CUMBERLAND, GA – July 13, 2025 – The Houston Astros made a significant move to bolster their future roster yesterday, selecting high school infielder Xavier Neyens (Mount Vernon HS, WA) with the 21st overall pick in the first round of the 2025 Major League Baseball Draft. The powerful left-handed hitter, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound prospect, projects as a corner infielder, likely at third base, and brings considerable raw power to the Astros’ farm system. Neyens, who had been committed to Oregon State University, is widely expected to sign with the club, marking the first time the Astros have drafted a high school position player in the first round since Kyle Tucker in 2015.
The draft, which kicked off as part of MLB’s All-Star Week festivities, saw the Washington Nationals make a bit of a surprise at the top, selecting Fort Cobb-Broxton High School (OK) shortstop Eli Willits as the No. 1 overall pick. Willits, a 17-year-old switch-hitter, is noted for his advanced defensive skills and solid contact ability.
Day 1 of the draft included the first three rounds, along with compensatory and competitive balance rounds. Other notable picks included the Los Angeles Angels’ selection of right-hander Tyler Bremner at No. 2, and the Colorado Rockies drafting high school shortstop Ethan Holliday, son of former MLB All-Star Matt Holliday, at No. 4 overall.
Teams will continue to make their selections today (July 14th) as the draft proceeds through Rounds 4-20, building the next generation of talent across Major League Baseball.