The 2025 MLB Draft was packed with intrigue. A mix of elite high school talent and polished college prospects looked ready to make their mark on the big leagues.
Oklahoma high school infielder Ethan Holliday was one of the most talked-about names leading up to the draft. He fell to the Colorado Rockies at No. 4 despite his immense power potential and family pedigree.
The Washington Nationals shook things up by selecting Eli Willits, a speedy shortstop from Oklahoma, with the top overall pick. Let’s break down the 2025 draft results and what they might mean for fans, scouts, and fantasy managers.
The Story of Ethan Holliday: Coors Field’s Next Big Star?
Ethan Holliday, the youngest in a baseball dynasty that includes his father Matt Holliday and brother Jackson Holliday, entered the 2025 MLB Draft as a household name. He’s known for his emerging power bat and projects as a game-changer at the plate, with Coors Field’s hitter-friendly altitude feeling like the perfect stage for his skill set.
The Rockies may need to wait a few years for his arrival in the majors. Fans can look forward to the development of a player with serious offensive upside.
Why Holliday Slipped to No. 4
Despite his high ceiling, concerns about immediate readiness and the depth of premium shortstop talent in the draft contributed to Holliday’s slide to the fourth spot. Evaluators probably saw more immediate value in players like Eli Willits and Tyler Bremner, who look closer to big-league readiness.
Fantasy Baseball Insight: Dynasty league managers should target Holliday over Willits thanks to his home run potential and that favorable future home park. Willits, with speed and contact skills, just doesn’t have the raw power that often leads to fantasy dominance.
Eli Willits Headlines the Draft as the No. 1 Pick
The Washington Nationals took Eli Willits, another Oklahoma high school standout, with the No. 1 overall pick. Willits is all about electrifying speed and excellent bat control, bringing a different kind of excitement as a prototypical top-of-the-order talent.
His selection shows Washington’s long-term vision to build a high-contact, athletic roster. It’s a bold move, and you have to respect the commitment to a style that’s a bit against the grain these days.
A Clash of Styles: Comparing Willits and Holliday
Willits offers elite speed and on-base ability, but his lack of power puts him at odds with the modern MLB trend of home-run-centric production. Holliday’s knack for driving the ball just makes him a more appealing long-term fantasy asset, even if his path to the majors looks a bit longer.
High School Shortstops Dominate the Draft
The 2025 MLB Draft kept showcasing the next generation of infield talent. The Toronto Blue Jays grabbed athletic JoJo Parker, while Steele Hall (Reds) and Billy Carlson (White Sox) rounded out a crop of high school shortstops with major league potential.
Scouts seem especially high on Hall’s defensive skills. Parker’s ability to stick at premium positions as he rises through the minors adds another layer of intrigue.
College Talent: Immediate Impact Players
College stars also shone brightly, with pitchers like LSU’s Kade Anderson and Tennessee’s Liam Doyle drawing comparisons to MLB’s established southpaws. The Mariners picked Anderson and the Cardinals took Doyle, both aiming to address glaring pitching needs.
These guys could fast-track through the minors. There’s always some risk, but their polish is tough to ignore.
The Angels and Phillies Look for Quick Returns
The Los Angeles Angels doubled down on their strategy of drafting experienced college arms, grabbing RHP Tyler Bremner at No. 2. Bremner has the skillset to contribute right away, maybe even debuting as soon as next summer.
The Philadelphia Phillies took Arkansas RHP Gage Wood, fresh off a headline-making no-hitter. Fantasy players might want to focus on higher-ceiling college lefties like Anderson and Doyle in dynasty formats, though—just a thought.
A Look Ahead: Top College Hitters
Oregon State’s Aiva Arquette became the first college hitter off the board, going to the Miami Marlins. Scouts believe Arquette has the tools to make an MLB impact by 2026, with a polished bat and advanced plate approach.
College hitters can adjust quickly to pro pitching. Arquette’s definitely one to keep an eye on in the next couple of years.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Potential and Patience
The 2025 MLB Draft really showed how teams juggle long-term potential with that itch for immediate impact. The Rockies and Nationals chased upside with young, raw talent like Holliday and Willits.
Meanwhile, the Angels and Phillies seemed to go for those polished college arms who could help right away. It’s always a gamble, but sometimes you just have to trust your gut.
The future of baseball looks pretty exciting. There’s a whole wave of young talent getting ready to shake things up.
Ethan Holliday brings raw power, while Eli Willits shows off speed and finesse. The 2025 class? Honestly, it could be one we talk about for years.
Here is the source article for this story: Top names from the 2025 MLB Draft that matter in fantasy
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