2025 MLB Mock Draft: Where Will the Top Talents Land After the Draft Lottery?

The recent MLB draft lottery has set the stage for an exciting 2025 draft, taking place from July 13-15. The Washington Nationals emerged victorious, securing the coveted No. 1 pick, despite entering the lottery with only the fourth-highest odds. In a twist, teams like the Colorado Rockies and the Miami Marlins, who had strong odds before the lottery, failed to make the top three selections.

Top Picks Overview:

1. Washington Nationals: SS Ethan Holliday (Stillwater HS, OK) Ethan Holliday stands out as the crown jewel of the 2025 draft class. This 6'4", 200-pound shortstop possesses a potent combination of power and potential, garnering comparisons to his older brother, Jackson, who was the No. 1 overall pick in 2022. Although Holliday does have some swing-and-miss tendencies, his offensive upside is considered the highest in this year’s draft.

2. Los Angeles Angels: OF Jace LaViolette (Texas A&M) LaViolette has made waves with his explosive performance, posting numbers that underline his elite potential, including a standout .305 batting average with 29 home runs last season. His ability to hit for power against tough competition makes him the frontrunner for the Angels and likely a top collegiate bat in the class.

3. Seattle Mariners: 3B Xavier Neyens (Mount Vernon HS, WA) With solid raw power and impressive performances, Xavier Neyens is drawing attention. His power potential, combined with decent pitching chops (touching 95 mph), makes him an appealing option for the Mariners, especially as he adapts to a potential long-term role at third base.

Further Selections:

4. Colorado Rockies: LHP Jamie Arnold (Florida State) Arnold has been effective, racking up an impressive strikeout count in 2024. His solid fastball and slider combination highlight him as a promising left-handed pitcher for the Rockies.

5. St. Louis Cardinals: RHP Tyler Bremner (UC Santa Barbara) Bremner has the tools to be a dominant pitcher with three plus pitches and a solid track record. Questions about his durability as a starter remain, but his performance profile is hard to ignore.

6. Pittsburgh Pirates: SS Kayson Cunningham (Johnson HS, TX) Cunningham is viewed as one of the best pure hitters in high school, drawing early comparisons to notable prospects for his combination of speed and bat-to-ball skills.

7. Miami Marlins: RHP Seth Hernandez (Corona HS, CA) With a tall frame and impressive mechanics, Hernandez is regarded as the top prep arm. His ability to hit triple digits makes him a potentially elite starting pitcher.

8. Toronto Blue Jays: OF Cam Cannarella (Clemson) Cannarella's impressive collegiate stats speak volumes about his readiness for professional play, showing top contact skills and significant upside as a center fielder.

9. Cincinnati Reds: OF Ethan Petry (South Carolina) The Cape Cod League MVP, Petry's powerful offensive presence positions him well for a professional career, having shown his capabilities with an impressive hitting line last spring.

10. Chicago White Sox: C Ike Irish (Auburn) With offensive production reminiscent of top catchers, Irish’s evolving skills at the plate paired with his defensive growth make him a strong contender for the first catcher off the board.

Teams Without First-Round Picks: The Disadvantages of Success

The New York Mets, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers will not have first-round picks due to exceeding the luxury tax threshold — a significant setback for teams at the top of the payroll hierarchy. The penalties this year highlight the challenges even well-funded teams face when trying to balance competitive desire with financial strategy.

As the 2025 MLB Draft approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these prospects' careers unfold and which teams will enhance their rosters through this pivotal event. Keep an eye out—this year’s draft could significantly impact the future landscape of MLB, and the stories behind these talented players are just beginning.