2025 MLB Draft Grades: Nationals Score an ‘A’ with Eli Willits Surprise at No. 1 + In-Depth Analysis of Every First-Round Pick

The 2025 Major League Baseball Draft has kicked off, and the first round wrapped up with some surprises. The Washington Nationals shocked many by selecting high school shortstop Eli Willits as the first overall pick. Kade Anderson, a left-handed pitcher from LSU who was highly favored to be the top pick, went third to the Mariners instead. The top five picks included Tyler Bremner from UCLA to the Angels at number two, Ethan Holliday (son of MLB player Matt) to the Rockies at number four, and Liam Doyle from the University of Tennessee to the Cardinals at number five.

This year, the draft featured only 27 first-round selections due to teams like the Dodgers, Mets, and Yankees losing their picks for exceeding luxury tax limits. The first 105 picks happened on Sunday night, building excitement among fans and analysts alike.

Quick Grades on the Top Picks

Here’s a snapshot of the first-round picks and their grades:

1. Nationals: Eli Willits, SS – Grade: A
2. Angels: Tyler Bremner, RHP – Grade: C
3. Mariners: Kade Anderson, LHP – Grade: A
4. Rockies: Ethan Holliday, SS – Grade: A
5. Cardinals: Liam Doyle, LHP – Grade: A
6. Pirates: Seth Hernandez, RHP – Grade: B-
7. Marlins: Aiva Arquette, SS – Grade: B
8. Blue Jays: JoJo Parker, SS – Grade: B
9. Reds: Steele Hall, SS – Grade: C
10. White Sox: Billy Carlson, SS – Grade: A

The reaction on social media has been lively, with fans expressing both excitement and skepticism about their teams’ choices. Some analysts highlighted the bold move by the Nationals as a potential game-changer, especially if Willits lives up to his hype. Sports analysts believe that high school prospects can be risky, but they can also yield significant rewards if developed properly.

Recent Trends and Insights

According to recent studies, first-round picks in MLB drafts have shown a 10% increase in value over the past decade, reflecting how teams are prioritizing youth and potential. It’s a shift many experts see as crucial, especially as younger players bring energy and fresh talent to the game.

Historically, many of today’s top players—like Mike Trout and Bryce Harper—were high school picks, indicating the potential for success when teams invest in youth. As teams strategize for future seasons, these draft picks will be closely watched.

Summary

The 2025 MLB Draft has set the stage for future players to shine in the league. The early buzz surrounding the selections indicates a season full of potential surprises and developments. As fans settle in for what promises to be an exciting baseball season, all eyes will be on how these young talents evolve in the coming years.

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