The 2025 MLB Draft brought a wave of bold moves and clear intentions for every National League West team. Each club leaned into its own vision, from chasing high-upside high schoolers to locking in college-tested talent. It’s always fascinating to see how the Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants handle one of baseball’s most pivotal moments.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Betting Big on High-Upside Prep Talent
The Arizona Diamondbacks went straight for potential, focusing on high school prospects. They grabbed shortstop Kayson Cunningham, who’s already known for his contact skills at the plate.
Cunningham’s bat excites scouts, but his future defensive home is still up in the air. Will he stick at shortstop, or could he shift to second base or somewhere else?
With their compensation pick, Arizona added pitcher Patrick Forbes. Forbes brings a blazing fastball and a nasty slider—he flashes dominance when he’s on.
But there’s a catch: Forbes has dealt with injuries, and he hasn’t shown he can get lefties out consistently. Some scouts wonder if he’ll last as a starter.
Key Takeaways for the D-Backs
- Strengths: High-upside talent with offensive and pitching potential.
- Risks: Long-term concerns tied to defense and durability.
Colorado Rockies: Securing Top Talent in a Stellar Draft Class
The Colorado Rockies really made waves this year. Their top pick, Ethan Holliday, stands out as one of the draft’s elite prospects.
Holliday brings serious power and comes with strong baseball bloodlines—he’s Jackson Holliday’s younger brother. He’s got leadership written all over him, and that alone raises the ceiling for Colorado’s draft.
They followed up with righty JB Middleton, a polished starter who might not need much minor league time. Outfielder Max Belyeu and infielder Ethan Hedges added more athleticism and versatility to the mix.
Why the Rockies Nailed It
- Strengths: Balance between elite upside (Holliday) and dependable, MLB-ready talent (Middleton).
- Approach: Emphasis on value and athleticism in later rounds.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Extracting Value with Limited Resources
The Dodgers, always in the playoff hunt, had to work with late picks and a tight bonus pool this time. They aimed for upside, picking college arms like Zach Root, a lefty with intriguing tools, and Charles Davalan, an outfielder who’s athletic and projects well.
In the second round, they took a shot on Cam Leiter, a talented pitcher coming off shoulder surgery. The Dodgers clearly don’t mind taking risks on premium talent, even with injury questions hanging over them.
Balanced Risks and Rewards
- Strengths: Targeted high-ceiling prospects capable of outperforming draft position.
- Challenges: Injury concerns (e.g., Leiter) and limited bonus pool flexibility.
San Diego Padres: Projectable Power Arms Steal the Spotlight
The Padres stuck to what’s worked for them, going after young pitchers with big arms and upside. Their top pick, 6-foot-8 lefty Kruz Schoolcraft, throws gas but still needs plenty of development.
They also grabbed catcher Ty Harvey, whose swing packs real power potential. Later on, they targeted college seniors, which let them stretch their bonus pool further.
What Defines the Padres’ Draft Philosophy?
- Strengths: High-upside players like Schoolcraft and Harvey with game-changing potential.
- Approach: Leveraged senior signings to maximize financial flexibility.
San Francisco Giants: Going for Polish and Power Combined
The Giants took a more measured route. They picked Tennessee infielder Gavin Kilen, who mixes advanced plate discipline and contact with some sneaky pop.
Kilen probably ends up at second base, but his steady offense gives the Giants something to look forward to. They leaned toward players who could help sooner, which fits their win-now approach.
The Giants’ Strengths
- Focus: Polished players with offensive upside and a lower development curve.
- Potential Weakness: Less emphasis on raw, projectable prospects.
Final Thoughts: The Divisional Draft Landscape
The National League West’s 2025 MLB Draft really showcased the creativity of its franchises. Each team took a wildly different approach to building for the future.
The Rockies went after elite talent and didn’t hesitate to grab players who could help right away. The Padres, on the other hand, chased upside and raw projection, willing to take a few risks if it meant landing a future star.
The Giants seemed to value precision, making careful picks and focusing on fit. Honestly, it’s fascinating to see which teams want instant impact and which are content to wait for development.
Here is the source article for this story: NL West 2025 draft report card: Rockies grab strong class; Padres stay in character
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