Major League Baseball’s (MLB) 2025 amateur draft just wrapped up. As always, it sparked excitement, analysis, and plenty of debate among fans and scouts.
The Washington Nationals grabbed headlines by taking Oklahoma prep shortstop Eli Willits as the No. 1 overall pick. Even with that honor, most analysts don’t expect Willits to be the first from his class to reach the majors.
This blog digs into how MLB teams strategize, develop prospects, and which 2025 draftees might race to the big leagues first.
The Top Pick: Eli Willits – Patience Required
Eli Willits went first overall as the youngest player in the 2025 draft. That pick speaks to his huge potential.
But being 18 in baseball is tricky. Willits needs time to grow physically and sharpen his skills, which fits the Nationals’ long-term outlook more than any rush to the majors.
Why Willits Won’t Be the First to Debut
Younger prospects like Willits usually spend years in the minors, working on their game and maturing. The Nationals look ready to take things slow, aiming for his long-term success instead of a quick call-up.
The Fast Trackers: Lessons from the Angels
Some teams, though, don’t always wait. The Los Angeles Angels, for example, have a habit of pushing top picks through the minors fast.
They’ve done it with Zach Neto, Christian Moore, and Nolan Schanuel—each made the majors within a year of getting drafted. That’s not exactly normal, but it’s become their thing.
Meet Bremner: The Angels’ Potentially First 2025 Graduate
With that trend in mind, a lot of folks are watching their first-round pick, Bremner. He’s a changeup specialist with an advanced arsenal and a mature approach on the mound.
Bremner could join the big-league club as soon as next July. He fits what the Angels seem to want: guys who look ready for MLB, not projects who need years in the minors.
Other Contenders for a Quick MLB Debut
Bremner’s a strong candidate, but he’s not the only one. A few other 2025 draftees might break into the majors early, depending on their progress and how aggressive their teams feel.
Oakland’s Arnold: From No. 1 Prospect to Rapid Promotion?
Oakland’s first-rounder, Arnold, entered the draft as the top prospect in his class. He’s got an advanced pitch mix and could benefit from the Athletics’ recent willingness to give top picks a shot in the bigs early.
Arnold’s polish makes him a legitimate candidate for a quick promotion if things break right.
Philadelphia’s Wood: Durability Holding the Key
Philadelphia picked up Wood, a pitcher with huge talent but some durability questions. Many see him as the most gifted arm in the draft.
If he stays healthy and the Phillies need pitching help, Wood might get the call sooner than some expect—especially if they’re in the playoff hunt.
Seattle’s Anderson: Ready but in Waiting
Anderson, the best overall arm in the draft according to some, landed with Seattle. The Mariners have a reputation for taking it slow with their pitchers.
Even if Anderson looks ready, Seattle tends to wait, focusing on the long game over a quick debut.
St. Louis’ Doyle: Elite, but Development Lingers
St. Louis Cardinals’ Doyle stands out as another elite pitching prospect. He doesn’t have a ton of starting experience yet, and the Cardinals usually give their guys plenty of time to grow.
He probably won’t hit the majors for a few years, but his upside is hard to ignore.
The Big Picture: A Wide-Open Race
Unlike some draft classes with an obvious frontrunner for the fastest MLB debut, the 2025 group feels wide open. Willits might have the most raw potential, but so much depends on each team’s approach and the health of these young players.
Teams like the Angels and Athletics could decide to move their prospects up quickly. On the other hand, the Mariners and Cardinals seem more likely to take things slow.
All this uncertainty keeps baseball fans guessing. Who’ll be the first of this bunch to crack a big-league roster? It’s anyone’s guess right now, and that’s half the fun.
Here is the source article for this story: 2025 MLB Draft: Predicting which new draftee could be the first to make his major-league debut
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s