The MLB Draft Lottery has introduced a significant shift in how teams approach the annual player draft, adding an element of suspense and strategy to an event that already captivates fans and franchises alike. The 2025 MLB Draft is set to take place from July 13-15, 2025, in Atlanta, coinciding with Major League Baseball’s All-Star festivities. This year’s draft order was determined through the MLB Draft Lottery, introduced in 2023 to discourage tanking by awarding the top six selections through a lottery system, rather than solely based on team records.
First-Round Order: Top Picks and Selection Process
The Washington Nationals secured the No. 1 overall pick, followed by the Los Angeles Angels (No. 2) and Seattle Mariners (No. 3). The Colorado Rockies and **St. Louis Cardinals** complete the top five.
The full first-round order:
- Washington Nationals
- Los Angeles Angels
- Seattle Mariners
- Colorado Rockies
- St. Louis Cardinals
- Pittsburgh Pirates
- Miami Marlins
- Toronto Blue Jays
- Cincinnati Reds
- Chicago White Sox
- Oakland Athletics
- Texas Rangers
- San Francisco Giants
- Tampa Bay Rays
- Boston Red Sox
- Minnesota Twins
- Chicago Cubs
- Arizona Diamondbacks
- Baltimore Orioles
- Milwaukee Brewers
- Houston Astros
- Atlanta Braves
- Kansas City Royals
- Detroit Tigers
- San Diego Padres
- Philadelphia Phillies
- Cleveland Guardians.
Additionally, there are Compensation Picks and Competitive Balance Rounds that grant extra selections to small-market and revenue-sharing teams. These picks occur between rounds to help balance competition.
Top Prospects to Watch
The 2025 draft class features several exciting young prospects, including:
Ethan Holliday (INF, Stillwater High School), The younger brother of Baltimore Orioles’ top prospect Jackson Holliday, Ethan is widely considered a potential No. 1 overall pick. Then Jace LaViolette (OF, Texas A&M), A powerful hitter with impressive athleticism. Also, Jamie Arnold (LHP, Florida State) is A dominant left-handed pitcher with excellent strikeout potential. Next is Tyler Bremner (RHP, UC Santa Barbara) A fast-rising pitching prospect. Finally, Seth Hernandez (RHP, Corona High School, CA) A top high school arm draws comparisons to elite past prep pitchers.
Teams to Watch
After selecting Dylan Crews and James Wood in recent years, the Washington Nationals have the No. 1 pick and may look to solidify their future infield with Ethan Holliday. The Los Angeles Angels, picking second, will aim to land a franchise cornerstone as they rebuild post-Shohei Ohtani. Then the Seattle Mariners, selecting third, could target an impact bat or frontline starter to complement their young core.
With the draft still months away, scouting reports and team strategies will continue to evolve. The MLB Draft Combine in June will provide more clarity on rising and falling draft stocks.
