This year’s MLB draft class might not be as impressive as last year, but there’s still a lot to discuss. Unlike 2023, with standout players like Paul Skenes and Wyatt Langford, this year’s crop lacks a clear top pick. The Washington Nationals will be making the first selection, and there are several solid choices available. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Angels, picking second, usually gravitate toward players who can make it to the majors quickly.
While some may view this draft as disappointing, it’s more interesting due to the close competition among players. Scouts believe that this draft class is deep, especially in the later rounds. As college baseball heats up and high school seasons kick off, we have a chance to see which prospects will shine.
For the 2025 draft, scouts have ranked the players using a future value (FV) system. Here are some of the early standout prospects:
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Jamie Arnold (LHP, Florida State)
Arnold is widely accepted as a safe bet among scouts. He has strong tools and is seen as a quick-moving starter, making him a desirable pick. -
Eli Willits (SS, Fort Cobb-Broxton HS, OK)
Willits is the youngest player on the list and boasts solid batting skills. His family background in baseball also gives him an edge in understanding the game. -
Billy Carlson (SS, Corona HS, CA)
Carlson has a strong athletic profile and is drawing comparisons to top players from previous drafts. - Ethan Holliday (3B, Stillwater HS, OK)
Holliday possesses significant power potential and is making strides in his swing adjustments this spring.
The competition for these top spots has scouts buzzing. Each school of thought—those relying on data versus those favoring traditional scouting—has its favorite among Willits, Carlson, and Holliday. For example, teams focused on analytics tend to prefer Willits, while others like Holliday’s upside.
Recent statistics highlight the talent in this draft. A notable performance comes from Seth Hernandez, who threw in the impressive 95-98 mph range during a major showcase, making him a candidate for a high draft pick.
It’s also essential to keep an eye on the historical context. Many successful major league pitchers, like Hunter Greene and Clayton Kershaw, were picked in the early rounds as prep players, signaling that high school pitchers can evolve into stars.
Although the players listed may not be household names yet, there’s buzz in the scouting community. This draft may yield unexpected stars as players develop, making it one to watch closely.
This blend of young talent and emerging performances suggests that, while the 2025 draft may seem underwhelming at a glance, exciting possibilities await. Keep an eye on these prospects as they progress through their seasons. Further updates can be found in credible sources like ESPN’s MLB Draft coverage.