Quick Read
- The 2025 MLB Draft began in Atlanta as part of All-Star Week festivities.
- The Washington Nationals selected Eli Willits as the first overall pick.
- The Detroit Tigers made bold selections, including high-risk, high-reward players like Jordan Yost and Michael Oliveto.
- Vanderbilt University had seven players and signees drafted on Day 1.
- Day 2 will feature rounds 4–20, with several top prospects still available.
The 2025 MLB Draft officially kicked off on July 13 in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of MLB’s All-Star Game festivities. Day 1 of the draft was filled with excitement, strategy, and bold decisions as teams navigated through the first three rounds of selections. With a mix of high school and college standouts, the draft promises to shape the future of Major League Baseball.
Top Selections and Headliners
The Washington Nationals started the draft by selecting high school shortstop Eli Willits with the first overall pick. According to ESPN, Willits was ranked among the top prospects for his exceptional defensive skills and offensive potential. The Los Angeles Angels followed with college pitcher Tyler Bremner, while the Seattle Mariners made waves by selecting Louisiana State University’s left-handed pitcher Kade Anderson at No. 3. Anderson, a standout in the College World Series, is noted for his polished four-pitch repertoire and impeccable command, as highlighted in a report by the Mariners Blog.
The Detroit Tigers also made bold moves on Day 1, selecting four players, including high school shortstop Jordan Yost and catcher Michael Oliveto, both described as high-upside prospects. Tigers’ General Manager Jeff Greenberg emphasized the team’s willingness to take calculated risks for long-term rewards.
Detroit Tigers’ Risky Yet Promising Picks
The Detroit Tigers stood out for their unconventional approach, drafting two high school players with significant potential but inherent risks. Jordan Yost, picked 24th overall, emerged as a hit-first shortstop from Sickles High School in Florida. Despite being ranked lower on many draft boards earlier in the year, Yost’s breakout senior season, where he hit .412 with a near-perfect strikeout-to-walk ratio, catapulted him into first-round consideration. Tigers’ scouting director Mark Conner remarked, “Yost has elite contact skills and advanced feel for the strike zone. We’re betting on his ability to develop power over time.”
Michael Oliveto, drafted at No. 34, also turned heads. A left-handed catcher from New York, Oliveto impressed scouts with his offensive approach, hitting .435 with nine home runs in his senior year. However, his defensive skills remain a question mark. According to The Detroit Free Press, the Tigers plan to develop Oliveto as a catcher but remain open to transitioning him to an outfield position if necessary.
In subsequent rounds, the Tigers selected right-handed pitcher Malachi Witherspoon and left-handed pitcher Ben Jacobs, both college players with significant reliever risk but undeniable upside. These picks highlight the Tigers’ strategy of balancing immediate talent with developmental potential.
Vanderbilt’s Impact on the Draft
Vanderbilt University had a strong presence in this year’s draft, with three current players and four signees selected on Day 1. JD Thompson, the Commodores’ ace, was picked 59th overall by the Milwaukee Brewers. Outfielder RJ Austin and pitcher Cody Bowker were also drafted, marking Vanderbilt’s most successful draft day since 2016, as reported by The Tennessean.
Additionally, Vanderbilt’s top recruit, Seth Hernandez, was picked sixth overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates. This leaves the Commodores with potential gaps in their incoming class, depending on whether other signees, such as outfielders Sean Gamble and Slater de Brun, choose to sign professional contracts.
Insights from the Draft Order and Bonus Pools
The Orioles entered the draft with the largest bonus pool of $19.14 million, allowing them flexibility in signing top prospects. Meanwhile, the Nationals, Mariners, and Angels also had substantial pools, enabling aggressive selections. According to MLB.com, the Orioles’ approach reflects a growing trend of utilizing bonus pool savings to secure high-ceiling players in later rounds.
The draft’s structure, featuring 20 rounds over two days, continues to emphasize the importance of strategic planning. Teams like the Rockies and Cardinals, who have historically adhered to their bonus limits, face tough decisions as they balance immediate needs with long-term development.
What’s Next?
Day 2 of the draft promises further excitement as teams delve into rounds 4 through 20. With several top prospects still on the board, including Vanderbilt’s Sawyer Hawks and Riley Nelson, the second day will likely feature more calculated risks and strategic maneuvers.
*The 2025 MLB Draft has already set the stage for future stars to emerge. With teams taking bold approaches and prospects eager to prove themselves, the journey to the major leagues continues to captivate baseball fans worldwide.*