AL West 2025 Draft Grades: Dominance of Collegiate Pitching

The 2025 MLB Draft just wrapped up, and there’s a buzz of promise swirling around the American League West. Every team in the division seemed to carve out its own path, mixing risk and reward while zeroing in on prospects with room to grow.

With a spotlight on those all-important top 10 rounds (where bonus pool money really matters), the future of these squads feels tied to how these new faces develop. Let’s take a closer look at the standout picks for the Texas Rangers, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Angels, and Seattle Mariners. Each team’s draft strategy reveals a lot about their current priorities and maybe even their personality.

Texas Rangers Make Big Pitching Moves

The Rangers went after pitching right away, grabbing college lefty Jamie Arnold with the 11th overall pick. Arnold’s got a sharp three-pitch mix and a delivery that keeps hitters guessing. He repeats his mechanics well, which, honestly, might be half the battle for a young pitcher climbing the pro ranks.

Adding Offensive Power Amid Questions

They didn’t ignore the bats, either. Indiana outfielder Devin Taylor joined the fold, known for hitting the ball hard—really hard. Still, there are whispers about whether he can handle top-tier pitching. Gavin Turley from Oregon State brings serious power, but his contact skills? Well, let’s just say there’s work to do. If everything clicks, Arnold and Taylor could move fast, but nothing’s guaranteed.

Houston Astros Bet On Raw Power and Risk

The Astros, always confident in their player development, swung for the fences with their picks. High school infielder Xavier Neyens packs a ton of raw power. The catch? He’s got to cut down on the strikeouts, which is a pretty common storyline for big swingers.

Designated Hitter Struggles Defensively

LSU’s Ethan Frey also landed in Houston’s draft haul. He’s got pop at the plate, no doubt. But his defense leaves a lot to be desired, so he’s probably headed for a DH role. The Astros clearly want big bats, hoping Neyens and Frey can anchor the lineup one day.

Los Angeles Angels Go Big On Arms

The Angels surprised some folks by picking righty Tyler Bremner with their second pick. Bremner finished the season strong, touching the upper 90s with his fastball and flashing a nasty changeup. He’s a classic high-risk, high-reward arm. If the coaching staff can guide him right, who knows—maybe he’s a future ace.

Strategic Focus on High Upside Pitchers

They kept stacking arms, adding college reliever Chase Shores and Texas high school lefty Johnny Slawinski. Shores could slot into the bullpen pretty quickly. Slawinski, on the other hand, is a project with upside and athleticism. The Angels seem determined to replenish their pitching pipeline with a mix of guys who can help soon and those who might take a little longer.

Seattle Mariners Land A Steal

The Mariners might’ve pulled off the biggest surprise by landing LSU lefty Kade Anderson. Some scouts even called Anderson the best talent in the whole draft. He’s got a deep arsenal and a strong college résumé. Honestly, Seattle could see him in the big leagues before too long.

Upside in Key Positions

After Anderson, Seattle picked up UNC catcher Luke Stevenson, who’s steady behind the plate and offers some pop. They also snagged New Jersey shortstop Nick Becker. Becker’s raw tools jump off the page, but he’ll need to tighten up his swing. The Mariners’ draft feels like a blend of guys who can help soon and others who might need more seasoning.

What Comes Next?

The draft is just the beginning. The real challenge? Developing those players into something special.

Teams need to help their prospects grow. That could mean working on swing mechanics, tightening up defense, or teaching better pitch command.

For AL West franchises, the 2025 MLB Draft wasn’t just about grabbing talent. It was about laying the groundwork for future success—maybe even a dynasty, if things break right.

Fans will be watching these young players closely, hoping to spot the next breakout star. There’s always a bit of magic in seeing raw potential turn into something real.

 
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