The 2025 MLB Draft is almost here, set to grab the attention of baseball fans during the All-Star break on July 13, just outside Atlanta. This year marks the third draft using the lottery system, and honestly, nobody really knows what to expect.
The Washington Nationals landed the No. 1 pick—even though they finished 2024 with just the sixth-worst record. That’s a big deal for a franchise that’s clearly in the middle of a shakeup, especially with interim GM Mike DeBartolo calling the shots. There’s no obvious superstar in this class, so teams will need to get creative and trust their instincts with such an unpredictable group of prospects.
Let’s dig into what’s actually happening with this year’s draft and why people are buzzing about it.
Washington Nationals: A Franchise in Transition
Washington made waves this offseason by moving on from GM Mike Rizzo and manager Davey Martinez right before the draft. The timing is, well, dramatic. Now, interim GM Mike DeBartolo has to figure out how to use that top pick to jumpstart the franchise’s rebuild.
He’s got his work cut out for him, with a handful of players in the mix to become the new face of the Nationals’ future.
Will the Nationals Target Kade Anderson or Ethan Holliday?
LSU’s Kade Anderson, a lefty with a proven college track record, is one of the names floating around for No. 1. Then there’s Ethan Holliday, a high schooler with serious upside—and, let’s be honest, a pretty famous baseball last name.
So, do the Nationals want someone who can help right away, or do they bet on a project with superstar potential? That’s the classic question for teams trying to claw their way back to relevance.
Breaking Down the Draft Order
After Washington, the Los Angeles Angels, Seattle Mariners, and Colorado Rockies fill out the top four. Each team is coming in with its own set of priorities and, frankly, a lot to prove.
The Angels, Mariners, and Rockies: Strategic Crossroads
The Angels are always looking for help around Mike Trout, so they might go after a college player who’s ready soon. Seattle, which has been flirting with contention, could swing for the fences with a high-ceiling pick like Holliday.
The Rockies? They have a soft spot for legacy players, so Holliday would make sense for them, but they might go in a different direction if they need to fill a specific spot.
Key Prospects to Watch
Everyone talks about the top few picks, but the 2025 draft is packed with interesting prospects throughout the first round. Teams will have to balance positional needs and bonus pool money, especially with so much depth but no clear-cut megastar.
Catcher Ike Irish: A Positional Rarity
One guy who’s not getting enough hype is catcher Ike Irish. He’s not topping most public rankings, but elite catchers are so rare that someone might scoop him up earlier than expected.
Teams know how valuable it is to have a reliable backstop, especially if he can grow alongside their current core.
Other Top Names to Know
- Eli Willits: An athletic, versatile player with a lot of upside. He can do a little bit of everything.
- Jamie Arnold: A pitcher who stands out for his command and smarts on the mound. He’s not flashy, but he gets the job done.
- Seth Hernandez: Brings a lively bat and can make an impact offensively right away. He’s the kind of hitter you notice.
What Makes This Year’s Draft Unique?
This draft feels different. There’s depth, sure, but not that one player everyone’s fighting over. Teams have to dig deep and really trust their scouts this time.
Money always matters, and with bonus pools in play, the first round could get weird fast.
Best Player Available vs. Financial Strategy
It’s the age-old debate: do you grab the best player, or try to get creative with your budget so you can make a splash later? With so many options, you’ll see teams take risks and maybe even surprise everyone in the first round.
What Lies Ahead?
If the 2025 MLB Draft proves anything, it’s that rebuilding in baseball is as fascinating as it is unpredictable. The Washington Nationals hope their No. 1 pick becomes the foundation of brighter days.
Other teams will try to strengthen their talent pipelines with smart selections. Whether your team is searching for a franchise face or just stacking up depth, July 13 is worth watching—bold moves, wild gambles, and a few curveballs are almost guaranteed.
As the draft unfolds, the baseball world gets a front-row seat to the collision of scouting, analytics, and gut instinct. Which team will nail their picks, and who might outsmart themselves? Guess we’ll all have to wait and see.
Here is the source article for this story: 2025 MLB Mock Draft: New Nationals GM gets the No. 1 pick, college catcher sneaks into top 5
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