, Ethan is a 6-foot-4 left-handed hitter with 30-homer potential. Likely to move from shortstop to third base, his swing and power are elite, though his summer showcase performance raised some concerns.
Why the Rockies took him here: Holliday was in contention for No. 1, making him a coup at No. 4. His power and defensive potential at third base could make him a cornerstone for a Rockies team seeking a new franchise star. Steal or Stretch? A steal, given his star potential and the Rockies’ need for a high-upside bat.
5. St. Louis Cardinals: Liam Doyle, LHP, Tennessee
Draft Ranking: No. 6
Who is Doyle? A dominant college lefty, Doyle went 10-4 with a 3.20 ERA and 164 strikeouts, boasting a mid-90s fastball that hit 100 mph. His splitter and slider need work, but his stuff could play in the majors now.
Why the Cardinals took him here: St. Louis, needing hard-throwing arms, sees Doyle as a potential rotation mainstay or high-leverage reliever. His fastball is a standout, but his secondary pitches will determine his role. Steal or Stretch? A balanced pick, with strong upside but questions about his full arsenal.
6. Pittsburgh Pirates: Seth Hernandez, RHP, Corona HS (Calif.)
Draft Ranking: No. 4
Who is Hernandez? The top prep pitcher, Hernandez touches 100 mph with a plus-plus changeup and a high-spin curveball. His athleticism and 6-4 frame add to his upside, despite the historical risks of high school pitchers.
Why the Pirates took him here: With Paul Skenes and Bubba Chandler in their system, Hernandez’s elite stuff makes him a high-ceiling addition, though his prep status carries risk. Steal or Stretch? A steal if his development pans out, given his rare tools for a prep arm.
7. Miami Marlins: Aiva Arquette, SS, Oregon State
Draft Ranking: No. 9
Who is Arquette? A 6-5, 220-pound college standout who hit .354 with 19 homers, Arquette may shift to third base but offers power and a quick path to the majors.
Why the Marlins took him here: Miami needs offensive firepower, and Arquette’s bat fits the bill. His size raises questions about his long-term position, but his hitting ability is a safe bet. Steal or Stretch? A solid pick, with potential to be a steal if his power translates quickly.
8. Toronto Blue Jays: JoJo Parker, Gatorade Mississippi Player of the Year, SS, Purvis HS (Miss.)
Draft Ranking: No. 7
Who is Parker? A polished left-handed hitter with great contact skills and 20-homer potential, Parker may not stick at shortstop but has a high-floor bat.
Why the Blue Jays took him here: With Bo Bichette’s future uncertain, Parker’s hitting prowess and makeup make him a strong fit for Toronto’s system. Steal or Stretch? A steal, given his advanced bat and potential to move quickly.
9. Cincinnati Reds: Steele Hall, SS, Hewitt-Trussville HS (Ala.)
Draft Ranking: No. 13
Who is Hall? A plus-plus runner with elite speed, Hall reclassified for 2025 and offers average power and strong defensive skills at shortstop.
Why the Reds took him here: Hall’s speed and defensive tools make him a high-upside pick, though his power is still developing. Steal or Stretch? A stretch due to his lower ranking, but his athleticism could make it a smart gamble.
Biggest Steals:
- Kade Anderson (Mariners, No. 3): Landing the draft’s top-ranked player at No. 3 is a coup for Seattle, given his polish and fast track to the majors.
- Ethan Holliday (Rockies, No. 4): A potential No. 1 pick falling to No. 4, Holliday’s power and pedigree make him a franchise-altering talent.
- Seth Hernandez (Pirates, No. 6): His elite stuff and athleticism could make him a standout if he overcomes the prep pitcher risk.
Biggest Stretches:
- Tyler Bremner (Angels, No. 2): Ranked No. 18, Bremner’s inconsistent college performance and the Angels’ development struggles make this a questionable reach.
- Steele Hall (Reds, No. 9): His No. 13 ranking and raw power make this a riskier pick, though his speed offers upside.
