MLB Draft Mock: A Look at the First Round
With the college baseball season heading into its final stretch and high school playoffs either underway or about to begin, the pressure is on for top prospects hoping to improve their draft stock before July’s Major League Baseball draft.
Evaluators have largely solidified their opinions on the pool of players expected to be taken in the first round, though movement within that group is still occurring. This year’s draft is considered light on potential franchise players but deep in difference-makers, including a trio of players from what many consider the greatest high school team ever assembled.
With about a month left in the season for most players and the July 13 selection party in Atlanta looming, here’s a mock draft for the first round:
- Washington Nationals: Ethan Holliday (SS)
The Nationals’ general manager Mike Rizzo, known for prioritizing pitching, will face a tough decision with Holliday, who offers everyday excellence and projectable power exceeding that of his older brother Jackson, the 2022 first overall pick.
- Los Angeles Angels: Hagen Arnold (LHP)
The Angels’ desperate need for pitching and general manager Perry Minasian’s preference for players who can reach the majors quickly align with Arnold, a 6-foot-1 lefty dominating ACC competition with a WHIP under 1.00. He might not be a prototypical power pitcher, but his ability to pitch off his fastball makes him a potential rotation anchor.
- Seattle Mariners: Arquette (SS)
Despite the allure of prep right-hander Seth Hernandez, the Mariners have a history of drafting and developing college pitchers. They opt for Arquette, a 6-foot-5 shortstop with considerable power (16 home runs, 1.173 OPS) and discipline, who recently prompted an opponent to use a four-man outfield against him.
- Colorado Rockies: Seth Hernandez (RHP)
Hernandez gave up one earned run in 42 ⅓ innings, struck out 88, and walked just three. The Rockies wager that his 98 mph fastball and excellent changeup can tame Coors Field.
- St. Louis Cardinals: Carlson (INF)
The Cardinals add another impact middle infielder after selecting J.J. Wetherholt seventh overall last year. Carlson has enviable tools, including a fastball in the mid-90s, and has had a strong offensive season.
- Cleveland Guardians: Willits (INF)
A pal of Ethan Holliday, Willits embodies a grinder mentality, influenced by his father, former big league outfielder Reggie Willits, while possessing a promising set of tools.
- Miami Marlins: Schoolcraft (RHP)
After an unprecedented run of college players selected early in the 2024 draft, this year’s teenagers start to take over the first round, Schoolcraft is an excellent two-way player but his projectability on the mound is obvious.
- Kansas City Royals: LaViolette (OF)
LaViolette has hit 15 homers and reached base at a .437 clip, The overall track record for the 6-foot-6 lefty slugger still has high potential.
- Detroit Tigers: Doyle (LHP)
Doyle is second in the nation with 15.3 strikeouts per nine innings, thanks to an "invisiball" four-seamer that has helped him punch out 115 in 67 ⅔ innings.
- Chicago White Sox: Anderson (LHP)
Just a tick behind Doyle statistically and Anderson’s polished repertoire could make him a fast mover, giving Chicago a solid pitching foundation on the heels of 2024 first-rounder Hagen Smith.
- Oakland Athletics: Houston (INF)
He breaks up the parade of lefties with a fastball that touches 98 mph and sets the stage for his 100 punchouts in 72 innings this season. A 0.89 WHIP – seventh in the nation – against SEC hitters is startling.
- Boston Red Sox: Pierce (OF)
A Georgia commit, fits the profile of the new Giants regime – toolsy but also excelling at attention to detail and the so-called little things. He’s gradually added more slug to his game.
- San Francisco Giants: Parker (INF)
Perhaps the Rays can draft twin brother Jacob, as well, to keep both away from Mississippi State. Parker brings a physical presence to the middle infield and, if Jacob is any indication, could blossom into further power as he ages.
- San Diego Padres: Bremner (RHP)
Like LaViolette, Bremner was in the early spring convo as a top four pick but his first year as a full-time starter has been uneven Still, with a fastball that touches the upper 90s, he’s a moldable talent in the proper pitching program.
- New York Yankees: Houchin (INF)
He’s looking remarkably comfortable in his second season in the SEC, ranking second with 17 home runs, fifth with a 1.182 OPS and fourth in average (.376).
- Arizona Diamondbacks: Hall (SS)
Hall reclassified for 2025, his 5-foot-11, 165-pound frame offering plenty of room to grow, given he’ll stil be 17 on draft day. Hall has excellent bat-to-ball skills.
- Baltimore Orioles: Conrad (OF)
An ACC or SEC lefty-swinging outfielder is headed to Baltimore. Conrad underwent season-ending shoulder surgery after an outfield dive yet has been coming on strongly.
- Pittsburgh Pirates: Cunningham (INF)
Will need a little more polish, as the Volunteers moved him from shortstop to third base in his second year in Knoxville. But he has excellent strike zone control and at 6-4, the frame to add more power.
- Los Angeles Dodgers: Gamble (INF/OF)
An extremely versatile player with a strong baseball IQ, Gamble could eventually man one of three infield spots or take his skill set to center field.
- Toronto Blue Jays: Bauer (RHP)
His fastball topped out beyond 100 mph in this, his senior year.
- Texas Rangers: Sikes (OF)
His game fits snugly into Kauffman Stadium, with gap-to-gap power, superior defensive ability and excellent speed; he’s 24-of-29 on steals this year and sports a .462 OBP.
- Atlanta Braves: Neyens (OF)
A 6-foot-4 frame that already offers elite power from the left side, and athleticism that produced 24 stolen bases.
- Minnesota Twins: Young (OF)
The nephew of Dmitri and Delmon might be a reach here, but Young, an LSU commit, offers significant raw power and an outstanding arm.
- Milwaukee Brewers: Stevenson (C)
The best catcher available falls here, though Stevenson’s throwing ability is his biggest carrying tool at the moment.
- Tampa Bay Rays: Belyeu (OF)
A thumb fracture ended his regular season after 22 games, but Belyeu was putting together a strong junior season.
- Los Angeles Dodgers: Quick (RHP)
With two picks in six slots, the Royals can roll the dice on some volatility and Quick fills that bill.
- Chicago Cubs: Ebel (INF)
The last of the Corona kids will hit the 10 eastbound to Phoenix. Ebel, son of Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel, has the baseball instincts to match the lineage and a 6-3, 190-pound frame that will likely translate to a future at the hot corner.
- San Francisco Giants: Summerhill (OF)
More of a “flat-out hit” kind of guy, Summerhill has just 11 homers in 84 games the past two seasons. His ability to play all three outfield positions and the promise of developing power are a nice profile.
- Kansas City Royals: Kilen (INF)
A hamstring injury put him out of sight, though he’s never too far out of mind for evaluators.
- Philadelphia Phillies: Fien (RHP)
A Texas commit whose 6-3, 200-pound frame portends potentially greater power down the road, Fien has decent athleticism and offers defensive versatility at the next level.
