First-Round 2025 MLB Mock Draft: Who Will Each Team Select?

David

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Post on Jun 16, 2025

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First-Round 2025 MLB Mock Draft: Projecting the Future of Baseball

The 2024 MLB season is in full swing, but baseball fans and scouts are already looking ahead. The 2025 MLB Draft is shaping up to be a fascinating one, with a wealth of high-school and college talent poised to reshape the landscape of professional baseball. This first-round mock draft attempts to predict which players will hear their names called early, considering current team needs, scouting reports, and potential late-season surprises. While crystal balls remain unreliable, this projection offers an intriguing glimpse into the future of the sport.

Methodology & Key Considerations:

This mock draft considers several factors: each team's current roster needs, their recent draft history, the projected strength of the 2025 draft class, and the individual performance and potential of the top prospects. It's important to remember that this is a projection, and unexpected rises and falls in player performance throughout the upcoming season will inevitably impact the actual draft order.

The Mock Draft: First Round Picks

Here's our projection for the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft: (Note: Rankings and player availability are subject to change based on performance and unforeseen circumstances.)

1. Pittsburgh Pirates: Ethan Wilson, OF (High School, California) - The Pirates prioritize high-ceiling talent, and Wilson's raw power and potential five-tool skillset make him an ideal choice for a rebuilding franchise.

2. Washington Nationals: Caleb Bonemer, RHP (University of Oregon) - The Nats need pitching, and Bonemer's polished delivery and plus fastball project him as a potential frontline starter.

3. Kansas City Royals: Bryce Rainer, SS (High School, Texas) - The Royals continue their emphasis on selecting high-upside shortstops. Rainer possesses impressive athleticism and a strong bat.

4. Oakland Athletics: Blake Larson, LHP (University of Florida) - With a strong focus on pitching, Oakland would likely target a lefty like Larson, known for his command and late movement.

5. Arizona Diamondbacks: Max Clark, OF (High School, Indiana) - The Diamondbacks could use a boost in outfield depth. Clark's speed, hitting ability, and defensive prowess make him a strong fit.

6. Detroit Tigers: Nolan Schanuel, 1B/DH (University of Florida) - Schanuel’s advanced approach at the plate and consistent hitting make him a valuable asset for any lineup.

7. Colorado Rockies: Jackson Holliday, SS (High School, Maryland) - The Rockies' need for a quality shortstop remains a top priority, and Holliday’s elite bat-to-ball skills make him a potential franchise player.

8. Cincinnati Reds: Justin Crawford, OF (High School, California) - The Reds' continued development of their young core demands another high-potential player, and Crawford's speed and offensive potential are hard to pass up.

(The rest of the first round picks will be detailed in Part 2 of this article, releasing next week. Subscribe to our newsletter to be notified!)

Factors Affecting Future Projections:

Several factors could significantly alter this projection before the actual draft:

• Player Performance: Injuries, breakout seasons, or disappointing performances will dramatically shift draft rankings.
• Scouting Reports: Updated scouting reports can change assessments of player potential.
• Team Needs: A team’s success or failures during the 2024 season could alter their draft strategy.

Conclusion:

Predicting the 2025 MLB Draft is a challenging but exciting endeavor. This mock draft offers a potential scenario, but the actual results promise to be equally thrilling and unpredictable. Stay tuned for Part 2 and follow our coverage throughout the 2024 season for updated prospect rankings and analysis. What do you think of our predictions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!