The first round of the 2025 MLB Draft is in the books. Here are five takeaways from Sunday.
1. Nationals, Angels shock with first two selections
Expectations were that the Nationals would select either left-handed pitcher Kade Anderson or third baseman Ethan Holliday with the first overall selection. Instead, the Nationals selected high school shortstop Eli Willits, ranked as the fifth-best prospect in the draft per MLB.com. A switch hitter, Willits is considered to have excellent contact skills and a strong eye at the plate. His plus speed and instincts should allow him to either stick at short or transition to center.
Given the Angels’ propensity toward taking the most advanced college player available in the first round, Anderson then seemed to be a lock with the second pick. Although the pick was a college pitcher, the Angels selected right-handed pitcher Tyler Bremner from UC Santa Barbara. Rated as the 18th-best prospect in the draft, Bremner has a three-pitch mix highlighted by a plus fastball and changeup. The fastball sits in the mid-90s and has been clocked as high as 98 MPH. There are questions about his durability and the effectiveness of his slider, but he is still expected to remain in the rotation.
2. Mariners get a gift with the third pick
The Mariners were the beneficiaries after the Nationals and Angels went against expectations, drafting Anderson with the third overall selection. Ranked as the second-best prospect and top pitcher by MLB.com, he has a four-pitch mix headlined by a plus fastball and changeup. He is capable of throwing all four of his offerings for strikes and has the potential to become a top-of-the-rotation starter. Although the Mariners desperately need to find impact prospects for the lineup, Anderson was too good a prospect to pass up.
3. Rockies bank on bloodlines
Outfielder Matt Holliday was one of the best players in franchise history, ranking eighth with 20.3 bWAR. His son, third baseman/shortstop Ethan Holliday, was expected to be drafted by the Rockies in virtually every mock draft. The Rockies did not disappoint, selecting Holliday with the fourth pick. Ranked as the top overall prospect by MLB.com, he has plus power with excellent bat speed. There are some swing and miss concerns, and he is expected to shift to third by the time he reaches the majors, but Holliday may have the best raw power from the left side in the draft.
4. A great day for pitching and shortstops
Teams can never have enough pitching. Likewise, teams are always looking for a possible franchise player at shortstop. Those positions went quickly in the 2025 MLB Draft as the top 16 picks were either a shortstop or a pitcher. Overall, 18 shortstops and 12 pitchers were selected in the first 43 picks, not including two-way player Mitch Voit, selected by the Mets with the 38th pick.
5. Royals may have another fast-moving prospect — if they can sign him
Outfielder Jac Caglianone rocketed through the Royals system, making his major league debut less than a year after being drafted. Outfielder Sean Gamble, ranked as the 27th-best prospect in the draft, has the potential to be a five-tool player in the outfield, where his athleticism and arm strength would be an asset. The question is whether or not the Royals will be able to sign Gamble, as he has a strong commitment to Vanderbilt.
