CUMBERLAND, GA – July 13, 2025 – Baseball’s future stars will begin their professional journeys tonight as the 2025 Major League Baseball Draft officially kicks off at the Coca-Cola Roxy in Cumberland, Georgia, as part of the MLB All-Star Week festivities. Beginning at 6 p.m. ET, the first three rounds will be broadcast live on MLB Network and ESPN, marking the culmination of years of scouting and speculation.
This year’s draft class is widely regarded for its depth, particularly among high school position players and a strong contingent of college left-handed pitchers. Teams will navigate strategic decisions, balancing top-tier talent with signability and organizational needs.
The Top of the Board: Nationals Hold the Key
The Washington Nationals hold the coveted No. 1 overall pick for the third time in franchise history. Speculation has primarily centered on two exceptional talents for their top selection:
Ethan Holliday (SS/3B, Stillwater High School, OK): The consensus top prospect on MLB Pipeline, and the younger brother of Orioles star Jackson Holliday and son of former MLB slugger Matt Holliday, Ethan brings a high-ceiling bat and defensive versatility. Many predict he will follow in his brother’s footsteps as a No. 1 overall pick.
Kade Anderson (LHP, LSU): A talented left-handed pitcher from LSU, Anderson has impressed with his arsenal and could be a quick mover through the minors. His impressive collegiate career has made him a strong contender for the top spot.
Should the Nationals opt for one, the other would likely become the immediate target for the Los Angeles Angels at No. 2, who are consistently linked to top college left-handers like Anderson or Liam Doyle (LHP, Tennessee).
Beyond the Top Two: Intriguing Talent Pool
The first round is packed with potential franchise cornerstones. Here’s a look at some of the other top prospects and where they might land among the initial picks:
Seth Hernandez (RHP, Corona HS, CA): Considered one of the top prep pitchers in the class, Hernandez could be an early target for pitching-needy teams like the Seattle Mariners (No. 3).
Eli Willits (SS, Fort Cobb-Broxton HS, OK): Another highly-touted high school shortstop, Willits possesses a strong bat and impressive athleticism, making him a popular choice for teams in the top 10, including the St. Louis Cardinals (No. 5).
Ike Irish (OF/C, Auburn): A versatile college bat with catching experience, Irish has been climbing draft boards and could surprise many by going higher than some public rankings suggest, potentially as early as the Mariners (No. 3) or Blue Jays (No. 8).
Jamie Arnold (LHP, Florida State): Another strong college lefty, Arnold could be an attractive option for teams looking for a polished arm that could advance quickly.
The Houston Astros will make their first-round selection at No. 21 overall, where they will look to add a promising talent to their already strong farm system. Historically, the Astros have shown a willingness to go with high-upside players, whether from the college or high school ranks. Players like Jace LaViolette (OF, Texas A&M) have been linked to them in various mock drafts.
Tonight’s Draft promises to be a thrilling evening as organizations begin to shape their rosters for years to come, with the dreams of young players becoming reality across the league. Day 1 covers rounds 1 through 3, with coverage of rounds 4-20 continuing tomorrow on MLB.com.
