2025 MLB Mock Draft: Early Predictions for Top 1st-Round Baseball Prospects
The 2024 MLB draft is still fresh in our minds, but scouts and analysts are already looking ahead to the 2025 draft class. This class is shaping up to be a strong one, with a good mix of high-ceiling high school players and polished college prospects. The 2025 class is also notable for having the potential for a high school player to go No. 1 overall for the second time in three years, following Jackson Holliday’s selection in 2022. While it’s still early, it’s never too early to start speculating about who might be the top picks. So, let’s dive into a very early prediction for the 2025 MLB draft, with the order determined based on Tankathon’s most recent standings.
- The 2025 MLB draft class is shaping up to be strong, with a mix of high-ceiling high school players and polished college prospects.
- Ethan Holliday, younger brother of Jackson Holliday, is a top prospect for the 2025 draft with impressive power and offensive upside.
- Holliday, a 6’4″ shortstop, has the potential to be a No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft if he maintains his high level of play.
- Jace LaViolette, an outfielder from Texas A&M, is another powerhouse prospect likely to be a top pick in the 2025 draft with impressive hitting and baserunning skills.
- The 2025 draft class could see a high school player go No. 1 overall for the second time in three years, following Jackson Holliday’s selection in 2022.
Ethan Holliday: The Next Big Thing?
Ethan Holliday, younger brother of Jackson Holliday, is a name that should be familiar to baseball fans. Playing for the same high school as his brother, Ethan is already garnering attention from scouts and analysts. The 6’4″, 210-pound shortstop has impressive power from the left side of the plate. Holliday’s swing is efficient and smooth, with terrific bat speed and a short stroke through the zone. The combination of power and bat control makes him a tantalizing prospect.
While Holliday is currently playing shortstop, his size will likely move him to third base or a corner outfield spot as he progresses through professional baseball. Regardless of where he ends up defensively, Holliday’s offensive upside is undeniable. He has the potential to be an All-Star-level player. Given his pedigree and talent, Holliday is a strong candidate to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft.
The only question is whether he can maintain his high level of play throughout his senior year and into the showcase circuit. If he does, he will join a rare group of high school players who have been selected No. 1 overall.
Jace LaViolette: A Powerhouse Prospect
If Ethan Holliday doesn’t go No. 1 overall, Jace LaViolette is likely to be the top pick. LaViolette, a standout outfielder from Texas A&M, has been a force at the plate since his freshman year. LaViolette hit .305/.449/.726 with 29 homers and seven stolen bases in 68 games during his sophomore season. He also showed impressive speed and baserunning ability, stealing 18 bases as a freshman.
LaViolette’s power is his standout attribute. He possesses a combination of raw power and in-game power that is rare. He has a smooth swing and effortless power, with solid plate coverage and pitch recognition. While he may not be an elite athlete, LaViolette’s offensive potential makes him a top prospect. He could end up playing first base, but his bat will make him a valuable asset to any team. LaViolette is a strong contender to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft.
LaViolette’s strong performance in 2024 solidified his status as one of the top college prospects in the country. He has the tools and the potential to be a dominant force in Major League Baseball.
Caden Bodine: A Switch-Hitting Catcher with Potential
Caden Bodine is a switch-hitting catcher from Coastal Carolina who has consistently hit well at the college level. He had a 1.065 OPS in 56 games as a freshman and followed it up with a .933 OPS in 60 games last season. Bodine is a contact hitter who sprays the ball to all fields, but he also has enough power to project as more than just a slap hitter.
While Bodine’s offensive skills are undeniable, his defense behind the plate might be a concern for some teams. He has shown the ability to receive well and is an adequate framer, but his arm strength might be a question mark. If Bodine can prove he has the arm to contain runners, he could be a top pick in the 2025 draft. He has the potential to be a long-term catcher in pro ball, and his offensive skills would be valuable for any team.
Bodine’s switch-hitting ability, combined with his offensive production and defensive potential, make him an intriguing prospect. If he can improve his arm strength, he could be a steal for whichever team drafts him.
Other Top Prospects to Watch
In addition to these three, there are several other players who could be in the mix for the top picks in the 2025 draft. Here are a few more names to keep in mind:
* Cam Cannarella (OF, Clemson): Cannarella is a talented outfielder with a smooth swing and good speed. He has the potential to be a solid offensive player in the major leagues.
* Brady Ebel (SS, Corona High School): Ebel is a high school shortstop who has shown impressive offensive potential. He has a strong arm and solid defensive skills.
* Caden Bodine (C, Coastal Carolina): Bodine is a switch-hitting catcher who has shown impressive offensive skills at the college level. He has the potential to be a long-term catcher in pro ball.
* Coy James (SS, Davie High School): James is a high school shortstop who has shown impressive power and defensive skills. He has the potential to be a star in the major leagues.
* Dean Moss (OF, IMG Academy): Moss is a high school outfielder who has shown exceptional talent. He has a smooth swing and power potential.
* Seth Hernandez (RHP, Corona High School): Hernandez is a high school pitcher who has shown impressive fastball velocity and a good breaking ball. He has the potential to be a dominant force in the major leagues.
* Gavin Turley (OF, Oregon State): Turley is a college outfielder who has shown impressive offensive skills and baserunning ability. He has the potential to be a solid player in the major leagues.
* Sean Gamble (SS/OF, IMG Academy): Gamble is a high school player with a versatile skillset. He can play both shortstop and outfield, and he has the potential to be a good offensive player.
This early mock draft is just a starting point. The 2025 draft class will continue to evolve as players develop and teams get a better look at them. However, these players are all worth watching as the 2025 season unfolds. They have the talent and potential to be stars in Major League Baseball.
Conclusion
The 2025 MLB draft is shaping up to be an exciting one, with a strong group of players on both the high school and college levels. With Ethan Holliday, Jace LaViolette, and Caden Bodine leading the way, it’s a class that could produce several future stars. It will be interesting to see how this class develops over the next year. One thing is for sure: the future of Major League Baseball is in good hands. The 2025 MLB draft will be a highly anticipated event, with scouts and fans alike eager to see which players will be selected and how they will perform in the professional ranks.
