Excitement Builds for 2025 MLB Draft: Who Will Be the Top Picks?

Atlanta, USA - As the clock strikes 6 p.m. ET on July 13, the excitement will hit an all-time high at the Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta, where the 2025 MLB Draft kicks off. This eagerly awaited event, running from July 13-14, promises to be a display of sheer talent and potential, showcasing both high school and collegiate athletes vying for their spot in the baseball world. The Palm Beach Post reports that the opening night alone will see the first 105 picks, covering the first three rounds alongside compensatory rounds and additional selections.

This year, all eyes will be on Kade Anderson, a standout pitcher from LSU, who is poised to take the first overall pick. The competition isn’t lone; Ethan Holliday, a high school shortstop from Oklahoma, is another strong contender, generating a buzz that might just shake up the Nationals’ decision. Meanwhile, Eli Willits, also from Oklahoma, opted out of a pre-Draft physical exam, a move that could impact his draft standing. Critically, Anderson and Holliday are expected to command much higher signing bonuses than Willits, shaping the strategy teams will undertake as the clock ticks down.

Who Will Be the Top Picks?

The forecast for the top picks includes a mix of development and raw talent, as teams look for the perfect fit for their rosters. Predictions are rolling in with Anderson likely heading to the Nationals, followed by Liam Doyle and Seth Hernandez, both pitchers whose skills are expected to make an impact right away. MLB.com anticipates a lineup that will keep fans on the edge of their seats:

The Orioles’ flexibility is worth mentioning as they boast the largest bonus pool in Draft history, giving them a golden ticket to snatch up some of the most promising talent available. Their seven picks within the first 93 rounds could dramatically alter their roster’s future.

Emerging Talents and Hidden Gems

Beyond the expected frontrunners like Anderson and Holliday, this draft will illuminate additional shining stars. High school shortstops seem to be particularly hot this year, with talented players such as Jamie Arnold and Antonio Jimenez also catching scouts‘ eyes. Arnold, a left-handed pitcher from Florida State, has impressed with his solid performance, currently sitting at an MLB Top 250 Rank of 4. Baseball Prospect Journal has identified more top prospects, highlighting the depth of talent across the nation, particularly within the SEC and ACC. They’ve even pointed out Gage Wood’s no-hitter and NCAA strikeout record as notable feats that elevate his draft stock.

As teams strategize and analyze their options, the upcoming draft promises to deliver an electrifying lineup of young talent, creating a buzz that is hard to ignore. So, who will rise to the occasion and change the course of their franchise? Only time will tell as the countdown to tonight’s picks approaches! Whether you’re in Atlanta or tuning in from home, keep a sharp eye on the prospects; it’s sure to be an exciting night for baseball fans everywhere!