Just Baseball’s 2025 MLB Mock Draft – Predicting Every First-Round Pick
SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball
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With the MLB Draft kicking off Sunday evening, it’s time for our latest mock—an edition that could be more unpredictable than ever. Despite a few surprises in the past couple of weeks, the picture is becoming clearer. Jared and Tyler are doing their best to break down what promises to be a wild draft. Our fingers, though? They feel like wet noodles right now—if you’re curious.
Quick heads-up: This mock will be updated Sunday afternoon before the draft. A lot could change, especially near the top of the board. Stay tuned for all the updates throughout the 2025 MLB Draft!
1. Washington Nationals – LHP Kade Anderson, Louisiana State
Slot Value: $11,075,900
Kade Anderson is no longer a long shot for the No. 1 pick.
With his polished stuff, pitching command, and SEC pedigree, he’s one of the few arms that could rise quickly through the minors—a trait the Nationals may prioritize during their organizational rebuild. Washington’s front office shakeup—firing GM Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez—could lead to a fresh draft philosophy.
That said, Ethan Holliday still has superstar potential and a prep profile that teams dream on. The choice could come down to ceiling vs. proximity to the big leagues, with Anderson and Holliday at the forefront. Don’t rule out Aiva Arquette either.
2. Los Angeles Angels – LHP Liam Doyle, Tennessee
Slot Value: $10,252,700
Liam Doyle feels like the perfect fit for the Angels at No. 2, especially given their strong preference for college players over prep talent early in the draft. Doyle’s fastball is one of the best in college baseball, and his ability to move quickly through a system lines up with the Angels’ draft history.
If Washington selects Ethan Holliday, expect Kade Anderson to go here.
3. Seattle Mariners – SS Aiva Arquette, Oregon State
Slot Value: $9,504,400
The Mariners are a key player in the draft’s top five, with the first two picks likely shaping their strategy. If Anderson and Doyle are off the board, Aiva Arquette makes the most sense. A few other names like Seth Hernandez, Ike Irish, and JoJo Parker could be in the mix too.
4. Colorado Rockies – SS/3B Ethan Holliday, Stillwater HS
Slot Value: $8,770,900
If Ethan Holliday doesn’t go No. 1, the Rockies will gladly pay overslot to secure him at four. If the Nationals take Holliday, look for Colorado to select either Liam Doyle or Jamie Arnold.
5. St. Louis Cardinals – SS Eli Willits, Fort Cobb-Broxton HS
Slot Value: $8,134,800
The Cardinals have been linked to two players recently: Eli Willits and Jamie Arnold. After selecting Arnold in our last mock, we’re pivoting to Willits this time. Willits fits the Cardinals’ profile as a high-contact, high-probability infielder, and his ceiling is enticing.
6. Pittsburgh Pirates – LHP Jamie Arnold, Florida State
Slot Value: $7,558,600
Recent whispers suggest the Pirates may lean toward college players this year. With three more Top 100 picks, Jamie Arnold is a safe and reliable selection, though don’t count out Seth Hernandez as a potential pick either.
7. Miami Marlins – SS Billy Carlson, Corona HS
Slot Value: $7,149,900
Miami’s focus is squarely on prep talent this year, with Billy Carlson and JoJo Parker as the two leading candidates. Carlson has the slight edge, though keep an eye on his high school teammate Seth Hernandez as a potential wild card.
8. Toronto Blue Jays – SS/3B JoJo Parker, Purvis HS
Slot Value: $6,813,600
The Blue Jays have been linked to prep shortstops, and with Carlson off the board, JoJo Parker seems like the logical pick. But if both shortstops are gone, don’t be shocked if Toronto shifts to a college pitcher instead.
9. Cincinnati Reds – RHP Seth Hernandez, Corona HS
Slot Value: $6,513,800
The prep pitching market is a bit volatile, but Seth Hernandez has the stuff to be a top pick. While some teams might shy away from developing a high-risk prep arm, the Reds, who’ve had success with similar prospects like Hunter Greene, could pull the trigger here.
10. Chicago White Sox – 2B/SS Kayson Cunningham, Johnson HS
Slot Value: $6,238,400
Rumor has it the White Sox may lean toward prep talent at pick 44, and Kayson Cunningham fits their strategy well. Though they’ve been linked to several prep infielders, Cunningham makes the most sense if they’re looking to balance value and development potential.
11. Oakland Athletics – RHP Tyler Bremner, UC Santa Barbara
Slot Value: $5,985,100
The Athletics are focused on college talent this year, and Tyler Bremner is a perfect match. With Oakland’s track record of developing pitching talent, Bremner’s addition would be a wise one.
12. Texas Rangers – 3B Gavin Fien, Great Oak HS
Slot Value: $5,746,800
Though the Rangers have shown interest in JoJo Parker, if he’s gone, they may lean toward another prep talent, with Gavin Fien as the likely pick. If not Fien, Kayson Cunningham remains a strong possibility.
13. San Francisco Giants – OF/C Ike Irish, Auburn
Slot Value: $5,524,300
If Ike Irish falls to No. 13, the Giants would jump at the chance. While the likelihood of him dropping this far is slim, his value would be too good to pass up. If he’s gone, look for San Francisco to pivot to other top college talent like Wehiwa Aloy or Daniel Pierce.
14. Tampa Bay Rays – SS Steele Hall, Hewitt-Trussville HS
Slot Value: $5,313,100
Steele Hall is a rare talent with elite defensive instincts and developing offensive skills. Though his selection could be seen as a bit of a risk, Hall aligns perfectly with the Rays’ typical draft approach—taking high-upside, toolsy players and developing them into stars.
15. Boston Red Sox – 2B/SS Gavin Kilen, Tennessee
Slot Value: $5,114,200
The Red Sox have been focused on college players in recent years, and Gavin Kilen fits their model well. A contact-heavy infielder with excellent discipline at the plate, Kilen aligns with Boston’s preference for high-floor, polished prospects.
16. Minnesota Twins – RHP Kyson Witherspoon, Oklahoma
Slot Value: $4,929,600
The Twins have a strong track record of developing pitchers, and Kyson Witherspoon fits their mold perfectly. A big, hard-throwing righty, Witherspoon could be an excellent value here at pick 16. If they don’t go with him, keep an eye on Jace LaViolette and Brendan Summerhill.
17. Chicago Cubs – SS Wehiwa Aloy, Arkansas
Slot Value: $4,750,800
The Cubs have been closely linked to shortstops, and Wehiwa Aloy fits their profile as a high-upside infielder. With a powerful bat and athleticism, Aloy is a riskier option, but his potential makes him a tantalizing pick.
18. Arizona Diamondbacks – OF Brendan Summerhill, Arizona
Slot Value: $4,581,900
The Diamondbacks could target a college bat here, and Summerhill has a lot to offer. With his power and on-base skills, Summerhill fits the mold of the type of hitter Arizona has been targeting recently.
19. Baltimore Orioles – OF Jace LaViolette, Texas A&M
Slot Value: $4,420,900
LaViolette’s raw power and strong on-base skills make him a perfect fit for the Orioles, who love power hitters. If his hit tool continues to develop, he could turn into a middle-of-the-order force.
20. Milwaukee Brewers – SS Marek Houston, Wake Forest
Slot Value: $4,268,100
Marek Houston offers a steady bat and solid defensive ability, making him a great fit for the Brewers. Known for getting creative in the draft, Milwaukee might see Houston as a safer pick with a high floor.
21. Houston Astros – RHP Gage Wood, Arkansas
Slot Value: $4,122,500
Wood’s fastball and control make him a good fit for the Astros, who’ve excelled at developing pitching talent. Despite a few injury concerns, he remains a strong candidate for a team that’s consistently targeted polished arms in recent drafts.
22. Atlanta Braves – RHP Riley Quick, Alabama
Slot Value: $3,983,900
Riley Quick is an excellent fit for Atlanta’s pitching-heavy draft strategy. A strong, strike-throwing righty, Quick’s command and consistency would make him an ideal candidate to develop quickly in the Braves’ system.
23. Kansas City Royals – 3B/RHP Josh Hammond, Wesleyan Christian Academy
Slot Value: $3,852,100
Hammond is a high-upside athlete who brings a mix of power, speed, and positional versatility. With two first-round picks, the Royals could use their bonus pool flexibility to take a swing on a high-risk, high-reward player like Hammond.
24. Detroit Tigers – OF Jake Higginbotham, South Carolina
Slot Value: $3,726,800
Jake Higginbotham’s power bat and speed make him an intriguing option for the Tigers, who have been looking to add tools and athleticism to their outfield. With his upside, he could prove to be a steal at this point in the draft.
25. New York Mets – OF/C Wehiwa Aloy, Arkansas
Slot Value: $3,598,400
The Mets have always targeted high-ceiling prospects with great raw power. Wehiwa Aloy fits that mold with his impressive bat speed and athleticism. Aloy’s combination of power and potential could be too good for New York to pass up here, especially if he falls to them.
26. Cleveland Indians – 1B/OF Drew Schultz, North Carolina
Slot Value: $3,473,500
Drew Schultz is one of the top college bats available in the second half of the first round. His combination of contact skills and power makes him an intriguing option for Cleveland, which has shown a tendency to target high-contact hitters in recent drafts.
27. New York Yankees – SS Luke Coleman, Cal State Fullerton
Slot Value: $3,352,900
Coleman’s sharp defense and advanced bat make him a potential steal here. He fits New York’s profile of selecting players with both upside and polish. The Yankees will look for Coleman to refine his bat while continuing to develop as one of the best defensive shortstops in the draft class.
28. Los Angeles Dodgers – OF Henry Cross, Florida
Slot Value: $3,235,200
The Dodgers’ player development system is one of the best, and they love to target college talent. Cross has flashed power potential in his time at Florida, and the Dodgers would have the perfect opportunity to work with him to unlock more of his offensive upside.
29. San Diego Padres – RHP Tanner Rodgers, Stanford
Slot Value: $3,121,800
Rodgers’ big arm and solid mechanics make him a prime target for the Padres, who have focused on pitching in recent drafts. If he can improve his secondary pitches, Rodgers could move through the system quickly and become a key piece in their rotation.
30. Chicago White Sox (via Houston) – LHP Joshua Rios, LSU
Slot Value: $3,010,500
Joshua Rios is a polished lefty who doesn’t get as much attention as other arms in this class but can be a sneaky good pick for the White Sox. He’s got a quality fastball and impressive control, making him a strong candidate to contribute quickly at the pro level.
31. Atlanta Braves (via Texas) – SS Tyler LaRoche, Vanderbilt
Slot Value: $2,901,400
The Braves are likely to grab another talented shortstop here, and LaRoche, with his balance of defensive skill and raw offensive potential, fits their typical draft strategy. He might take a little longer to develop, but his ceiling makes him a great fit for Atlanta.
32. Tampa Bay Rays – 3B/OF Mason Herrera, Georgia Tech
Slot Value: $2,795,200
Herrera’s plus power from the left side of the plate makes him a compelling option for the Rays. Although he’s a bit raw, his athleticism and bat speed offer an exciting upside. Tampa Bay would love to unlock his full potential as a power-hitting corner outfielder or third baseman.
33. Minnesota Twins (via Boston) – RHP Noah Wagner, Texas
Slot Value: $2,691,000
Wagner is a solid arm with an ability to mix multiple pitches. The Twins have done well with pitchers who can get to the majors quickly, and Wagner’s polish could allow him to climb through the system faster than some of his peers.
34. Miami Marlins (via San Francisco) – OF Jackson Green, Miami
Slot Value: $2,588,200
Miami might dip into local talent with Green, who has great speed and excellent plate discipline. He needs some development, but his tools are enticing enough to warrant a first-round look. The Marlins will hope to refine his power while tapping into his speed and defense.
35. Philadelphia Phillies – RHP Mason Townsend, Georgia
Slot Value: $2,487,600
Townsend has one of the highest ceilings among prep pitchers, and his fastball-slider combination is intriguing. With the Phillies’ focus on developing pitchers, Townsend’s upside might be too good for them to pass on here.
36. Detroit Tigers (via Seattle) – 1B/3B Ethan Walz, Cal Poly
Slot Value: $2,388,200
Walz has been one of the most consistent college bats in recent years. His power and ability to hit for average could make him a safe and reliable choice for the Tigers, who are looking to add more offense to their pipeline.
37. Cincinnati Reds (via Kansas City) – LHP Ryan Lucero, Stanford
Slot Value: $2,291,400
Lucero’s command and ability to throw strikes make him an excellent option for a team like the Reds. His polished repertoire and ability to go deep into games will provide immediate value in their system.
38. St. Louis Cardinals – OF/Jonah Taylor, Florida State
Slot Value: $2,196,700
The Cardinals are always looking to add athleticism to their system, and Taylor’s dynamic tools make him an exciting pick at this spot. His power and speed combination is intriguing, and with some development, he could be an exciting player in the outfield.
39. Cleveland Indians (via Oakland) – SS Joey Ramirez, UCLA
Slot Value: $2,103,500
Ramirez is a toolsy shortstop with a lot of potential. Though he doesn’t have the same elite tools as others, his defensive ability and solid bat make him an intriguing choice for Cleveland, who values both floor and upside in their prospects.
40. Texas Rangers (via Chicago Cubs) – 3B Cole Holbrook, East Tennessee State
Slot Value: $2,012,500
Holbrook has the power bat to make an impact at third base. Though he’s a bit raw defensively, the Rangers could work with him to make him more consistent. His bat could easily make him a high-ceiling selection in this spot.
41. Toronto Blue Jays (via Miami) – RHP Daniel Jacks, West Virginia
Slot Value: $1,923,100
Jacks has a fastball with electric stuff, and while he’s still working on his secondary pitches, his upside is undeniable. The Blue Jays are known for targeting pitchers with high velocity and upside, making Jacks a great fit at this point in the draft.
42. Arizona Diamondbacks – 2B Jaden Wong, UCLA
Slot Value: $1,836,800
Wong’s strong bat-to-ball skills and solid defense at second base make him an excellent choice for the Diamondbacks. His ability to get on base and provide consistent contact is a nice complement to Arizona’s system, which is looking for players with a polished approach.
43. Chicago White Sox (via Baltimore) – OF Dakota Fowler, LSU
Slot Value: $1,752,100
Fowler has the potential to be a future big league contributor thanks to his power and speed combination. He’s a bit raw but has the athleticism to become a dangerous hitter at the top of a lineup. The White Sox could develop him into a strong offensive force.
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