The 2025 MLB Draft will happen on July thirteenth through the MLB All-Star break, leaving loads of time for rankings to shift as draft positions solidify. Most highschool seasons have but to start, however early motion has already occurred within the school season. Not like final yr, the highest school hitters have struggled out of the gate, sparking discussions about the opportunity of no school bats being chosen within the prime 5. If that occurs, it could be the primary time since 2022, a yr with a below-average school hitting class. Whereas some intriguing school hitters are climbing draft boards, the energy of this class lies in school pitching and the highschool expertise, that are anticipated to dominate the highest of the draft.
1. Washington Nationals – Jamie Arnold, LHP, Florida State
My mock draft fashion focuses extra on organizational match than the very best expertise accessible. I attempt to match up what participant makes probably the most sense for what the group prefers and likewise has a historical past of growing nicely. With that stated, my greatest participant accessible proper now could be Liam Doyle. Nevertheless, based mostly on the Nationals’ historic traits, I believe they would choose Jamie Arnold at 1st general.
The primary motive I believe the Nationals lean Arnold is his monitor report of success in comparison with Doyle’s meteoric rise early this season. You’ll be able to see a full breakdown I wrote on Arnold right here. Arnold’s greatest providing is his fastball, which doesn’t mild up the radar gun however nonetheless generates a ton of swing and miss, particularly on the prime of the zone. He’s a low launch launch with a -4.18 VAA, which creates the rising allusion for hitters. To this point this season, the pitch has generated solely a 27% whiff fee, however final season it generated a 47.7% whiff on the prime of the zone. Arnold’s slider has additionally flashed plus this season, producing a 58% whiff fee.
The event of his third pitch is one to trace, and up to now this season it has been spectacular. He added a splitter, which is producing a 54% whiff fee, in comparison with his changeup, which generated an 18% whiff fee final season. Three plus pitches with plus command will likely be laborious to go up at 1st general.
2. Los Angeles Angels – Tyler Bremner, RHP, UCSB
The Angels have a historical past of taking safer profiles which are near being MLB-ready. On the quantity 2 choice, they’ll have a selection between numerous choices, however Bremner feels extra their pace than a number of the larger ceiling choices. Bremner is an above-average arm throughout the board. To this point this season, he’s pitching to a 2.96 ERA with 26 strikeouts and 6 walks in 24.1 IP. That is coming off a yr wherein he pitched to a 2.54 ERA with 104 strikeouts and 21 walks in 88.2 IP.
Bremner’s greatest pitch is his changeup, which is an efficient swing-and-miss pitch to each righties and lefties. The pitch has generated a 54.3% whiff fee up to now this season. He combines that pitch with spectacular fastball velocity, as he averages 95.6 mph, topping out at 98.4. The fastball just isn’t an elite swing-and-miss providing, because it has solely generated a 24.1% whiff fee, however he instructions it rather well. The slider is an above-average providing with a 30.4% whiff fee however just isn’t as dominant because the changeup. The mix of swing-and-miss stuff, with plus strike-throwing skill will the Angels comfy with him this excessive.
3. Seattle Mariners – Liam Doyle, LHP, Tennessee
Liam Doyle is that this class’ rocket ship. Coming into the season, you’d have been laughed out of the room in case you talked about him being taken within the prime 5. Now, it looks like a foregone conclusion.
Doyle got here out the gates sizzling. In his first 4 begins, he threw 20.1 IP, giving up 1 run whereas placing out 45 and strolling simply 5. Full dominance. He has slowed a little bit over his final two begins, however he’s nonetheless flashing the mandatory stuff to have his title known as within the prime 5.
Doyle’s greatest pitch is his fastball, which has taken an enormous leap this yr. It was an efficient pitch in 2024 with a 33% whiff fee, averaging 92.5 mph, topping out at 96.1. This season, he has seen a soar in velo, elevating his common velo to 94.9, and his max velo is as much as 99.5. The pitch has generated an impressive 48.2% whiff fee on the season. Mix that with a slider that’s flashing plus, producing a 31% whiff fee, and a splitter that’s producing a 40.7% whiff fee, and you’ve got all of the requisites for a prime choice. The wedding with the Mariners would make an excessive amount of sense right here.
4. Colorado Rockies – Ethan Holliday, SS/3B, Stillwater (OK)
I like this choose for thus many causes. Not solely is Ethan Holliday the son of former Rockies legend, Matt Holliday, however his talent set would thrive at Coors Discipline. Not like his brother, Jackson, Ethan is a power-over-hit prospect. Standing in at 6 foot 4, 200 lbs, Ethan has current big-league uncooked energy. The facility has not proven up constantly in sport in opposition to the highest competitors, however that ought to include age and maturity.
The query surrounding Ethan will likely be his skill to hit for common. There’s much more swing and miss in his sport, and as already talked about, he struggled in opposition to a number of the prime competitors final summer season. He’ll want loads of improvement to achieve his ceiling, however he has the very best potential within the class. I consider Jackson was the secure guess to turning into a productive huge leaguer; Ethan isn’t as secure of a guess, however his potential is larger.
5. St. Louis Cardinals – Billy Carlson, SS/RHP, Corona (CA)
The primary of three Corona Excessive College prospects mocked within the 1st spherical, Carlson is a formidable athlete. I watched him play in individual final Spring, and never solely did he characteristic an easy 97 off the mound, however he showcased spectacular energy, hitting a walk-off triple off the wall to the alternative area. For less than seeing three innings, it was an enduring first impression.
Carlson has legit two-way abilities. Like present Cardinal, Masyn Wynn, he could should decide on one aspect of the ball, however he has drafteable traits on the mound and as a hitter. For my cash’s price, I believe he’s chosen as a hitter. He showcases spectacular bat-to-ball abilities with current bat pace. It’s extra of a line drive strategy, standing in at 6 foot 1, 160 lbs, it’s straightforward to see him rising into extra energy. Mix that with 70-grade arm energy, and above-average protection up the center, and it will likely be a tough profile to go on. Worst case state of affairs, he strikes to the mound if it doesn’t work.
6. Pittsburgh Pirates – Jace Laviolette, Texas A&M, OF
Anyone who follows school baseball will know the season has not gone as deliberate for anyone related to Texas A&M. The preseason consensus #1 workforce has struggled to start out the season, and Laviolette is included in that. He has by no means been a high-average hitter, however he has seen his common drop from .305 to .284, and he has not showcased almost as a lot energy early as he did final yr. His slugging share has dropped from .726 to .581, and he has solely hit 6 house runs.
With that being stated, the monitor report for achievement is there. I’m not bullish on the hit software, principally as a result of he has by no means hit above .305 in school, which is way from elite, however the energy is legit. Even in a down yr, he’s averaging 93 mph exit velocity whereas solely chasing 16.3% of pitches out of the strike zone. Much like Nick Kurtz final yr, that’s the mixture of a modern-day energy hitter in skilled baseball. For good measure, Laviolette can also be making contact with 78.7% of the pitches that he swings at, which is above common for an influence hitter. The numbers won’t be perfect, however Laviolette would make a ton of sense for the Pirates, who’re in want of ready-made MLB offensive expertise.
7. Miami Marlins – Seth Hernandez, RHP, Corona (CA)
Corona Excessive College goes to be this season’s Wake Forest, with a race to see what number of prime 10 alternatives they finish with. Hernandez has an incredible alternative to be chosen within the prime 5, however I’ve him going to Miami right here at 7.
Hernandez is your typical prep right-handed arm, however just a bit extra polished. Standing at 6 foot 4, there may be projection to his body, however he already runs his fastball as much as 97-98. He’s an athletic mover, which permits him to repeat his mechanics, and replenish the zone with 4 pitches. One other constructive for Hernandez that units him other than the everyday prep righty is that his greatest secondary pitch is his changeup. Most prep arms throw depraved sliders as laborious as they will, however Hernandez reveals good really feel for a changeup that enables him to neutralize left-handed hitters.
He additionally throws a curveball and slider that flash potential, however the mixture of athleticism with a plus FB/CH combo makes him an intriguing title within the prime 10. The Marlins haven’t been afraid of prep arms, so the choice of Hernandez makes probably the most sense in comparison with the groups forward of them who’ve traditionally most popular school prospects.
8. Toronto Blue Jays – Luke Stevenson, C, North Carolina
Catchers and the Toronto Blue Jays have a traditionally profitable relationship. These catchers traditionally have come from the Venezuela pipeline, however Stevenson suits the mould of a catcher the Blue Jays would covet.
As a draft-eligible sophomore, Stevenson reveals spectacular maturity, as he caught virtually each single sport for UNC as a freshman. His skill to play protection, and command a pitcher workers is an old-school scouts’ dream. However the knowledge additionally loves Stevenson. His numbers haven’t modified a lot on the floor, as he’s hitting .284—similar to his 2024 output—and has not displayed elite energy. Nevertheless, the underlying metrics are spectacular.
To this point this season, he’s averaging a 97.7 mph exit velocity, which places him across the prime of this draft class. Mix that contact high quality with a 12.3% chase fee, plus protection, and management, and you’ve got a power-hitting, well-rounded catcher. He may by no means hit for a excessive common, with only a 72.6% contact fee, however the mixture of protection and energy from a premium place is one that only a few groups will wish to go on.
9. Cincinnati Reds – Gavin Kilen, SS, Tennessee
One other riser from the Tennessee Volunteers, Kilen got here into the yr with query marks about his high quality of contact. Properly, he has answered these, after which some.
Final yr at Louisville, he managed to hit 9 house runs in 54 video games whereas solely placing out 22 instances. He additionally had a free-swinger mentality, strolling solely seven instances throughout the entire season. Think about what Kilen can be able to if he saved these bat-to-ball abilities and simply merely swung at extra strikes and hit the ball more durable? It’s not that straightforward, proper?
Properly, Kilen has made it look that straightforward. Via 21 video games, he has already matched his house run whole with 10. Mix that with 20 walks, and solely 6 strikeouts, and you’ve got a prospect who saved his bat-to-ball abilities whereas enhancing his energy and swing selections. The info tells the identical story. He’s averaging 91.7 mph exit velocity with an 84.1% contact fee, and a 17.9% chase fee. It’s not elite energy output, however once we take a look at what professional organizations want, they need a mixture of serviceable energy with plus bat-to-ball abilities. They consider they will get extra energy out of prospects in the event that they make sufficient contact. The Joey Gallo’s of the world are issues of the previous.
Kilen to the Reds makes numerous sense as a result of they’ve numerous MLB-ready pitching expertise. If they will begin to mix that with some superior bats, their window for achievement might be proper across the nook.
10. Chicago White Sox – Brendan Summerhill, OF, Arizona
One other certainly one of my risers this season, Summerhill has been extraordinarily spectacular to start out the season. He got here into the yr as a possible top-10 choose, however I had my issues. In 2024, he was stable with a .324 common, 8 house runs, and 16 doubles in 58 video games. Whereas he showcased the contact abilities to be a top-10 choose, I wasn’t bought on the ability. In the course of the season, he averaged 87 mph exit velocity with steel whereas showcasing plus bat-to-ball abilities and okay swing selections. These numbers have all improved.
To this point, Summerhill is averaging 91.7 whereas enhancing his bat-to-ball abilities and swing selections. He’s presently rocking an 87.3% contact fee whereas solely swinging at 15.3% of pitches out of the zone. These traits are constructive and have been an enormous a part of his .414 common to start out the season. The house run manufacturing has not proven up but with solely 2, however the progress is apparent. Even when the ability by no means reveals up this spring, you’re shopping for inventory in a prospect on the right track.
11. Athletics – Kyson Witherspoon, RHP, Oklahoma
Witherspoon is a very enjoyable prospect, and in the precise system, I wouldn’t be stunned if he grew to become one of many prime gamers within the class. I don’t assume the A’s are that group, however they want pitching and Witherspoon can be the very best accessible right here.
Witherspoon has a enjoyable mixture of pitches. He includes a fastball with plus potential, averaging 96.1 mph, topping at 98.8. As a barely undersized arm, he is ready to assault the highest of the zone with a -3.97 VAA. His most used secondary pitch is a slider/cutter providing that reaches 91 mph and has generated a 38.2% whiff fee. He additionally flashes a changeup and curveball that each flash potential with the CB producing a 50% whiff fee, and the CH producing a 66.7% whiff. He hardly makes use of them, however reveals they’ve the potential to get outs.
12. Texas Rangers – Aiva Arquette, MIF, Oregon State
Arquette entered the season because the inheritor obvious to final yr’s 1st general choose, Travis Bazzana. At first of the yr, it appeared like he was going to take that chance and solidify himself within the prime 10. He has slowed not too long ago, however that doesn’t imply he received’t be taken excessive.
Arquette’s most important improvement want was to hit the ball within the air extra usually. Final season, he averaged a 93.1 mph common exit velocity however solely hit 12 house runs. The rationale why was a 26.5% barrel fee. This yr, that quantity has improved, however not considerably. He has risen it as much as a 32.1% fee and has elevated his slugging from .574 to .618. He’s a free swinger and has regressed a little bit within the contact division with a 75% contact fee and a 23.7% chase fee. Arquette entered the yr as a top-15 choose, however a chance to rise to prime 5-10 with enchancment. To this point this yr, he has been extra of the identical, which is a significant constructive, simply not sufficient to rise.
13. San Francisco Giants – Ike Irish, C/OF, Auburn
Will Buster Posey choose a catcher together with his first choice of President of Baseball Operations? Wouldn’t that be one thing? With Stevenson off the board, subsequent in line can be Ike Irish from Auburn.
Irish mashes. Final season, he hit .319/.403/.627 with 14 house runs and solely 29 strikeouts in 47 video games. He then carried that momentum into the Cape with a stable summer season. The success hasn’t been nice this yr, however there are some underlying knowledge factors that make him an intriguing prospect.
Irish is averaging a 96.4 mph exit velocity on the season. On prime of hitting the ball extraordinarily laborious, he additionally makes a ton of contact with an 81.2% contact fee. What’s the motive for beginning the season with solely 3 extra-base hits? An 11.6% barrel fee.
I can see this going two methods: both Irish begins to raise the baseball and goes bonkers for the remainder of the season, or a workforce takes his spectacular knowledge in hopes that he elevates the baseball. He’s not a plus defender behind the plate, so it will likely be fascinating to see the place he performs, however the knowledge tells a special story than the manufacturing. I’m calling my shot on this one.
14. Tampa Bay Rays – Marek Houston, SS, Wake Forest
Marek Houston seems like a participant who thrives underneath the Rays improvement system. The issues Houston does nicely haven’t at all times proven up within the field rating. He performed as a real freshman for a Nationwide Championship contender whereas hitting .220 merely due to his protection. However this yr, Houston has proven up a special man. He was at all times tagged with the detrimental “good ball participant” tag, however this yr he’s seeming increasingly more like an authorized dude.
To this point this season, he’s hitting .407 with 8 house runs and eight doubles in 23 video games. Mix that with solely 11 strikeouts and 17 walks, and you’ll see the huge strides he made. Coming into the yr, there have been questions on his potential to hit for energy—he solely hit 8 house runs all of final season—however he has confirmed these flawed. He isn’t clobbering the baseball, with solely an 88.9 common exit velocity, however there may be an artwork to pulling the baseball within the air with below-average exit velocities (i.e. Alex Bregman). These advances of energy, mixed with an 86% contact fee, plus protection, and pace would make any group ecstatic.
15. Boston Crimson Sox – Xavier Neyens, 3B, Mount Vernon (WA)
The Crimson Sox offensive improvement has been spectacular. It has not translated on to wins on the huge league degree (but!) however what they’ve achieved with Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, and Kristian Campbell just isn’t by chance. Neyens might fall proper in step with that trio of achieved prospects.
Neyens is extra like Anthony than Mayer and Campbell, as he’s a bodily 6 foot 4 left-handed power-hitting prospect with swing-and-miss issues. There are questions on how nicely he’ll have the ability to hit, however the energy is legit. Getting him into the Crimson Sox system and getting their developmental arms on him can be a recipe for achievement.
16. Minnesota Twins – Ethan Petry, 1B/OF, South Carolina
The Twins are unpredictable relating to draft preferences. Since 2020, they’ve chosen every part from prep right-hander to secure school bat, and every part in between. I wouldn’t name them danger takers or danger averse. With that stated, I went with a prospect that simply seems like a Twin.
Ethan Petry has been in South Carolina’s beginning lineup since Opening Day of his freshman yr. He has been among the best energy hitters in South Carolina’s storied historical past and entered the yr with 44 profession house runs and a .350 profession common. Whereas he struggled with a small sophomore droop, this season he’s again to being himself. Petry is hitting .375 with 5 house runs and eight doubles whereas strolling greater than he strikes out. He has proven spectacular contact high quality with a 95.1 mph common exit velocity, and spectacular contact abilities with a 77.8% fee. Petry has a little bit little bit of a free-swinger mentality, which might hinder his manufacturing on the subsequent degree, however his current energy and get in touch with abilities warrant a range right here.
17. Chicago Cubs – Dean Curley, SS, Tennessee
The Cubs actually have a kind. Matt Shaw and Cam Smith had been virtually similar knowledge profiles. They each showcased above-average contact abilities and get in touch with high quality. This yr the participant who suits that mould is Dean Curley, and he’s certainly one of my favourite under-the-radar prospects on this class.
Curley really is an information darling. To this point within the 2025 season, he has averaged 94.4 mph exit velocity whereas making contact with 79.3% of pitches he swings at and solely chased 15.4% of pitches out of the zone. A very lethal combo. Throw in the truth that he’s a draft-eligible sophomore, no completely different than Cam Smith was in 2024, and you’ve got the additional benefit of age in your aspect. Final yr my favourite prospect within the latter half of the first spherical was Carson Benge. The early front-runner this yr is Curley. I wouldn’t fault a workforce deciding on him within the prime 10.
18. Arizona Diamondbacks – Cam Cannarella, OF, Clemson
Cannarella has been a favourite amongst individuals in draft circles after bursting on the scene with a .388 common as a real freshman whereas stealing 24 bases. He showcased plus bat-to-ball abilities and plate self-discipline whereas enjoying plus protection in Middle Discipline, all whereas impacting the sport together with his legs. Cannarella was the early front-runner for 1st general choose, however as of now, it appears Cannarella’s peak was his freshman season.
The narrative popping out of 2024 was that Cannarella spent a lot of the season enjoying via a shoulder damage. That defined the lower in manufacturing, together with 0 stolen bases for a plus runner. That was imagined to be behind us. However up to now in 2025, he has been much less productive. He solely has seven extra-base hits with a .333 common and 1 stolen base. Not precisely the progress many anticipated this yr. Cannarella is regressing.
With all that stated, Cannarella suits with the Diamondbacks. He’s an undersized left-handed hitting heart fielder with plus bat-to-ball abilities (79.1% contact fee). He has the chance to develop into extra energy, and the D-Backs delight themselves on taking gamers of this prototype. If the traits proceed, Cannarella very nicely might be accessible for the D-Backs at 29.
19. Baltimore Orioles – Devin Taylor, OF, Indiana
I’ve at all times felt like I’ve an excellent learn on how the Orioles function. They keep true to their course of, opposite to public notion, as evidenced by this offseason. Within the draft room, they’ve a kind. Whereas many have anticipated them to take a pitcher to strengthen their future on the mound, they proceed to prioritize offensive profiles, which they’ve recognized and developed higher than any within the league since Elias & co. took over. This yr, I count on no completely different.
The Orioles’ offensive choice is a hitter who showcases above-average contact high quality with none sacrifice of energy. Consider it like a graph. They need somebody above common in how laborious they hit the ball (not essentially elite), and above common in how usually they make contact (once more, not essentially elite). They consider they will develop these varieties of hitters to maximise their energy, with out sacrificing contact abilities, which they do at a formidable fee.
All of that’s to say, Devin Taylor to the Orioles makes a ton of sense. He has been extraordinarily productive with a .378 common and eight house runs in 22 video games. The info emphasizes the standard of his skillset. He’s averaging a 93.8 mph exit velocity whereas making contact with 79.4% of pitches he swings at. The Orioles would have a area day with that profile. The larger query is that if Taylor continues to play so nicely, will he be accessible at 19?
20. Milwaukee Brewers – Kayson Cunningham, SS, SA Johnson (TX)
If the Brewers have prioritized something within the draft, it’s athleticism. They don’t seem to be afraid of prep skills, and extra instances than not want to take pitchers within the later rounds due to how good their in-house improvement is. The perfect athlete accessible at this level within the mock is Kayson Cunningham.
Cunningham is your typical hit-over-power prospect. He has arguably the very best hit software on this prep class and flashes actually spectacular bat-to-ball abilities. Standing at 5 foot 9, 170 lbs, there isn’t a ton of energy to dream of, however there may be bat pace and will develop into common energy with maturity. So many younger hitters like Cunningham can get away with enjoying pepper on the prep degree, creating no must chase energy. His pace and hit software combo will make him a sizzling commodity come July.
21. Houston Astros – Nolan Schubart, OF, Oklahoma State
Nolan Schubart is an enchanting case research. He has huge flaws in his sport, which led to 62 strikeouts in 49 video games final yr, however all he does is produce. Final yr he slashed .370/.513/.838 with 23 house runs whereas battling accidents. That is after hitting .338 with 17 house runs and 20 doubles as a freshman. He has continued to supply this yr, making him an enchanting case.
When evaluating expertise, there’s a steadiness between what a participant has executed versus what they will do on the subsequent degree. I wish to outline this as “transferable traits.” You should discover what abilities translate to the following degree and which of them don’t. For this reason we see gamers hit .400 within the SEC, however .210 in Low-A, whereas others hit .350 within the SEC, and .280 on the huge league degree. Sure gamers can simply “out athlete” their competitors however wrestle to do the identical on a degree enjoying area.
That’s my concern with Schubart. He crushes the ball, with a 96.4 mph common exit velocity this season. He additionally solely swings at strikes with a 17.7% chase fee. The issue is what occurs, or what doesn’t occur, when he swings the bat. Final season, he rocked a whopping 62.9% contact fee. This season, that quantity has improved and is getting nearer to the respectable territory, as much as 66.9%. It appears there was an offseason emphasis on Schubart flattening out his swing, which has restricted his energy manufacturing, however improved his contact fee. A worthy value to pay within the eyes of MLB organizations. If you’re shopping for the enhancements, Schubart has a number of the greatest potential within the class. Some groups wouldn’t desire a profile like his within the tenth spherical. It’s all choice.
22. Atlanta Braves – Patrick Forbes, RHP, Louisville
Forbes has been among the best early-season storylines for this draft class. At all times that includes premium stuff, he has seemingly discovered his stride within the Louisville beginning rotation. To this point this spring, he’s pitching to a 3.19 ERA with 52 strikeouts and 9 walks in 31 IP. That is coming off a season the place he had a 3.72 ERA with solely 32 strikeouts and 15 walks in 29 IP. The enhancements are evident.
Forbes options premium velocity, averaging 95.1 mph on the fastball, topping out at 99,7 mph. The pitch has flashed 70 grade with a 33.7% whiff fee, and a -3.9 VAA. Hitters are having a tough time squaring it up. He has additionally flashed a slider that’s enjoying plus with a 37.2% whiff fee. The priority with Forbes is the truth that he’s a 2 pitch man proper now. He solely wants these 2 pitches, and they’re each actually good, however that third providing might want to develop to eliminate the reliever danger label he that’s going to hold.
23. Kansas Metropolis Royals – Wehiwa Aloy, SS, Arkansas
Wehiwa Aloy got here into this season with numerous query marks. After transferring to Arkansas from Sacramento State, there was some regression in his sport. That is anticipated for a participant’s first season within the SEC, however was he going to regain his freshman-year type? To this point in 2025, he seems to be higher.
To start out the season, he’s slashing .402/.495/.837/1.332 with 10 house runs and eight doubles. He’s very near matching his profession excessive of 14 house runs from each his freshman and sophomore seasons. This manufacturing is coming off a Summer season within the Cape Cod, the place he was among the best gamers and showcased spectacular energy with wooden.
Aloy has some free-swinger mentality to him, which with their choice of Jac Caglianone, doesn’t appear to trouble the Royals. He swings at 28.6% of pitches out of the zone, however I consider you possibly can chase in case you don’t swing and miss, and Aloy doesn’t. This season he has a 79.2% contact fee, displaying spectacular bat-to-ball abilities. Mix that with a 90.8 common exit velocity, and you’ve got a really intriguing prospect who’s going to stay at SS.
24. Detroit Tigers – Sean Gamble, SS/OF, IMG Academy (FL)
With the following 4 groups drafting, there may be going to be a run on prep prospects, beginning with Gamble to the Tigers. The Tigers have proven an affinity for prep prospects who showcase plus bat-to-ball abilities and hit instruments whereas additionally having above-average instruments throughout the board. Gamble is an fascinating mixture of profiles just like Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark. He doesn’t have the defensive abilities or pace of Clark, however the offensive profile is comparable. Each McGonigle and Clark have thrived with the Tigers, and Gamble can be in place to do the identical.
25. San Diego Padres – Kruz Schoolcraft, LHP, Sundown (OR)
The Padres love their prep prospects, particularly ones with excessive ceilings. AJ Preller & co. seemingly really feel like there’s a market inefficiency in prep skills who fall into the 20s. As extra data turns into public, most groups need the peace of thoughts of realizing extra concerning the gamers they draft. The Padres proceed to belief their scout’s eyes or on the very least belief the truth that these gamers within the early 2000s can be chosen within the prime 10, which is correct.
Schoolcraft seems like a Padre. Standing in at 6 foot 8, he showcases MLB degree instruments on either side of the ball. Evidently pitching is the place he’ll settle attributable to his spectacular mixture of three plus pitches. The fastball runs as much as 97 however doesn’t characteristic the modern-day life and spin many search for. Nevertheless, together with his dimension, it performs up attributable to extension down the mound. His greatest providing is a slider that flashes plus and has legit two-plane break. Schoolcraft additionally includes a changeup that flashes plus potential. There’s concern about his skill to repeat his mechanics together with his lengthy limbs, however the truth that he’s athletic sufficient to hit on the professional degree ought to bode nicely for his future.
26. Philadelphia Phillies – Brady Ebel, SS, Corona (CA)
The Phillies haven’t proven a significant affinity for a sure sort of profile, however they undoubtedly want prep skills. For some time, I assumed they favored high-ceiling prospects both on the mound like Andrew Painter and Mick Abel or Aiden Miller on the plate. Nevertheless, their choice of Dante Nori goes in opposition to the grain. For this choice, I went someplace within the center.
Ebel is presently a hit-over-power prospect, however with a 6 foot 3, 190 lb body, it’s straightforward to think about there may be extra energy within the tank. He’s the son of Dodgers third base coach, Dino Ebel, so there’s a really feel for what it takes to be an enormous leaguer. He doesn’t do something nice proper now, however as he matures each bodily and mentally, a number of plus instruments are usually not out of the query. Ebel is a prospect who does every part rather well and will simply develop into doing every part nice.
27. Cleveland Guardians – Eli Willits, SS, Fort Cobb-Broxton (OK)
If there are two issues the Guardians prioritize in drafting, it’s age and bat-to-ball abilities. The acquisitions often come via the worldwide market, however the Guardians at all times have a number of prospects who hit from either side of the plate with plus bat-to-ball and defensive abilities. That’s the mould Willits suits completely.
Willits was a reclassification from the 2026 class, and he’ll almost definitely be the youngest participant chosen on this draft. Age has been a commodity for the Guardians traditionally. Proper now Willits is a hit-over-power prospect, however with a 6 foot 1, 180 lb body it’s straightforward to think about him rising into extra. That’s at all times an impediment for change hitters, however on the very least there may be current plus bat-to-ball abilities. This marriage makes manner an excessive amount of sense, the almost definitely motive it wouldn’t occur is that if Willits is chosen on the prime of this class. The profile simply match the Guardians too nicely to go up the chance to match them up.
Prospect Promotion Incentive Picks
28. Kansas Metropolis Royals – Cameron Appenzeller, LHP, Glenwood (IL)
Huge bodily left-handed pitcher feels proper for the Royals. Appenzeller stands at 6 foot 6, 180 lbs, so there’s a ton of projected to his body. His choice will likely be on the idea that he can add velocity. Proper now, he’s topping out at 94, however the pitch performs up attributable to life on the prime of the zone. He combines that with a slider that flashes plus in addition to a changeup. There are command issues attributable to his lengthy levers, however when he’s within the strike zone, his stuff is dominant. He might be a prospect that will thrive in a university improvement system and be a prime 5 choose in 3 years.
Compensation Picks
29. Arizona Diamondbacks – Slater de Brun, OF, Summit (OR)
I’ve already mentioned intimately the D-Backs’ affinity for undersized left-handed hitting outfield prospects, and de Brun suits the mould. Two of the commonest comps on the time of the draft are Corbin Carroll and Slade Caldwell. Who had been each drafted by? You guessed it, the D-Backs. Standing in at 5 foot 10, 187 lbs, he has an undersized however maxed-out body. That’s going to restrict his energy potential, however there may be current bat pace within the profile. The bat-to-ball abilities and pace are the place de Brun thrives. This could be enterprise as regular with the D-Backs.
30. Baltimore Orioles– Ethan Conrad, OF, Wake Forest
I had Conrad initially being taken by the Orioles at nineteenth general. The rationale for the transfer to 30 is that he’s presently coping with a shoulder damage that’s going to maintain him out for a while. I believe if he comes again and produces the way in which he was, nineteenth general will likely be within the dialog.
Conrad is the right Oriole prospect. He showcases spectacular contact high quality with a 91.9 mph common exit velocity whereas nonetheless making contact with 82.4% of pitches he swings at. The Orioles’ monitor report for achievement with prospects like Conrad will create the very best state of affairs for each events.
31. Baltimore Orioles – Henry Godbout, 2B, Virginia
Godbout additionally suits the Orioles’ most popular prospect profile. The facility just isn’t loopy prevalent, with a median of 89.6 mph exit velocity on the season. Not elite by any measure, however ok. The place Godbout actually intrigues me is his 90.9% contact fee. He really has plus bat-to-ball abilities. If any workforce can get extra energy out of the profile, he has the potential to make an enormous affect on the subsequent degree. The place he is smart with the Orioles is the truth that they aren’t afraid to take non-premium place prospects. Whereas some can be frightened of a 2B prospect, the Orioles simply need 9 guys that rake.
Nonetheless no pitcher for the O’s, and sure that’s intentional.
32. Milwaukee Brewers – Korbyn Dickerson, OF, Indiana
Dickerson is a quick riser within the 2025 class. He was within the dialog for the late 1st spherical, nevertheless it was extra organizational choice that led me to drop him to 32 quite than the very best accessible expertise.
Dickerson transferred to Indiana after enjoying sparingly as a redshirt sophomore and has seized his alternative. To this point this season, he’s hitting .378/.460/.786 with 11 house runs in 22 video games. The info is extraordinarily constructive as he has averaged 94.2 mph exit velocity with a 79% contact fee. There’s a little little bit of chase in his sport with a 22.8% fee, however that may clear up with continued enjoying time. This feels similar to the Brewers’ choice of Blake Burke, the place they seize a complicated bat to pair with an athletic 1st spherical choice.
Picture by MLB.com | By Carlos Leano
