The 2025 MLB draft is stronger than this year’s current class. With the 2024 draft winding down today, it’s time to turn the page to the 2025 draft.
The 2025 MLB draft class features plenty of high-end talent, including a prep player with the potential to go first overall.
Below is an early look at a projected top-10 pick mock draft. Remember, the Chicago White Sox and Oakland Athletics can’t pick in the first nine picks of the draft, as they are ineligible after reaching the limit for consecutive years selecting in the lottery.
1. Marlins: Jace LaViolette, OF, Texas A&M
LaViolette is a 6-foot-6, 230-pound left-handed hitting outfielder with above-average raw power to all fields. He doesn’t chase a lot out of the strike zone and tallies a lot of walks. He needs to limit his strikeouts and improve his overall bat-to-ball skills. But overall, he’s a tremendous hitter with star potential in the middle of the order. Defensively, LaViolette mostly played center field at Texas A&M this spring. He is a respectable athlete for his size and figures to move to a corner outfield spot in pro ball.
2. Rockies: Ethan Holliday, SS, Stillwater (Okla.) HS
Holliday is in the mix to go first overall and is the top prep player in the 2025 MLB draft class. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound left-handed hitter uses simple, low-effort mechanics and a quick swing to drive the ball with authority to all parts of the field. Defensively, Holliday is athletic with smooth defensive actions and a strong arm.
Holliday is the son of former MLB star Matt Holliday and brother of Jackson Holliday, the star shortstop prospect for the Baltimore Orioles who went first overall in 2022.
3. Angels: Jamie Arnold, LHP, Florida State
Arnold is a 6-foot-1, 191-pound lefty who throws a mid-90s fastball and quality slider from a low three-quarters arm slot. He attacks the strike zone and rarely issues walks. He needs to develop more consistency with his changeup, but he has all the ingredients to be a quality top-of-the-rotation starter in pro ball.
4. Nationals: Brady Ebel, SS, Corona (Calif.) HS
Ebel is one of the younger players in the 2025 MLB draft class. He is one of the more polished hitters in the prep class, boasting a strong understanding of the strike zone, an ability to hit line drives and notable raw power. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound shortstop is a strong defender with quality arm strength and smooth defensive actions.
5. Blue Jays: Devin Taylor, OF, Indiana
Taylor is a 6-foot-1, 215-pound left-handed hitting outfielder known for his skills at the plate. He uses a simple swing to drive the baseball with authority due to his above-average raw power. He also displays outstanding plate recognition and quality strike zone discipline.
Taylor has handled a corner outfield spot in his first two years at Indiana. He has respectable athleticism and average arm strength.
6. Rangers: Cam Cannarella, OF, Clemson
Cannarella is a 6-foot, 180-pound left-handed hitting outfielder known for his contact skills, approach and ability to use the entire field. He occasionally shows some power, but his game is built around hitting line drives in the gaps and making a difference with his speed on the bases.
Defensively, Cannarella has above-average speed and strong instincts in center field. He has the tools to remain in center field long-term.
7. Cubs: Caden Bodine, C, Coastal Carolina
Bodine is a really intriguing college-catching prospect. The 5-foot-10, 197-pound switch hitter has an outstanding contact rate and strong plate discipline. He consistently barrels up the baseball and profiles right now as a more hit-over-power profile. He occasionally taps into some power.
Defensively, Bodine will remain behind the plate long-term due to his strong and accurate arm, athleticism and improved blocking skills.
8. Tigers: Coy James, SS, Davie (N.C.) HS
James is a talented 6-foot, 180-pound right-handed hitter known for his exciting combination of pure hitting ability and power potential. He is an aggressive hitter who drives the ball to all parts of the field. Defensively, James is a solid athlete with respectable arm strength and will remain at an up-the-middle position long-term.
9. Giants: Chase Shores, RHP, LSU
Shores dominated college hitters as a freshman in 2023 before suffering an injury and ultimately having Tommy John surgery that cost him the entire 2024 season. When healthy, the 6-foot-8, 245-pound right-hander boasts a high-90s fastball with a quality slider and changeup. He uses a low-effort delivery and throws from a three-quarters arm slot.
In addition to showing he’s fully healthy, Shores must show more consistency with his pitch mix and command and control. He has huge potential.
10. White Sox: Seth Hernandez, RHP, Corona (Calif.) HS
Hernandez is a 6-foot-4, 190-pound righty with frontline starter potential. He throws a mid-90s fastball, quality changeup and a swing-and-miss curveball from an athletic and repeatable delivery. He attacks the strike zone with his pitch mix.
Read in-depth stories on top 2024 MLB draft prospects at Baseball Prospect Journal.
Dan Zielinski III has covered the MLB draft for nine years. He has interviewed 518 of the top draft prospects in that period, including four No. 1 overall picks. Multiple publications, including Baseball America, USA Today, MLB.com, The Arizona Republic and The Dallas Morning News, have quoted his work, while he has appeared on radio stations as a “MLB draft expert.” Follow him on Twitter @DanZielinski3.
