MLB Draft Day 1: Key Winners and Losers Revealed

Major League Baseball’s 2025 Draft kicked off with a jolt of energy on Day 1. The night brimmed with wild narratives, surprises, and some moments that just felt historic.

Baltimore Orioles took center stage, rolling out a strategy that looked almost surgical. They dominated with six picks in the first 69 selections, thanks to compensation from trades and free-agent exits.

That record-setting $19.1 million signing bonus pool gave them serious leverage. It let Baltimore go after just about any prospect they wanted.

Baltimore Orioles Steal the Spotlight on Day 1

The Orioles leaned into their usual approach, zeroing in on proven college hitters. Auburn’s Ike Irish (No. 19) led the charge, followed by Coastal Carolina’s Caden Bodine (No. 30) and Arkansas shortstop Wehiwa Aloy (No. 31).

These choices brought a mix of steady bats, defensive flexibility, and some real leadership vibes. It’s hard not to like that blend if you’re a fan of building from within.

Prioritizing College Bats in Early Rounds

After those early picks, Baltimore kept swinging for upside. They targeted high schoolers like outfielder Slater de Brun (No. 37) and arms Joseph Dzierwa (No. 58) and JT Quinn (No. 69).

Mixing youth with their financial muscle, the Orioles look set to build a deep, dynamic farm system. There’s no guarantee, but you can see the plan.

Historic Moments Define Day 1 of the Draft

Day 1 brought a few firsts that’ll get talked about for years. Corona High School made history, becoming the first to send two players into the top 10 of the same draft class.

Pittsburgh grabbed Seth Hernandez at No. 6, and the White Sox took Billy Carlson at No. 10. Milwaukee’s pick of Brady Ebel at No. 32 just piled onto Corona’s wild night.

A Shortstop-Centric Draft Class

This draft will stick in memory for its shortstop obsession. Fourteen shortstops went in the first 27 picks, which is unheard of.

Eli Willits went No. 1 to the Nationals, setting the tone. Ethan Holliday (No. 3, Rockies), Aiva Arquette (No. 5, Marlins), JoJo Parker (No. 7, Blue Jays), and Steele Hall (No. 13, Reds) rounded out the group.

The depth at the position shows how much teams value athletic, versatile infielders right now. Shortstops are clearly in vogue.

The Draft’s Biggest Hits and Misses

No draft goes by without some head-scratchers. The Boston Red Sox impressed by loading up on pitching, nabbing Kyson Witherspoon (No. 15) and Marcus Phillips (No. 33).

They also grabbed infielder Henry Godbout and pitcher Anthony Eyanson, adding some balance to their pipeline. Boston’s farm system looks a bit stronger today.

Questionable Choices Stir Debate

On the other hand, the Angels drew plenty of criticism for their pick at No. 2. They went with right-hander Tyler Bremner, skipping over more highly regarded names like Kade Anderson and Ethan Holliday.

That move raised eyebrows, and it’s tough not to wonder if they’ll regret it if Bremner doesn’t pan out. The pressure’s on.

The Dodgers, Yankees, and Mets sat out the first round, sidelined by penalties for overspending the competitive balance tax. Even the big spenders can feel the sting of financial missteps.

An Electric Venue with a Disappointing Absence

The 2025 MLB Draft took over the Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta, and the place buzzed with energy. Fans and insiders loved the vibe—comfortable, lively, just right for an event like this.

But not a single player showed up in person. That absence felt strange, maybe even a little sad, as it robbed both fans and athletes of a chance to celebrate together.

Honestly, it seemed like a missed shot for MLB to connect with its next wave of talent and boost the sport’s reach.

Looking Ahead: The Draft’s Ripple Effect

The draft’s impact stretches far beyond Day 1. It shapes the futures of both teams and players in ways we can only start to guess at now.

The Orioles look ready to cash in on their strategy. Meanwhile, the Red Sox made some sharp moves that could pay off down the line.

But then you’ve got teams like the Angels, who might end up second-guessing their choices. The 2025 MLB Draft has opened the door to years of debate and excitement as this new crop of talent steps into the spotlight.

 
Here is the source article for this story: MLB Draft Day 1 takeaways: Bowden on the biggest winners and losers