What You Need to Know for the 2025 MLB Draft

Can you believe the 2025 MLB Draft is already here? Time really does fly. Over the past year, we’ve seen high school stars break out, college aces solidify their stock, and draft boards shuffle almost weekly. Now, some of the best amateur players in the world are about to hear their names called.

Who goes No. 1 overall? That’s still anyone’s guess. But we’ve got you covered with Mock Draft 3.0 and our Top 315 Prospect Rankings to help sort through the chaos.

With the draft kicking off this weekend, here’s everything you need to know—from when and where to watch, to scouting reports, bonus pool breakdowns, and sleeper picks to watch.

📍 2025 MLB Draft: Date, Time & Location

When:
- Round 1: Sunday, July 13 at 6 p.m. ET (ESPN & MLB Network)
- Rounds 2–20: Monday, July 14 at 11:30 a.m. ET (MLB.com)
Where: Atlanta, GA – during MLB All-Star Week

This year’s class is as wide open as we’ve seen in a while—loaded with upside, helium risers, and volatility beyond the top five.

🔝 Who Has the No. 1 Pick?

The Washington Nationals won the draft lottery and will pick first overall. Expect a fierce debate between high-ceiling prep stars like Ethan Holliday and safer college arms like Jamie Arnold or Kade Anderson.

Here’s the Top 10 picks:

Washington Nationals
Los Angeles Angels
Seattle Mariners
Colorado Rockies
St. Louis Cardinals
Pittsburgh Pirates
Miami Marlins
Toronto Blue Jays
Cincinnati Reds
Chicago White Sox

🧠 Draft Format & Rules: How It Works

20 rounds total
First 6 picks: Determined by lottery
Rest of Round 1: Based on 2024 standings + postseason finish
Rounds 2–20: Order remains consistent
Compensation Picks: Awarded for MVPs, qualifying offer losses, etc.
Bonus Pool Strategy: Teams have strict slot pools; overspending comes with heavy penalties.

💰 Teams can sign players over slot in later rounds, but anything above $150K (post-Rd 10) counts against the bonus pool.

💵 Biggest Bonus Pools in 2025

Thanks to a recent trade with Tampa Bay, the Baltimore Orioles lead with over $19 million—one of the largest pools in draft history. The Rays, Angels, and Nationals also sit near the top.

Meanwhile, Mets and Yankees are limited due to luxury tax penalties and lost picks.

🧢 Top 2025 MLB Draft Prospects

Here’s a look at the Top 10 prospects on Just Baseball’s latest board:

SS/3B Ethan Holliday – Stillwater HS (OK)
SS Eli Willits – Fort-Cobb Broxton HS (OK)
RHP Seth Hernandez – Corona HS (CA)
LHP Jamie Arnold – Florida State
SS Aiva Arquette – Oregon State
LHP Kade Anderson – LSU
SS JoJo Parker – Purvis (MS)
SS/RHP Billy Carlson – Corona HS (CA)
RHP Kyson Witherspoon – Oklahoma
C Ike Irish – Auburn

Check out our full Top 315 Draft Board, mock drafts, and scouting video library at Just Baseball.

🔍 2025 MLB Draft Sleepers to Know

Hitters

Korbyn Dickerson (OF, Indiana): Big power breakout with elite EVs
James Quinn Irons (OF, George Mason): Monster numbers with projectable power
Jake Cook (OF, Southern Miss): Top-of-the-lineup spark with elite speed
Mitch Voit (2B, Michigan): Converted two-way standout with newfound pop
Michael Oliveto (C/OF, Hauppauge HS): Advanced lefty bat with upside

Pitchers

Aaron Watson (RHP, Trinity Christian FL): Low-effort delivery, strong three-pitch mix
Matthew Fisher (RHP, Evansville Memorial IN): Quick arm, starter traits
JB Middleton (RHP, Southern Miss): Big-time athlete with premium velocity
Chase Shores (RHP, LSU): Upper-90s gas and swing-and-miss slider
Jacob Morrison (RHP, Coastal Carolina): CWS standout with bulldog mentality

🧪 Draft Strategy Trends to Watch

Ceiling vs. Safety: Expect wild swings depending on teams’ risk tolerance
Late Risers: Combine & spring breakouts are climbing
Pool Manipulation: Day 2 could get interesting with overslot picks
Prep Arms vs. College Bats: The eternal draft dilemma lives on

Final Thoughts

The 2025 MLB Draft may be the most unpredictable in years. There’s no consensus No. 1, bonus pool strategy is more important than ever, and the class is deep with intriguing upside throughout all 20 rounds.

Get ready for surprises, steals, and possibly chaos from the very first pick.

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