With the Combine underway and few games remaining in Omaha, the MLB draft season is nearing its end. It’s time for a new projection of the first round of the 2025 draft.
The start of the MLB draft combine indicates that we are entering rumor season, where reality is distorted day by day. Private on-field workouts for the mentioned players have concluded, limiting useful information and focusing rumors on controlling perception.
A notable trend is the rise of several college position players, which could affect high school players, who might slide in the draft, often due to higher bonuses.
In the previous projection, Arkansas right-handed pitcher Gage Wood was ranked 17th. After throwing a no-hitter in the College World Series, Wood appears to have a higher value.
MLB Draft First 40 Picks Predictions
The MLB draft will begin on Sunday, July 13th.
1. Washington Nationals
Kade Anderson, LHP, LSU
The discussion about number 1 is open, but Anderson seems to be the favorite over Ethan Holliday. Seth Hernandez and Eli Willits are also options.
2. Los Angeles Angels
Liam Doyle, LHP, Tennessee
Trying to predict this selection is complicated. The Angels usually choose fast college players. Although Doyle has had an excellent season, there are doubts about their interest. Teams behind the Angels believe that Doyle could fall to the 9th or 10th position. The Angels could also consider high school shortstop Eli Willits.
3. Seattle Mariners
Jamie Arnold, LHP, Florida State
The Mariners appear focused on pitchers, with Anderson and Arnold as top options. Oregon State shortstop Aiva Arquette is also being considered.
4. Colorado Rockies
Ethan Holliday, 3B, Stillwater HS (Oklahoma)
Holliday is a clear connection and could be selected if not number 1. Colorado is also interested in Aiva Arquette and Kyson Witherspoon.
5. St. Louis Cardinals
JoJo Parker, SS, Purvis HS (Mississippi)
The situation opens up at this point. Names like Ike Irish, Eli Willits, Parker, and Billy Carlson are options. If Anderson, Arnold, and Holliday are not available, they will likely choose a position player. Parker could generate savings and is gaining momentum.
6. Pittsburgh Pirates
Aiva Arquette, SS, Oregon State
Arquette and Billy Carlson are the most likely options. High school right-handed pitcher Seth Hernandez could also be considered.
7. Miami Marlins
Eli Willits, SS, Fort Cobb-Broxton HS (Oklahoma)
Willits is considered for the first selections. Miami focuses on position players from the institute, and they could also look for “underslot” deals.
8. Toronto Blue Jays
Ike Irish, C/OF, Auburn
Irish could move up in the rankings. It is rumored that college hitters are rising in the draft. Toronto could opt for the college route if they don’t find the right player.
9. Cincinnati Reds
Seth Hernandez, RHP, Corona HS (California)
Hernandez could be selected here or by the Mariners. If he is not available, the Reds will look for players with potential, mainly from high school.
10. Chicago White Sox
Billy Carlson, SS, Corona HS (California)
The White Sox have a wide range of options. Doyle, Carlson, and Parker could be selected here.
11. Athletics
Brendan Summerhill, CF, Arizona
Right-handed college pitchers like Kyson Witherspoon and Gage Wood come into play. College position players are also considered.
12. Texas Rangers
Steele Hall, SS, Hewitt-Trussville HS (Alabama)
The Rangers could choose a top-tier player or focus on high school prospects with potential. Hall could be the last position player at that top level. They are also interested in high school receiver Michael Oliveto.
13. San Francisco Giants
Kyson Witherspoon, RHP, Oklahoma
Witherspoon has options in the top 10, but Gage Wood is close. The Giants have considered several college players.
14. Tampa Bay Rays
Gavin Kilen, SS, Tennessee
The Rays are usually interested in high school position players. Kilen leads the group of college players.
15. Boston Red Sox
Gavin Fien, 3B, Great Oak HS (California)
Fien fits in this position. The Red Sox could consider Gage Wood.
16. Minnesota Twins
Gage Wood, RHP, Arkansas
Wood could be a great bet. Minnesota mainly focuses on college players.
17. Chicago Cubs
Wehiwa Aloy, SS, Arkansas
Aloy could be selected here. Wood is also an option, along with other power hitters.
18. Arizona Diamondbacks
Marek Houston, SS, Wake Forest
The Diamondbacks are looking for contact-oriented players for key positions.
19. Baltimore Orioles
Jace LaViolette, CF, Texas A&M
LaViolette could be selected here. Xavier Neyens is also an option.
20. Milwaukee Brewers
Caden Bodine, C, Coastal Carolina
Bodine is an option for teams focused on numbers, given his contact and framing ability. Many contact-oriented hitters are considered.
21. Houston Astros
Xavier Neyens, 3B, Mount Vernon HS (Washington)
Houston has considered several outstanding athletes in the institute.
22. Atlanta Braves
Tyler Bremner, RHP, UC Santa Barbara
Bremner could be a good option in this position.
23. Kansas City Royals
Josh Hammond, 3B, Wesleyan Christian HS (North Carolina)
Hammond has several options. The Royals are expected to select a high school pitcher or a shortstop.
24. Detroit Tigers
Andrew Fischer, 3B, Tennessee
Fischer is on the rise. Detroit seeks to combine a college player with a high school player.
25. San Diego Padres
Slater de Brun, CF, Summit HS (Oregon)
De Brun could be selected in this position. The Padres are interested in several high school players.
26. Philadelphia Phillies
Sean Gamble, 2B, IMG Academy (Florida)
The Phillies are considering high school players with potential. They could combine this selection with a high school pitcher.
27. Cleveland Guardians
Tate Southisene, SS, Basic HS (Nevada)
The Guardians could choose a high school position player or take advantage if a college player falls to this position.
28. Kansas City Royals: Daniel Pierce, SS, Mill Creek HS (Georgia)
Compensation Selections
29. Arizona Diamondbacks: Kayson Cunningham, SS, Johnson HS (Texas)
30. Baltimore Orioles: Cam Cannarella, CF, Clemson
31. Baltimore Orioles: Dax Kilby, SS, Newnan HS (Georgia)
32. Milwaukee Brewers: Jaden Fauske, OF, Nazareth Academy HS (Illinois)
Competitive Balance Selections
33. Boston Red Sox: Luke Stevenson, C, North Carolina
34. Detroit Tigers: Aaron Watson, RHP, Trinity Christian HS (Florida)
35. Seattle Mariners: Ethan Conrad, RF, Wake Forest
36. Minnesota Twins: Charles Davalan, LF, Arkansas
37. Tampa Bay Rays: Anthony Eyanson, RHP, LSU
These teams have been penalized for exceeding the competitive balance tax.
38. New York Mets
Devin Taylor, LF, Indiana
Taylor is interested in this round. He doesn’t have huge potential, but he could progress quickly.
39. New York Yankees
J.B. Middleton, RHP, Southern Miss
Middleton is a pitcher with potential and good numbers.
40. Los Angeles Dodgers
Quentin Young, SS, Oaks Christian HS (CA)
Young is a player with great potential. The Dodgers also have the number 41 pick.
