As the Men’s College World Series and the Draft Combine command attention, the upcoming 2025 Draft becomes a focal point of conversation. The crew of the MLB Pipeline Podcast have made Chase Field their base of operations for the Combine, following top Draft-eligible talent as they work to elevate their positions. Each week, in anticipation of the Draft, they publish a simulated draft, sharing their conjectures about the unfolding of the first round. This week, they have collaborated on their mock draft, alternating their selections in accordance with insider information, as the critical date draws near in less than a month. Comprehensive evaluations, ratings, and video content of the players detailed herein are available on the MLB Pipeline’s Draft Top 200 list. Post the Combine, this list is slated for an update, expanding to feature the Top 250. This is their predicted layout for Round 1:
To kick start, with the No.1 pick, they’re forecasting the Nationals will select Ethan Holliday, a versatile infield player capable of holding positions at shortstop and third base, who hails from Stillwater High School in Oklahoma. Projected at No.1 on the Draft list for a significant duration, Holliday continues to retain the highest probability of being the first overall pick by the Nationals.
Next, at No.2, predicted for the Angels is Kade Anderson, a left-handed pitcher from Louisiana State. If not Holliday, then Anderson stands the strongest chance of being the first pick. In case he isn’t the first, the Angels are likely to favor him for his college experience and rapid trajectory towards the major leagues.
The Mariners, with the third pick, are speculated to opt for Aiva Arquette, a shortstop from Oregon State, proposed at No.6. The decision could likely boil down to either the finest college level batter or pitcher. It appears Arquette has distinguished herself among college batters, sufficiently to make her an ideal choice for the top few selections.
The mock draft continues up to No.27. It predicts the Guardians will opt for Andrew Fischer, a versatile first base/third base player from Tennessee, currently pegged at No.29. Fischer’s profile fits the mold of the left-handed power hitter favored by the Guardians. His time in college saw him hit 56 home runs, with 25 of those coming in this spring’s season playing for the Volunteers.
