2025 MLB Mock Draft: Nationals Go No. 1, Top 10 First-Round Picks, Team Fits & Analysis

The 2025 MLB Draft is rapidly approaching on July 13 and 14 in Atlanta, and speculation is at a fever pitch. With shocking surges, baffling rankings, and more than a few head-scratchers, we’re diving into what could be one of the most unpredictable first rounds in years. Using the current draft order and scouting buzz, here’s our controversial take on how the top 10 might go.

1. Washington Nationals Ethan Holliday (SS/3B, Stillwater HS, OK)

Let’s not overthink this. Holliday is baseball royalty with the tools to match the hype. Some scouts whisper he’s already more polished than Jackson was at his age. The Nationals haven’t hit on a true superstar bat since Harper this is their chance to fix that.

2. Los Angeles Angels Liam Doyle (LHP, Tennessee)

Bold prediction: Doyle could be better than any pitcher taken in the last three drafts. Yes, better than Paul Skenes. His command and poise scream big-league-ready, and the Angels desperately need someone who won’t flame out after 30 innings. Risky? Maybe. Smart? Definitely.

3. Seattle Mariners Kade Anderson (LHP, LSU)

Anderson is one of the safest picks in the class, but is that what Seattle needs? They’ve already got arms for days. Still, his polish is undeniable. A future number two starter, with a ceiling that could surprise us all. Maybe not the flashiest choice but smart.

4. Colorado Rockies Aiva Arquette (SS, Oregon State)

This could be the most boring pick in the top 10, but Arquette might also be the most underrated. He’s got sneaky pop, a strong arm, and a high floor. The Rockies love “safe” guys who hit .290 with no fanfare. Maybe this time, it actually works.

5. St. Louis Cardinals Jamie Arnold (LHP, Florida State)

Arnold has helium. That’s scout speak for “everyone suddenly loves this guy.” His stuff is filthy, and he’s destroying ACC hitters. Could he be a reliever in disguise? Sure. Could he also anchor a rotation for a decade? The Cards are betting on the latter.

6. Pittsburgh Pirates Seth Hernandez (RHP, Corona HS, CA)

This could either be a brilliant swing-for-the-fences pick or another Pirates flameout. Hernandez has ace potential, but you’d better believe he’ll need development time. Pittsburgh fans deserve better than project pitchers here’s hoping this one hits.

7. Miami Marlins Eli Willits (SS, Fort Cobb-Broxton HS, OK)

Willits is raw, but he’s got swagger. The kind of player who might take a few years, but once he’s up, becomes a highlight machine. Miami has struggled developing bats, but if they get this right, Willits could be a franchise changer.

8. Toronto Blue Jays Billy Carlson (SS/RHP, Corona HS, CA)

Carlson could be the most polarizing pick in this draft. Some see a future star shortstop. Others think he should pitch. If the Jays commit to developing him as a two-way player, this could get interesting or ugly fast. It’s a gamble.

9. Cincinnati Reds Kyson Witherspoon (RHP, Oklahoma)

The Reds picking a college arm? Who are they, and what have they done with the Reds? Witherspoon has the filthiest breaking stuff in the class. If he holds up physically, this is a steal. If not, it’s just another name in a long line of Reds rehab projects.

10. Chicago White Sox Bryce Eldridge (1B/RHP, Madison HS, VA)

Eldridge is a unicorn but is that a good thing? The Sox need stability, not a science experiment. Still, if he clicks, he could be the next Ohtani-lite. If he doesn’t, he’s a DH with a high K rate. High risk, absurd upside.

Final Thoughts

This draft is messy, unpredictable, and loaded with talent and thank goodness for that. Every pick in this top 10 has bust potential, and every one could be a franchise-changing hit. Get ready for chaos on July 13. One thing’s for sure: there will be arguments.

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