The 2025 MLB Draft kicked off with a few surprises.
The Nationals selected the youngest-ever No. 1 pick in shortstop Eli Willits from Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma, before the Los Angeles Angels picked right-handed pitcher Tyler Bremner over a plethora of other college pitchers.
The moves allowed for left-hander Kade Anderson, the top-rated pitcher in the draft, to fall to No. 3 overall to the Seattle Mariners and Ethan Holliday, an elite high school hitter, to fall to No. 4 for the Colorado Rockies.
The MLB draft almost never ends up how it’s projected. Here are USA TODAY Sports’ pick grades for the first 32 selections in 2025.
2025 MLB Draft grades
Here are the 2025 MLB Draft grades for the first 32 picks, which includes first round picks, prospect promotion incentive picks and compensation picks.
1. Eli Willits, Washington Nationals: B-
Eli Willits, the youngest player ever selected No. 1 overall (17 years old), goes No. 1 overall in a bit of a surprise. Willits, who attends Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma, was projected to be picked No. 4 to the Colorado Rockies by USA TODAY Sports in the lead up to the draft.
Willits is a do-it-all shortstop, who projects to be a plus defender at the position with a plus hit tool. He still needs plenty development but has an All-Star ceiling.
Willits goes over fellow Oklahoma high schooler Ethan Holliday, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Willits signs for under slot value.
2. Tyler Bremner, Los Angeles Angels: D
While it’s hard to project future success at the MLB level, UC Santa Barbara right-hander pitcher Tyler Bremner was viewed as a mid-first-round pick behind many other highly regarded college pitchers.
Bremner has an elite changeup, but the Angels chose him over the likes of LSU pitcher Kade Anderson, Tennessee’s Liam Doyle and Florida State’s Jamie Arnold, who were all projected to be selected before Bremner.
Maybe the Angels see something in Bremner others don’t, but it’s not the most popular pick at No. 2 overall.
3. Kade Anderson, Seattle Mariners: A+
Seattle gets great value at No. 3 overall, selecting LSU left-hander Kade Anderson, a draft-eligible sophomore.
Anderson, the top pitcher in the class according to MLB Pipeline and Baseball America, led college baseball in strikeouts in 2025 and led the Tigers to a national title as a sophomore.
Anderson falls into a perfect situation with the Mariners, who are known for having one of the best pitching development programs in MLB.
4. Ethan Holliday, Colorado Rockies: A+
Ethan Holliday falls to No. 4 to the Colorado Rockies, where his dad, seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday, started his MLB career.
Holliday, also the younger brother of former No. 1 pick Jackson Holliday, is the top-ranked player in the class, according to MLB Pipeline and Baseball America, and was projected No. 1 overall by USA TODAY Sports.
The Stillwater High School (Oklahoma) product has big-time power at 6-foot-4 and becomes the latest Holliday to enter MLB. Colorado, meanwhile, lands perhaps the best hitter in the draft, and looks to build around the potential cornerstone player.
5. Liam Doyle, St. Louis Cardinals: B
The third college pitcher comes off the board in Liam Doyle, who boasts one of the best fastballs in the class.
Doyle tops out at 100 miles per hour, and put together one of the best seasons in college baseball this season at Tennessee after transferring from Ole Miss. He had a 3.20 ERA with 164 strikeouts in 95 2/3 innings this season, having a huge breakout season to break into the first-round conversation.
The No. 8-ranked player in the class by MLB Pipeline needs to work on some of his secondary offerings but could find himself in the majors very early in his career.
6. Seth Hernandez, Pittsburgh Pirates: A
Pirates go best available, grabbing right-handed pitcher Seth Hernandez at No. 6 overall. Hernandez was mocked No. 6 overall to the Pirates by USA TODAY Sports.
Hernandez, the No. 3-ranked player by MLB Pipeline, has a big 70-grade fastball and also a 60-grade changeup. He’s already 19 years old and has the background of being a high school pitcher and likely needs plenty of development before reaching MLB.
Still, the Corona High School (California) product has high-end upside potential and is a worthwhile pick for the Pirates.
7. Aiva Arquette, Miami Marlins: B+
Aiva Arquette, mocked at No. 3 overall by USA TODAY Sports, falls to No. 7 and Miami pounces. He is the No. 6 overall prospect of the draft, per MLB Pipeline.
Arquette, a 6-foot-5, 22-pound shortstop, was one of the best hitters in college baseball this season at Oregon State and could potentially stay at the position despite his large frame, given his athleticism. He also has the chance to move quickly through the Marlins’ farm system.
The 21-year-old was originally picked in the 18th round by the Arizona Diamondbacks out of high school.
8. Jojo Parker, Toronto Blue Jays: B
Toronto grabs Jojo Parker, a left-handed hitter from Purvis High School in Mississippi.
The Mississippi State commit is one of the top high school hitters in the class, with a 60-grade hit tool and 55-grade power tool, according to MLB Pipeline. He likely projects as a third baseman at the majors, despite playing shortstop in high school.
Parker has a twin brother, Jacob Parker, who’s also expected to hear his name called sometime on Day 1 of the draft.
9. Steele Hall, Cincinnati Reds: B
Cincinnati grabs Steele Hall, a speedy shortstop from Hewitt-Trussville High School in Alabama.
Hall might be the fastest player in the draft, with his speed tool graded at 70, according to MLB Pipeline. He also has a standout glove, with his offensive skills improving as a senior in high school.
The Tennessee commit definitely has the tools to stay at shortstop defensively, with his bat likely determining his future impact at the MLB level.
10. Billy Carlson, Chicago White Sox: B
Another Corona High School product goes in the top 10, as Chicago drafts shortstop Billy Carlson, the teammate of pitcher Seth Hernandez.
Carlson, a Tennessee commit, is the No. 7-rated player in the class, according to MLB Pipeline. He was also mocked No. 7 to the Miami Marlins by USA TODAY Sports.
Carlson has one of the best gloves in the entire draft, rated as a 70-grade tool. His bat needs some development, but he’s a plus-plus defender, also having a 65-grade arm as he was once viewed as a potential two-way player given his prowess on the mound in high school.
11. Jamie Arnold, Athletics: A
Jamie Arnold falls to No. 11, and is scooped up by the Athletics, who get great value in the left-handed pitcher.
Arnold was mocked to Toronto at No. 8 by USA TODAY Sports, as he is ranked as the No. 4 player in the class, according to MLB Pipeline.
Arnold has a funky arm angle, which makes his fastball play up to hitters. He also has a plus-slider, as the polished arm is expected to fly through the minor-league system. Arnold showed big strikeout stuff in college and lands in a good situation with the Athletics.
12. Gavin Fien, Texas Rangers: C
Another high school shortstop comes off the board, as Gavin Fien goes to the Texas Rangers at No. 12.
Fien, the No. 22 player of the class per MLB Pipeline, might be a bit of a reach at No. 12. The Texas commit’s lone grade above 50 is his arm, which is rated a 55.
The 6-foot-3 18-year-old has plenty of room for development, and the Rangers will look to mold the right-handed hitter into a future big leaguer.
13. Gavin Kilen, San Francisco Giants: C
Tennessee infielder Gavin Kilen goes No. 13 overall to the San Francisco Giants.
Kilen, a second baseman at Tennessee, has a plus hit tool with below average power. He was rated the No. 21 player in the class per MLB Pipeline, representing a slight reach for the Giants.
Kilen has a high floor and could certainly develop into an impact big leaguer with his skills-over-tools makeup.
14. Daniel Pierce, Tampa Bay Rays: B+
Tampa Bay selects Daniel Pierce, a shortstop from Mill Creek High School in Georgia.
Pierce has big-time tools, and projects to stick at shortstop and be an impact defender. the 6-foot 18-year-old has below-average power, but has plus speed and an above-average hit tol.
Pierce is a high upside pick for the Rays, which is a worthwhile risk, especially at No. 14.
15. Kyson Witherspoon, Boston Red Sox: A
Oklahoma right-hander Kyson Witherspoon, projected to go No. 9 by USA TODAY Sports, falls to No. 15 for the Boston Red Sox. He is MLB Pipeline’s No. 10-ranked draft prospect.
The Red Sox get good value in Witherspoon, who boasts a big fastball that peaks at 99 mph. His fastball has a 65 grade, according to MLB Pipeline. Witherspoon also has three plus secondary offers in his slider, cutter and curveball, which are all 60-grade pitches.
Witherspoon spun a 2.65 ERA with the Sooners in 2025 and was one of the top pitchers in college baseball.
16. Marek Houston, Minnesota Twins: B-
Wake Forest shortstop Marek Houston goes No. 16 overall to the Minnesota Twins, right around where he was expected to be picked.
Houston, projected No. 16 to the Twins by USA TODAY Sports, is a no-doubt shortstop at the next level and projects as a glove-over-bat player in the majors.
The 21-year-old shortstop will need to hit to be an impact big leaguer, but his glove is certainly good enough to keep him on the field.
17. Ethan Conrad, Chicago Cubs: C+
The first non-shortstop hitter comes off the board, as the Cubs pick Wake Forest outfielder Ethan Conrad to make it back-to-back Demon Deacons picks.
Conrad, the No. 28 player in MLB Pipeline’s draft rankings, finished second in hitting (.385) in the Cape Cod League last summer before missing nearly the entire 2025 season due to injury. The injury likely provided a slight discount on the college hitter.
Conrad could provide great value for the Cubs if he can put the injury behind him.
18. Kayson Cunningham, Arizona Diamondbacks: B+
Kayson Cunningham, a shortstop from Johnson High School in Texas, goes No. 18 to the Diamondbacks.
Cunningham, mocked to Arizona at No. 18 by USA TODAY Sports, has a plus hit tool and can also run, with 60-grade speed, per MLB Pipeline.
Cunningham starred for Team USA at the 18-and-under World Cup qualifier last summer, leading the team with a .417 batting average at the tournament. The left-handed hitter is a filled out, 5-foot-10 infielder and projects as an impact bat.
19. Ike Irish, Baltimore Orioles: A
Auburn catcher/outfielder Ike Irish goes to the Orioles at No. 18, presenting good value for Baltimore.
Irish, the No. 11 player in MLB Pipeline’s rankings, was mocked No. 10 to the White Sox by USA TODAY Sports.
The biggest question mark for Irish is his future position, as he was originally a catcher at Auburn before an injury forced him to the outfield in 2025. He doesn’t project as an above-average glove, with his bat potentially being maximized by a move to the outfield.
Irish was likely the best bat available in the draft, and the Orioles scoop him up.
20. Andrew Fischer, Milwaukee Brewers: B-
Tennessee third baseman Andrew Fischer, the college roommate of No. 5 overall pick Liam Doyle, goes to Milwaukee at No. 20.
The first-year transfer from Ole Miss was one of the best power hitters in college baseball in 2025, slugging 25 home runs for the Vols with a .341 batting average. Fischer provides little value with his glove, so he’ll need to hit to have a spot in the majors.
Fischer is a good bet to be an impactful bat, however, especially after what he showed with the Vols.
21. Xavier Neyens, Houston Astros: A
Shortstop Xavier Neyens goes to Houston at No. 21, as the Astros take a swing for the fences in a high school bat with big-time power.
Neyens is far from the big leagues but has 65-grade power as he stands 6-foot-4. He could develop into an elite MLB hitter one day, although there’s certainly risk with his power-over-hit profile.
Neyens was mocked to Detroit with the No. 24 pick by USA TODAY Sports.
22. Tate Southisene, Atlanta Braves: C-
Atlanta drafts Tate Southisene with the No. 22 pick, which might be an underslot selection for the Braves.
Southisene, the No. 39-ranked player per MLB Pipeline, is a young shortstop from Basic High School in Nevada. Southisene was the Gatorade Player of the Year in Nevada in 2025.
The 5-foot-11 USC commit is a 50-grade prospect and is too young and unknown to know how he projects in the future.
23. Sean Gamble, Kansas City Royals: C
Sean Gamble, who MLB Network calls an athletic version of Ben Zobrist, goes No. 23 overall to Kansas City.
The No. 27-ranked player by MLB Pipeline, who attended IMG Academy in Florida, is a 50-grade prospect and stands 6-foot-1. Average to above-average with every tool, Gamble still needs plenty of development before becoming a big leaguer.
24. Jordan Yost, Detroit Tigers: C-
Detroit selects Jordan Yost, a shortstop from Sickles High School in Florida.
This might be an underslot pick for the Tigers, as Yost is MLB Pipeline’s No. 50 prospect in the draft. the 18-year-old shortstop committed to Florida is a plus runner with an above-average hit tool.
25. Kruz Schoolcraft, San Diego Padres: A
The Padres go with a high-upside high school pitcher in Kruz Schoolcraft, a 6-foot-8 left-hander.
Schoolcraft, who attended Sunset High School in Oregon, stands a whopping 6-foot-8. He has a plus fastball and slider and could develop even further once he reaches the Padres’ system.
26. Gage Wood, Philadelphia Phillies: C
Arkansas right-hander Gage Wood had perhaps the greatest start ever in college baseball at the College World Series in 2025, throwing a no-hitter with 19 strikeouts against Murray State.
Wood has a big 70-grade fastball that peaks at 98 mph, but less-than desirable off-speed pitches that need some seasoning. There’s a chance he turns into a reliever at the next level, but it’s a risk worth taking at No. 26 for the Phillies, as Wood could contribute very quickly.
27. Jace LaViolette, Cleveland Guardians: B+
Texas A&M outfielder Jace LaViolette goes No. 27 to the Guardians, as Cleveland looks to rebuild the former top prospect.
LaViolette was seen as potentially the top player in the class heading into the year but had an inconsistent year for the Aggies. Still, the 6-foot-6 left-handed hitter has big power and could be quite the player if he can improve the hit tool.
28. Josh Hammond, Kansas City Royals: B
Josh Hammond, formerly seen as a better project as a pitcher, was selected No. 28 by the Royals as a position player.
The No. 26-ranked prospect per MLB Pipeline has a 65-grade arm with above-average power. His athletic ability as a former two-way player has him as quite the lottery ticket for the Royals.
29. Patrick Forbes, Arizona Diamondbacks: C+
Patrick Forbes has a plus fastball and an above-average slider and is just scratching the surface with his potential as a pitcher.
The former two-way player became a full-time pitcher in 2025 and took off, ranking third in Division I with 14.8 strikeouts per nine innings.
30. Caden Bodine, Baltimore Orioles: C
Coastal Carolina catcher Caden Bodine is a well below-average runner and has little power, but he does provide loads of value as a defensive catcher.
Bodine starred at the College World Series in 2025 and has been lauded for his framing abilities behind the plate. If he can provide any impact with his bat at the next level, watch out.
31. Wehiwa Aloy, Baltimore Orioles: A
Wehiwa Aloy falls to No. 31 to the Orioles, despite winning the Golden Spikes Award in 2025.
Aloy, who starred at shortstop for Arkansas, is MLB Pipeline’s No. 15 prospect. The physical 6-foot-2 shortstop batted .350 with 21 home runs in 2025.
Orioles get good value with Aloy.
32. Brady Ebel, Milwaukee Brewers: C-
Brady Ebel, the No. 64-ranked player in the class, according to MLB Pipeline, goes No. 32 to the Brewers.
Ebel, the third Corona High School product selected in 2025, is the son of Dino Ebel, who’s the Los Angeles Dodgers’ third-base coach. Ebel is only 17 years old, and the infielder is years of development away from making an impact. He has a strong arm (60 grade), albeit with below-average power (45).
2025 MLB Draft order
Here’s a look at the first-round order for the 2025 MLB Draft, along with prospect promotional picks, compensation picks and Competitive Balance Round A selections.
First round
Washington Nationals
Los Angeles Angels
Seattle Mariners
Colorado Rockies
St. Louis Cardinals
Pittsburgh Pirates
Miami Marlins
Toronto Blue Jays
Cincinnati Reds
Chicago White Sox
Athletics
Texas Rangers
San Francisco Giants
Tampa Bay Rays
Boston Red Sox
Minnesota Twins
Chicago Cubs
Arizona Diamondbacks
Baltimore Orioles
Milwaukee Brewers
Houston Astros
Atlanta Braves
Kansas City Royals
Detroit Tigers
San Diego Padres
Philadelphia Phillies
Cleveland Guardians
Prospect promotion incentive picks
28. Kansas City Royals
Compensation picks
29. Arizona Diamondbacks
30. Baltimore Orioles
31. Baltimore Orioles
32. Milwaukee Brewers
Competitive Balance Round A
33. Boston Red Sox
34. Detroit Tigers
35. Seattle Mariners
36. Minnesota Twins
37. Baltimore Orioles
38. New York Mets
39. New York Yankees
40. Los Angeles Dodgers
41. Los Angeles Dodgers
42. Tampa Bay Rays
43. Miami Marlins
What time is MLB draft today?
Time: 6 p.m. ET
Date: Sunday, July 13
Location: Atlanta
The 2025 MLB Draft is set to start at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 13, from Atlanta. The draft is part of MLB All-Star Week, with the festivities held in Atlanta in 2025.