The 2025 Major League Baseball Draft kicked off with a burst of energy in Atlanta, right as the city buzzed with MLB All-Star Game festivities. For Georgia baseball fans—especially those following local prep and college talent—it was a wild first day. Five Georgia athletes heard their names called in the early rounds.
From rising high school stars to standout college players, there’s a lot to unpack. Let’s get into the essential details about Day 1 and celebrate the baseball heritage that Georgia talent keeps putting on display.
Georgia’s Homegrown Baseball Stars Shine Bright in the First Day of the MLB Draft
Sunday brought a flurry of player selections at Atlanta’s Coca-Cola Roxy. Scouts and analysts from across the league gathered, all hoping to spot the next big thing. Georgia, as usual, showed why folks call it a baseball hotbed—five homegrown players got picked on Day 1.
These athletes come from all over the diamond, from high school shortstops to college pitchers. Let’s take a closer look at the performances that got them noticed and the teams eager to bring them aboard.
Daniel Pierce: Mill Creek High School’s Star Shortstop
Daniel Pierce, Mill Creek High School’s pride, made waves as the first Georgian chosen on Day 1. The Tampa Bay Rays grabbed Pierce with the 14th overall pick, clearly betting on his future as an elite shortstop in the majors.
He’s known for quick hands and a consistent bat. Pierce just has that look of a player who could become a real cornerstone for the Rays.
Dax Kilby: A Hometown Hero from Newnan High School
Georgia’s run at the shortstop position continued when Dax Kilby went 39th overall to the New York Yankees. Kilby, a former WSB-TV Georgia Lottery Scholar Athlete, comes out of Newnan High School and brings a mix of athleticism and charisma to the Yankees’ system.
People are genuinely excited about his potential, especially with his leadership skills and the recognition he’s earned off the field.
University of Georgia and Georgia Tech Represented Strongly
The college ranks didn’t disappoint. The University of Georgia Bulldogs and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets kept the draft narrative interesting with their own success stories.
JT Quinn, a right-handed pitcher from UGA, went 69th overall to the Baltimore Orioles in the competitive balance round. Quinn commands the strike zone and racks up swing-and-miss pitches, which definitely helped his draft stock.
Soon after Quinn, Kyle Lodise, a Georgia Tech shortstop, was picked 76th overall by the Chicago White Sox. Baseball just runs in the Lodise family—Kyle’s cousin, Alex Lodise, got drafted by the Atlanta Braves earlier in the second round.
Kyle’s shown he’s a well-rounded infielder, and honestly, his story is probably just getting started.
Brian Curley Wraps Up Georgia’s Day 1 Success
To close out the first day, Brian Curley, a University of Georgia junior and another right-handed pitcher, went 92nd overall to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Curley brings fastball control and a knack for performing under pressure, making him a solid addition for Arizona.
What’s Next in the 2025 MLB Draft?
Day 1 belonged to Georgia’s brightest, but the draft isn’t over yet. Rounds 4 through 20 pick up Monday, giving more players a shot at their pro dreams.
Georgia’s presence in the draft says a lot about the state’s thriving amateur baseball scene. From high school fields to college programs, Georgia players keep making their mark—and who knows what names we’ll be talking about next?
Final Thoughts: The Future Is Bright for Georgia Baseball
Day 1 of the 2025 MLB Draft showed once again that Georgia produces top baseball talent. Five players—Pierce, Kilby, Quinn, Lodise, and Curley—just landed spots on pro teams.
These guys came up through local high schools and colleges, which says a lot about the programs here. Honestly, it’s hard not to feel excited about what’s ahead for Georgia baseball.
The draft isn’t over yet, so there’s a good chance we’ll see more Georgia names pop up. With the way things are going, the state’s baseball legacy just keeps getting stronger.
Here is the source article for this story: 2025 MLB Draft: Georgia high school, college players selected on Day 1
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