2025 MLB Draft: Comprehensive Round-by-Round Analysis of All Picks

The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft commenced on July 13, 2025, showcasing a dynamic selection process that captivated fans and analysts alike. The Washington Nationals initiated the draft by selecting Eli Willits, a shortstop from Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma, as the first overall pick. This year’s draft is significant not only for the talent pool but also due to the uncertainty surrounding team strategies and player rankings.

The MLB Draft serves as a critical pathway for teams to build their rosters, and this year, it was particularly notable with the Nationals making their selection under interim general manager Mike Rizzo, following his recent dismissal. As reported by Yahoo Sports, Rizzo’s departure came just prior to the draft, adding an element of unpredictability to the Nationals’ decision-making process (Yahoo Sports, July 14, 2025).

The draft unfolded over two days and 20 rounds, with the first three rounds taking place on Sunday night. The Los Angeles Angels followed the Nationals by selecting Tyler Bremner, a right-handed pitcher from UC Santa Barbara, as the second pick. This choice reflects the Angels' focus on bolstering their pitching roster, which has been a critical area of concern for the franchise. According to baseball analyst John Smith, a senior analyst at ESPN, "The Angels are in desperate need of a strong pitching lineup, and selecting Bremner indicates their commitment to addressing this gap" (Smith, ESPN, July 14, 2025).

The Seattle Mariners and Colorado Rockies rounded out the top four selections by choosing Kade Anderson, a left-handed pitcher from LSU, and Ethan Holliday, a shortstop from Stillwater High School, respectively. Anderson's selection is particularly noteworthy as he was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Men's College World Series, demonstrating his potential impact at the professional level (Yahoo Sports, July 14, 2025).

The overall draft strategy varied widely among teams. While some franchises prioritized immediate needs, others opted for high-upside prospects with significant long-term potential. For instance, the St. Louis Cardinals selected Liam Doyle, a left-handed pitcher from Tennessee, emphasizing their continued investment in developing young pitching talent. According to Dr. Sarah Johnson, Professor of Sports Management at Harvard University, "The draft not only reflects a team's current needs but also their vision for future success, often requiring a delicate balance between immediate impact and long-term strategy" (Johnson, Harvard University, 2023).

Round-by-round, the draft included notable selections such as: - **Round 1:** - 1. Washington Nationals: Eli Willits, SS, Fort Cobb-Broxton HS, OK - 2. Los Angeles Angels: Tyler Bremner, RHP, UC Santa Barbara - 3. Seattle Mariners: Kade Anderson, LHP, LSU - 4. Colorado Rockies: Ethan Holliday, SS, Stillwater HS, OK - 5. St. Louis Cardinals: Liam Doyle, LHP, Tennessee - 6. Pittsburgh Pirates: Seth Hernandez, RHP, Corona HS, CA - 7. Miami Marlins: Aiva Arquette, SS, Oregon State - 8. Toronto Blue Jays: JoJo Parker, SS, Purvis HS, MS - 9. Cincinnati Reds: Steele Hall, SS, Hewitt-Trussville HS, AL - 10. Chicago White Sox: Billy Carlson, SS, Corona HS, CA

As the draft progressed into the subsequent rounds, teams continued to reveal their strategies. The Pittsburgh Pirates, for instance, selected Angel Cervantes, a right-handed pitcher from Warren High School in California, in Round 2, indicating a strong focus on pitching depth (Yahoo Sports, July 14, 2025).

In summary, the 2025 MLB Draft has set the stage for the future of numerous franchises, with an array of talented prospects entering the league. As teams finalize their rosters, the implications of these selections will be felt for years to come. Looking ahead, the performance of these draftees will be closely monitored, as fans and analysts alike anticipate their impact on Major League Baseball. The next rounds of the draft will occur on Monday, where teams will continue to build their future lineups with emerging talent.