Mock Draft MLB 2025: Analysis and Key Trades for All 30 Teams!

Deep Dive into the 2025 MLB Draft: Predictions and Key Moves

The 2025 MLB Draft is approaching, with the first round scheduled for July 13th in Atlanta. Instead of focusing on who we think the teams will select, we’ve invited our experts to take on the role of general managers and make the selections they consider ideal for each team in the early rounds. Kiley McDaniel handled the teams in the National League East and the American League East, David Schoenfield the Central divisions, and Jeff Passan the teams in the West. To add excitement, we allowed our general managers to trade picks at any time. Who were the first to surprise? Which MLB stars were traded in our simulated draft? Here’s how the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft would unfold if we were in charge.

1. Washington Nationals: Kade Anderson, LHP, LSU

Nationals GM McDaniel commented that the top of the draft is a very competitive group without a clear number one prospect. He offered the Mariners (Passan) the first overall pick in exchange for picks number three and 35, but the offer was rejected. Anderson, with the best potential and proximity to the Major Leagues, fits into the Nationals’ plan, who already have young talents like James Wood, Dylan Crews, and C.J. Abrams. With smart moves, the team could be competitive in one or two years.

2. Los Angeles Angels: Liam Doyle, LHP, Tennessee

According to Passan, the Angels prefer college players with rapid progression. Although their last three first-round picks have been productive college position players, they need to strengthen their starting rotation. Doyle, with his high-velocity and spin fastball, could quickly ascend to the Los Angeles rotation. With Jo Adell, Zach Neto, and a healthy Mike Trout, the Angels have a chance to compete.

3. Seattle Mariners: Jamie Arnold, LHP, Florida State

Passan explains that, with Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo nearing free agency, a minor league system full of hitters and Julio Rodríguez and Cal Raleigh secured long-term, a rapidly progressing pitcher makes sense for the Mariners. Arnold, with his slinging delivery and 98 mph fastballs, offers immediate impact.

4. Colorado Rockies: Ethan Holliday, SS/3B, Stillwater HS (OK)

Passan points out that an athlete with power like Holliday fits perfectly with the Rockies. Holliday, at 6’4″ and 210 pounds, is more likely to stay on the left side of the infield. Power is his main tool, and with the Rockies far from contention, they can focus on long-term potential. McDaniel revealed that he offered picks 14, 37 and 86 to move up to this position, but Passan rejected the offer.

5. St. Louis Cardinals: JoJo Parker, SS, Purvis HS (MS)

Schoenfield points out that the Cardinals haven’t had such a high draft pick since 1998, when they selected J.D. Drew. Parker, with excellent hitting ability, could play at third base, forming an infield with JJ Wetherholt, Masyn Winn, and Parker. McDaniel believes this is an unpredictable stage of the draft, where bonus demands could influence the final decision.

6. Pittsburgh Pirates: Aiva Arquette, SS, Oregon State

Schoenfield explains that, with Paul Skenes’ years of control counting down, the Pirates could benefit from a college player who can progress quickly. Arquette, a 6’5″ and 220-pound shortstop with 25-home run potential, could adapt to third base.

7. Miami Marlins: Eli Willits, SS, Fort Cobb-Broxton HS (OK)

McDaniel expected to get Willits. If Arquette had been selected in the sixth place, he would have been in a complicated situation with two selections to come, having to look for a pitcher or the next high school shortstop.

8. Toronto Blue Jays: Seth Hernandez, RHP, Corona HS (CA)

McDaniel celebrates the selection of Hernandez, whom he considers the ultimate first-tier player. Passan offered Eugenio Suarez, Shelby Miller and the number 25 selection to move up to this position, but McDaniel rejected the offer.

9. Cincinnati Reds: Kyson Witherspoon, RHP, Oklahoma

Schoenfield recounts that the Reds attempted a similar deal to the Blue Jays, even offering Connor Phillips, but the Diamondbacks had their eyes on Hernandez. The Reds opted for Witherspoon, who had an ERA of 2.65 for the Sooners with 124 strikeouts in 95 innings. McDaniel believes this is another point where the draft opens up, and bonus demands could be a factor.

10. Chicago White Sox: Billy Carlson, SS, Corona HS (CA)

Schoenfield indicates that, with Colson Montgomery stuck in Triple-A, Carlson, Hernandez’s teammate in high school, offers a combination of defense and offensive potential. He has an 80 arm and plus range at shortstop, with bat speed and raw power above average.

Exchange Alert!

11. Tampa Bay Rays (via trade with Athletics): Steele Hall, SS, Hewitt-Trussville HS (AL)

McDaniel explains that he traded the number 86 pick to move up to this position, adding Hall, a 70-grade shortstop who will stay at shortstop. Passan secured an additional $250,000 in bonus pool money and expects to end up with the same player he would have selected at pick 11.

12. Texas Rangers: Ike Irish, RF/C, Auburn

Passan indicates that the Rangers need fast-progressing bats, and Irish is coming off the best offensive season of any college hitter eligible for the draft. He fits a team without a clear long-term solution at any of the three positions.

13. San Francisco Giants: Brendan Summerhill, OF, Arizona

Passan points out that Summerhill, at 6’3″ and 200 pounds, had an offensive performance of .343/.459/.556. While he can play in center field, Summerhill performs best in right field, where the Giants need a long-term solution.

Exchange Alert!

14. Athletics (via trade with Rays): Gage Wood, RHP, Arkansas

Passan confirms that he got the player he wanted at the 11th position. Wood, with a potential throwing speed of 90 mph, needs a little more development, but has the rare combination of stuff and control that can take a player to the Major Leagues quickly.

15. Boston Red Sox: Gavin Fien, 3B, Great Oak HS (CA)

McDaniel explains that Fien was one of the main options after selecting Hall for the Rays. This player has great potential.

16. Minnesota Twins: Marek Houston, SS, Wake Forest

Schoenfield points out that, although the Twins have Carlos Correa and Brooks Lee, Houston offers too much potential value. He could be the best defensive shortstop in the draft.

Exchange Alert!

17. Cleveland Guardians (via trade with Cubs): Gavin Kilen, SS/2B, Tennessee

Schoenfield explains that the Cubs traded this selection, outfielder Kevin Alcantara and reliever Luke Little to Cleveland in exchange for closer Emmanuel Clase and Cleveland’s third-round pick. The Guardians select Kilen, who hit .357 for the Vols with 15 home runs.

18. Arizona Diamondbacks: Tyler Bremner, RHP, UCSB

Passan points out that Bremner, with his change, is of great value to a team that could lose Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly.

19. Baltimore Orioles: Wehiwa Aloy, SS, Arkansas

McDaniel indicates that Golden Spikes Award winner Aloy fits the Orioles’ style of selecting center fielders with great power.

20. Milwaukee Brewers: Xavier Neyens, 3B, Mount Vernon HS (Wash.)

Schoenfield explains that the Brewers have shown a propensity to develop pitchers. Neyens, a left-handed third baseman with a lot of raw power, is different from the players recently chosen.

21. Houston Astros: Jace LaViolette, OF, Texas A&M

Passan explains that this is the point in the draft where good teams take advantage of their first pick to take someone whose value has decreased. LaViolette, at 6’6″ and 230 pounds, has a lot of raw power and a very good eye. The Astros select him.

22. Atlanta Braves: Daniel Pierce, SS, Mill Creek HS (GA)

McDaniel comments that the Braves get Pierce, who could be in the top 10. Pierce can hit, run, defend and throw, but will need adjustments to his swing.

23. Kansas City Royals: Ethan Conrad, OF, Wake Forest

Schoenfield points out that the Royals need help in the outfield. Conrad transferred from Marist to Wake Forest for 2025.

24. Detroit Tigers: Devin Taylor, OF, Indiana

Schoenfield indicates that the Tigers have great organizational depth. Taylor had an excellent performance for the Hoosiers, batting .374/.494/.706 with 18 home runs.

25. San Diego Padres: Kayson Cunningham, SS, Johnson HS (TX)

Passan indicates that Cunningham has one of the best hitting tools in the draft and, like the Padres, they love players with great hitting tools.

26. Philadelphia Phillies: Josh Hammond, 3B, Wesleyan Christian HS (NC)

McDaniel explains that Hammond could go about 10 picks higher and has a clear selling point: 70-grade power projection, a clear infield fit, upper 90s heat on the mound, stellar summer performance.

27. Cleveland Guardians: Luke Stevenson, C, North Carolina

Schoenfield indicates that Stevenson, a draft-eligible sophomore, has defined catcher power and tools, including a plus arm, but had a somewhat disappointing season for the Tar Heels.

28. Kansas City Royals: Sean Gamble, 2B/CF, IMG Academy (FL)

Schoenfield explains that Gamble has excellent speed and a good left-handed hit. Some scouts see him as an above-average second baseman.

29. Arizona Diamondbacks: Slater de Brun, CF, Summit High (OR)

Passan indicates that de Brun is a sprinter who can also cause damage in the batting box.

30. Baltimore Orioles: Caden Bodine, C, Coastal Carolina

McDaniel explains that Bodine and Luke Stevenson are seen as the two possible first-round receivers.

31. Baltimore Orioles: Dax Kilby, SS, Newnan HS (GA)

McDaniel indicates that Kilby had great combined training and is in play in several places in the late 20s and early 30s, including Baltimore in these selections. He is not a long-term shortstop, but he is growing in power.

32. Milwaukee Brewers: Kruz Schoolcraft, LHP, Sunset HS (OR)

Schoenfield comments that Schoolcraft is definitely a first-round name. He’s 6’8″ and reaches 97 mph with his fastball.

33. Boston Red Sox: Andrew Fischer, 3B, Tennessee

McDaniel explains that Fischer, for some teams, is like Ike Irish (who was number 12) with less defensive value. Both are advanced types of power and patience who bat left.