2025 MLB Draft: MLB Pipeline releases new mock with shakeup at No. 1

Baseball is unlike any of the other major professional sports, hosting the draft midseason. With the MLB All-Star Game taking place in Atlanta this year, so will the 2025 MLB Draft. The next generation of players will hear their name called on July 13 and 14 from the Peach State.

As the draft process continues, a new name has popped up as the projected No. 1 overall pick. MLB Pipeline recently released its latest mock draft, watching along as the NCAA Tournament takes place in the college baseball sphere.

Unsurprisingly, an SEC arm is at the top of the board. You can check out the full first-round mock from MLB Pipeline, beginning with the Washington Nationals.

1. Washington Nationals – LSU LHP Kade Anderson

Two years ago, the Nationals were hoping they could land a pitcher out of LSU. No such luck but this go-round, they control who goes No. 1 overall. Anderson will have another chance to showcase his talents in the upcoming Super Regionals.

MLB Pipeline: “The lefty is athletic, throws strikes and has a legit four-pitch mix. With all of his stuff ticking up in the Regional, it looks like he still has plenty in the tank, checking off the durability box.”

2. Los Angeles Angels – Tennessee LHP Liam Doyle

Another big-time pitcher set to continue in the College World Series, Doyle is one of the nation’s best. The Angels currently have the worst-rated farm system per MLB Pipeline, desperately needing a prospect to generate buzz.

MLB Pipeline: “He might cost less, and the Golden Spikes Award finalist has had arguably the most dominant season of any starter in college, currently leading the nation in strikeouts and K/9.”

3. Seattle Mariners – Oregon State SS Aiva Arquette

Seattle was a big mover due to the draft lottery, catapulting up from No. 15. This gives them a chance to draft someone who plays college baseball in the Pacific Northwest, adding from a school that has produced plenty of talent over the years.

MLB Pipeline: “In this scenario, it could come down to a choice between the college arm in (Jamie) Arnold and the top college bat in Arquette, who heads into Super Regional play.”

4. Colorado Rockies – Stillwater (Ok) SS/3B Ethan Holliday

The younger brother of Jackson, Ethan is the next man up in the Holliday family. While one is currently in Baltimore, this mock sends the current Oklahoma State commit out West.

MLB Pipeline: “This has been the perceived floor for Holliday and it’s seemed that if the Nats don’t take him, this is where he likely lands. Arnold could be the college arm choice here.”

5. St. Louis Cardinals – Florida State LHP Jamie Arnold

Once viewed as a potential No. 1 overall pick, Arnold still finds himself in the top five. Teams are loving college pitchers, especially those from the left side. Not many better than Arnold, having a chance to make waves for the Cardinals.

MLB Pipeline: “There’s interest in the high school shortstops coming up next here, but I think they’re hoping one of the three lefties lands here.”

6. Pittsburgh Pirates – Fort Cobb-Broxton (OK) SS Eli Willits

MLB Pipeline says Pittsburgh is going to want a high school shortstop in this year’s first round. Plenty of options are going to be available, with the mock being Willits. Oklahoma head coach Skip Johnson would likely be losing a commitment from this one.

MLB Pipeline: “After taking Konnor Griffin last year, it’s not hard to see the Pirates taking who they think is the best of the high school toolsy shortstops, and that could be Willits.”

7. Miami Marlins – Corona (CA) SS Billy Carlson

Carlson is already slated to move across the country, committing to Tony Vitello and Tennessee. Instead, the Marlins would attempt to get his professional career underway by taking him in the top 10.

MLB Pipeline: “If Carlson goes (before) here, then Willits could very well be the pick, with the other high school shortstops in view.”

8. Toronto Blue Jays – Oklahoma RHP Kyson Witherspoon

The third SEC Friday night starter to feature, Witherspoon is projected to head across the border. MLB Pipeline points out a rough outing in the NCAA Tournament but teams will overlook one performance.

MLB Pipeline: “Witherspoon struggled in his Regional start, allowing nine runs (three earned) on 10 hits over four innings against North Carolina. It’s not the best last impression, but he’s still the best college arm available in the top 10.”

9. Cincinnati Reds – Corona (CA) RHP Seth Hernandez

Earlier in the mock draft, MLB Pipeline noted how Hernandez could wind up being the No. 1 overall pick. That would make history as no high school right-hander has ever been taken first. Cincinnati would have to take advantage if not, snagging a flamethrower currently committed to Vanderbilt.

MLB Pipeline: “Not only is he a high school right-hander, which will make the risk-averse look elsewhere, he’ll be 19 at Draft time, which some team models won’t like. But the Reds have had some success with SoCal prep righties who hit triple digits.”

10. Chicago White Sox – Purvis (MS) JoJo Parker

The White Sox made history last season, owning the worst record in baseball history. However, due to MLB lottery rules, they have to select at No. 10 overall. Like many will throughout the first round, a young shortstop comes off the board.

MLB Pipeline: “The White Sox could pick from the strength of the Draft here and take the best high school shortstop available.”

MLB Pipeline mock draft: Nos. 11-27

11. Athletics – Tennessee 2B Gavin Klein
12. Texas Rangers – Johnson (TX) SS/2B Kayson Cunningham
13. San Francisco Giants – Texas A&M OF Jace LaViolette
14. Tampa Bay Rays – Hewitt-Trussville (AL) SS Steele Hall
15. Boston Red Sox – Wake Forest SS Marek Houston
16. Minnesota Twins – Arizona OF Brendan Summerhill
17. Chicago Cubs – UC Santa Barbara RHP Tyler Bremner
18. Arizona Diamondbacks – Auburn C/OF Ike Irish
19. Baltimore Orioles – Mount Vernon (WA) 3B Xavier Neyens
20. Milwaukee Brewers – Mill Creek (GA) SS Daniel Pierce
21. Houston Astros – Great Oak (CA) 3B Gavin Fien
22. Atlanta Braves – North Carolina C Luke Stevenson
23. Kansas City Royals – Arkansas SS Wehiwa Aloy
24. Detroit Tigers – Summit (OR) OF Slater de Brun
25. San Diego Padres – Sunset (OR) LHP Kruz Schoolcraft
26. Philadelphia Phillies – Wake Forest OF Ethan Conrad
27. Cleveland Guardians – Tennessee 1B/3B Andrew Fischer

Due to the competitive balance tax, three teams saw their draft position drop 10 spots. Teams will pick between Cleveland and New York (NL) but MLB Pipeline included them in the mock.

38. New York Mets – Coastal Carolina C Caden Bodine
39. New York Yankees – Arkansas LHP Zach Root
40. Los Angeles Dodgers – Florida State SS Alex Lodise