A few of college baseball's stars are still pursuing a national championship as the College World Series gets underway in Omaha, but for many, another big dream awaits in July.
The MLB Draft is quickly approaching, with college and high school standouts alike preparing to hear their names called during All-Star Weekend and start their journeys to the big leagues.
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Those playing in the College World Series know the ultimate destination might not be too far away. Nine of the first 10 collegiate prospects drafted in 2023 have already reached the majors. That group includes budding stars Paul Skenes and Jacob Wilson, along with recent call-ups Kyle Teel and Chase Dollander.
For high schoolers, the road to the show is a winding one — but it starts at the MLB Draft.
The Sporting News projects the first 40 picks of the 2025 MLB Draft, from the Nationals at No. 1 to the Dodgers at No. 40.
MORE: Everything to know about the 2025 College World Series
MLB Mock Draft 2025
1. Nationals
- Ethan Holliday, SS/3B, Stillwater HS (OK)
How about two No. 1 overall picks in four years for the Holliday family? The brother of Jackson Holliday and son of Matt Holliday has been the projected top choice for the past year, and he remains in that slot even if it's far from a guarantee.
Holliday is three inches taller than his brother and could offer more power as he grows into his frame, with third base his more likely long-term position. Some teams have gotten creative at No. 1 and saved money for later in the draft, but the Nationals are still more likely to add one more blue-chip prospect to their arsenal by choosing Holliday.
2. Angels
- Kade Anderson, P, LSU
Remember when the Angels drafted a pitcher with every single one of their picks in 2021? The situation on the mound might be a bit better now than it was then, but adding controllable pitching should still be the priority for GM Perry Minasian as Zach Neto and Logan O'Hoppe emerge as cornerstones in the lineup. The good news for the Angels is they will have their pick of arms.
Tennessee's Liam Doyle and high school right-hander Seth Hernandez are on the board here, but LSU's Kade Anderson has flashed excellent control in his first season as a full-time starter after Tommy John Surgery and has navigated the loaded SEC well with a 3.58 ERA and 163 strikeouts in 103 innings.
3. Mariners
- Jamie Arnold, P, Florida State
Florida State's Jamie Arnold became an early contender for the No. 1 pick with a terrific sophomore season in 2024, and he hasn't done much to damage his stock in 2025. While control issues have popped up a bit more than they did in 2024, Arnold had a 2.98 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with 12.6 strikeouts per nine innings as the ace of the Seminoles' staff.
With some promising bats coming up the pipeline in Seattle, the Mariners can afford to target pitching at No. 3 overall, given who will be available — and Arnold could be on a fast track to the majors if he develops the way many expect.
4. Rockies
- Liam Doyle, P, Tennessee
Like the Angels, it's probably in the Rockies' best interest to keep drafting pitchers early on until at least one hits. Colorado also has a reputation for being stuck in its ways, and one of its ways in recent years has been drafting players from Tennessee in the first round. The Rockies selected OF Jordan Beck in 2022 and P Chase Dollander in 2023 — both are already in the majors — so why not add the fiery Liam Doyle to that group.
Doyle has been been one of 2025's fastest risers after transferring from Ole Miss, posting a 3.20 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 164 strikeouts over 95.2 innings. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Rockies bank on Doyle's dominant fastball cutting through the thin air of Colorado.
5. Cardinals
- Eli Willits, SS, Fort Cobb-Broxton HS (OK)
The Cardinals would probably prefer one of the top college arms fall to this slot, but if that scenario doesn't play out, Willits' upside should be worth the risk. The youngest of the top prep prospects, Willits doesn't even turn 18 until December. He's an excellent contact hitter and is disciplined beyond his years at the plate, with power the lingering question as he develops.
The Cardinals have Masyn Winn at shortstop long-term, but position isn't a concern for a player so many years away from a major-league impact.
6. Pirates
- Aiva Arquette, SS/2B, Oregon State
Oregon State always seems to produce impressive middle infield prospects, and the Beavers have another slam-dunk first-round bat in Hawaiian-born shortstop Aiva Arquette. A transfer from Washington, Arquette has mashed in his only season at Oregon State, batting .354 with 18 home runs and a 1.124 OPS. He could land at second base if needed, but his arm is strong enough to play on the left side of the infield.
The Pirates could be intrigued by the upside of prep pitcher Seth Hernandez, who might not even make it to this slot, but they know they need to prioritize bats with Bubba Chandler and Hunter Barco coming up the pipeline to join Paul Skenes in the rotation.
7. Marlins
- Seth Hernandez, P, Corona HS (CA)
Hernandez is a bit of a wild card in the top 10, which is often the case for high school pitchers. The right-hander could be a contender for first pitcher off the board with his upside, but teams may prioritize safer college arms.
The Marlins need to take swings and aren't anywhere close to contention, so betting on Hernandez's talent would be a wise choice at No. 7. While he's on the older end for high schoolers — he will be 19 by draft day — Hernandez's fastball can touch 97-98 mph, and his changeup already gives him a strong secondary pitch to work with.
8. Blue Jays
- Kyson Witherspoon, P, Oklahoma
Reports have tied the Blue Jays to college arms, and that makes plenty of sense with the bulk of their rotation on the wrong side of 30. Witherspoon showcased improved control in his final season at Oklahoma, halving his walk rate from 2024 and posting a 2.65 ERA with 124 strikeouts over 95 innings for the Sooners.
With a solid frame, a fastball that can touch 99 mph and a strong slider, Witherspoon is the leading college right-hander in this draft and a nice value for the Blue Jays at No. 8.
9. Reds
- Billy Carlson, SS, Corona HS (CA)
A teammate of Seth Hernandez, prep shortstop Billy Carlson ranks firmly among the top high school position players in this draft with his glove leading the way. Carlson's defense at shortstop is his most valuable asset, and any team that banks on being able to develop his bat could wind up with a five-tool prospect.
Carlson is another older high schooler, turning 19 in late July, so he might not be as raw as other high school bats, but the Reds couldn't be blamed for taking a chance here with so many talented pitchers off the board.
10. White Sox
- JoJo Parker, SS, Purvis HS (MS)
Reports have tied the White Sox to high school shortstops, and Parker is the best one remaining at this point with Carlson off the board. Parker's glove isn't ad advanced as Carlson's, but his upside at the plate is higher.
The Mississippi State commit should be a strong contact hitter as he develops, with power the component that can turn him into a much more complete prospect. Parker's brother, Jacob, is also a notable prospect in this year's draft.
11. Athletics
- Brendan Summerhill, OF, Arizona
The A's might like to see Witherspoon fall to No. 11, given their need to develop young pitching, but there isn't a college arm worth taking at this point without him available. After taking college bats in back-to-back years in Jacob Wilson and Nick Kurtz, the A's could try to put another on the fast track to the majors in Summerhill.
Summerhill hasn't flashed much power in his time at Arizona, but he's hitting .358 with a 1.062 OPS this season despite hitting only four home runs. The A's didn't mind Wilson's lack of power when they drafted him in 2023, and it's worked out exceptionally well — Summerhill's bat fits the same mold.
12. Rangers
- Kayson Cunningham, 2B/SS, Johnson HS (TX)
Cunningham is one of a few high school infielders expected to land somewhere in this range, and the Rangers would be adding a high-upside contact bat to their system if they take him at No. 12. Cunningham's bat-to-ball skills are his best asset, but how much his power can come along is a question.
At just 5-10, he doesn't have a frame to grow into that will allow him to naturally hit for more power. Still, it will be tough for teams in this range to pass on such an advanced contact bat out of the high school ranks.
13. Giants
- Marek Houston, SS, Wake Forest
Houston steadily improved with each season at Wake Forest, and he flashed some real power for the first time this past season with 15 home runs along with a .354 AVG and 1.055 OPS for the Demon Deacons.
While the sustainability of that power is unclear, Houston is considered a terrific defensive shortstop and has enough four or even five-tool potential to become the Giants' second consecutive first-round college bat.
14. Rays
- Daniel Pierce, SS, Mill Creek HS (GA)
Six of the Rays' last seven first-round picks, including competitive balance picks, have been high schoolers, and their last six first-rounders overall have been position players. Tampa Bay seems to be sticking to a strategy of taking swings on high-upside bats at the top of the draft while finding and developing pitching through other means. If that's the case, prep shortstop Daniel Pierce is an intriguing option.
The Georgia commit has some of the best speed in this draft, and his contact skills are impressive. The power is a wild card, as it is for many high school hitters, but the Rays will hope their development system can turn Pierce into a complete prospect.
15. Red Sox
- Ike Irish, C/OF, Auburn
College hitters develop quickly enough that position is worth considering, and whether the Red Sox believe they are set at catcher long-term with Carlos Narvaez remains to be seen. Boston did, however, have big plans for 2023 first-rounder Kyle Teel before he was sent to the White Sox in the Garrett Crochet trade, and Irish could be one way to fill the void.
The Auburn slugger hit .364 with 19 home runs and a 1.179 OPS this season, showcasing improved power. While he could be an outfielder long-term, Irish's bat should make him an option in this range of the first round.
16. Twins
- Jace LaViolette, OF, Texas A&M
LaViolette is one of the most intriguing players in the draft, as a dominant sophomore season with 29 home runs in 68 games initially put him in the No. 1 pick discussion before a tougher 2025 season sank his stock. LaViolette still posted a 1.003 OPS with 18 home runs, but he hit only .258 and added to swing-and-miss concerns with a strikeout rate north of 25 percent.
At No. 16, the Twins can take a chance on LaViolette's boom-or-bust potential, but development is going to be critical.
17. Cubs
- Gavin Kilen, 2B, Tennessee
The Cubs have taken exactly one high schooler in the first round since 2013, so the direction Chicago is likely to go is clear. UCSB pitcher Tyler Bremner could also be an option here if he's still on the board, but Kilen is a strong value at No. 17 and fits what the Cubs have looked for in past drafts.
The Louisville transfer excelled in his first season in the SEC, batting .357 with 15 home runs and a 1.112 OPS. While the sustainability of Kilen's power is a question, he's shown enough growth to be an option for teams picking in the middle of the first round.
18. Diamondbacks
- Tyler Bremner, P, UC Santa Barbara
If the Diamondbacks are interested in drafting for need, they need long-term controllable starters with Corbin Burnes' uncertain health, Zac Gallen's pending free agency and Merrill Kelly's age. The crop of college starters is thin in this first round after the top four, but Bremner is worth a look at this stage.
The UC Santa Barbara saw his ERA jump from 2.54 in 2024 to 3.49 in 2025, but the peripherals don't offer much concern. His strikeout rate improved to 12.9 per nine, and he only allowed five home runs while keeping his walk rate roughly where it was. Even if he couldn't fully deliver on expectations in 2025, Brember should land somewhere in this range.
19. Orioles
- Steele Hall, SS, Hewitt-Trussville (AL)
Hall might not be the Orioles' typical power-hitting type of first-round pick, but he would be tough to pass up if he slid to this point. Hall is a project, but he has significant room to grow with his 18th birthday coming later in June. His athleticism should allow him to stick at shortstop long-term, and his bat is advanced enough for his age that taking him in the first round isn't a massive risk despite his age.
Position isn't something the Orioles have to worry about with such a young player, particularly without a long-term contract in place for Gunnar Henderson.
20. Brewers
- Luke Stevenson, C, North Carolina
Much like LaViolette, Stevenson comes with strikeout concerns but flashed enough power and on-base ability at North Carolina to make himself a likely first-round pick. The Tar Heels catcher hit only .251 this season, but he belted 19 home runs in 61 games and still posted a .414 OBP with the help of 59 walks.
Stevenson's potential to stick at catcher also elevates his stock, as a power-hitting catcher can be more valuable than a power-hitting outfielder. One team in this range should be high enough on Stevenson's bat to take a chance, and the Brewers do have a lengthy history with college hitters.
21. Astros
- Wehiwa Aloy, SS, Arkansas
A Sacramento State transfer, Aloy has broken through in his second season at Arkansas, batting .348 with 20 home runs and a 1.101 OPS while helping the Razorbacks reach the College World Series. While strikeouts have popped up as an issue at times, Aloy has some of the most advanced power of any infielder in this draft and has flashed improved bat-to-ball skills in 2025.
Whether Aloy sticks at shortstop or moves to another infield position is a question, but he could be a fast riser — particular if he lands with an Astros organization that had no problem moving 2024 first-round pick Cam Smith right along to the majors after landing him from the Cubs.
22. Braves
- Kruz Schoolcraft, P, Sunset HS (OR)
Every high school pitcher is a project, but Schoolcraft comes with tantalizing potential. He comes with a massive 6-8 frame and 97 mph fastball, two major assets for whichever team gets the opportunity to develop him. The Tennessee commit is also an impressive hitter, but it's his arm that is expected to make him a first-round pick as long as he's willing to pass on the Volunteers.
The top of the Braves' farm system is loaded with arms, so it wouldn't be surprising to see a bat come off the board here, but it would be tough to pass on Schoolcraft's potential at No. 22 if he's willing to sign.
23. Royals
- Gavin Fien, 3B, Great Oak HS (CA)
Projecting high schoolers' landing spots is difficult due to the financial side of the draft, but Fien's floor might in this range. While his stock has slipped slightly this spring due to production concerns, he has the tools to be one of the best all-around hitters in this draft class. How Fien's power develops figures to dictate how quickly he can develop at the professional level, but his lack of true weaknesses should make him a first-round pick in July.
The Royals haven't used their top pick on a college prospect in back-to-back years in more than a decade, so it could be time to roll with a more developmental prospect after taking Jac Caglianone in 2024.
24. Tigers
- Xavier Neyens, 3B, Mount Vernon HS (WA)
The Tigers have taken a high school bat with each of their first two first-round picks since Scott Harris was hired to lead baseball operations, and Neyens could be a strong enough value at No. 24 to make it three years in a row. Set to turn 19 in October, Neyens is easily one of the best power-hitting high school bats in the draft, supported by his 6-4 frame.
While he might not be the most athletic high school position player, he could offer teams in the late first round an advanced left-handed bat with the kind of arm that can allow him to stick at third base even at his size.
25. Padres
- Slater de Brun, OF, Summit HS (OR)
A.J. Preller absolutely loves drafting high schoolers, and it's hard to blame him with the way a few — Jackson Merrill, CJ Abrams and MacKenzie Gore — have panned out. He misses out on some bigger high school bats in this scenario, but de Brun is still easily worth a look at No. 25.
DeBrun is just 5-10, so his frame might limit the kind of power he can hit for at the professional level. Outside of power, the tools are all there. de Brun's speed is valuable both on the basepath and in the outfield, and his contact ability should translate well to the next level.
26. Phillies
- Ethan Conrad, OF, Wake Forest
The second Wake Forest hitter off the board, Conrad isn't as much of a sure thing as most other college prospects in this range. He transferred up from Marist ahead of 2025 but only played 21 games for the Demon Deacons before suffering a season-ending a shoulder injury. In those 21 games, he looked quite comfortable.
Conrad hit .372 with seven home runs and a 1.238 OPS, briefly showcasing more power than he displayed at Marist. A speedy player who can cover plenty of ground in the outfield, Conrad would be an interesting pickup for a Phillies team that tends to prefer high school prospects.
27. Guardians
- Gage Wood, P, Arkansas
Wood doesn't have the numbers of a first-round pick, as he's entering the College World Series with an ERA of 5.02, but the Yankees' selection of Ben Hess in 2024 was a reminder that front offices tend to tools over production.
Wood has a ridiculous 15.7 strikeout per nine rate, and he's kept walks limited with only 2.2 per nine innings in 2025 and could be an option in this range for a team like the Guardians. Yes, he was hit around by the SEC, but he's closing strong with a 13-strikeout performance in the regionals and a nice showing against mighty Tennessee in the super regionals. More of that in Omaha could solidify Wood as a first-round pick.
The first round includes only 27 selections because the Mets, Yankees and Dodgers had their picks moved 10 slots down due to luxury tax penalties. Here is the remainder of the top 40:
- 28. Royals: JB Middleton, P, Southern Miss
- 29. Diamondbacks: Sean Gamble, 2B, IMG Academy (FL)
- 30. Orioles: Aaron Watson, P, Trinity Christian HS (FL)
- 31. Orioles: Andrew Fischer, 1B/3B, Tennessee
- 32. Brewers: Josh Hammond, 3B, Wesleyan Christian HS (NC)
- 33. Red Sox: Zach Root, P, Arkansas
- 34. Tigers: Devyn Taylor, OF, Indiana
- 35. Mariners: Mason Neville, OF, Oregon
- 36. Twins: Matthew Fisher, P, Evansville Memorial HS (IN)
- 37. Rays: Tate Southisene, SS, Basic Academy (NV)
38. Mets
- Max Belyeu, OF, Texas
Belyeu broke through in 2024, batting .329 with 18 home runs and a 1.090 OPS, and he was on a similar trajectory in 2025 before a fractured thumb interrupted his season. While there are defensive questions about his range, Belyeu boasts a strong arm and should stick in a corner outfield role.
The first round isn't out of the question for Belyeu, but the more likely range for his bat falls here — and the Mets could take another swing at an outfielder with Ryan Clifford and Drew Gilbert both struggling in the minors.
39. Yankees
- Patrick Forbes, P, Louisville
The Yankees proved last year that they are focused on process over results in the draft, taking Alabama's Ben Hess and his excellent swing-and-miss potential despite an inflated ERA. Louisville's Patrick Forbes fits the same mold. The junior has a 4.36 ERA entering the College World Series, but he carries a terrific 14.6 strikeout per nine ratio and has done a decent job of limiting hits throughout his college career.
If a major-league team can get Forbes' control settled down, he could quickly develop into an MLB option. Forbes has a chance to elevate his stock in Omaha as the Cardinals chase a championship.
40. Dodgers
- Quentin Young, 3B/OF, Oaks Christian HS (CA)
Young, the nephew of former big leaguers Delmon and Dmitri Young, comes with the kind of upside the Dodgers regret not tapping into with Yordan Alvarez. At 6-6, Young boasts some of the best power of any high school bat in this draft. His frame not only supports his power, but it also gives him an impressive outfield arm.
Whichever team lands Young will have to work on his bat-to-ball skills, as contact is the concern, but he has the kind of raw power that will intrigue teams that believe in their development system.