The 2025 Major League Baseball draft concluded on Monday evening after starting on Sunday night, with the Washington Nationals selecting a high school shortstop named Eli Willitz as the first overall pick out of 615 selections. The top five picks were completed with Tyler Bremner going to the Angels, Cade Anderson to the Mariners, Ethan Holiday to the Rockies, and Liam Doyle to Tennessee. Willitz’s selection was somewhat unexpected, as Anderson was favored to go first according to Caesars Sportsbook odds, but the Nationals opted for the 17-year-old following a significant organizational overhaul. Notably, the , Mets, and Yankees lost their first-round picks due to penalties related to the competitive balance tax, reducing the number of first-round selections to 27.
CBS Sports provides a detailed tracker and analysis of all 27 first-round picks, along with subsequent compensation and competitive balance round picks, extending through multiple rounds up to the 20th. High-profile picks include players from prominent college programs and high schools across the country, highlighting a diverse and deep draft class.
Fan Take: This draft is a big deal for baseball fans because it sets the stage for the future stars of the game, with intriguing surprises like Eli Willitz shaking up expectations. How these young talents develop could redefine team dynamics and competitiveness in the coming years, making it exciting for fans to follow their journeys.