MLB Draft week is here, and anticipation is high! We’ve expanded our comprehensive prospect ranking to 250 players, giving you the ultimate guide to the talent pool. Unlike mock drafts that predict team picks, this list evaluates players based purely on our assessment of their actual on-field ability and future potential. We integrate Future Value (FV) grades and detailed tool grades for top prospects, aligning with our updated MLB top 100 lists, to show where these draftees might fit in professional organizations from day one.
This year’s draft class stands out, particularly at the top, featuring a strong contingent of college left-handed pitchers. The big question looming is: Which one earns the coveted No. 1 spot? It’s time to dive into the rankings and discover the next wave of baseball stars.
The Elite Tier: Potential Frontline Talent
The top prospects in the 2025 class possess high ceilings and the potential to become significant major league players. This group represents the pinnacle of amateur talent available this year.
55 FV Tier: High-Impact Prospects
1. Kade Anderson (LHP, LSU)
Age: 21.0
Future Value: 55
tools: Fastball 50/55, Slider 55/60, Curveball 45/50, Changeup 50/55, Command 45/55
Projected MLB Top 100 Rank: 25
Kade Anderson claims the top spot in our final rankings. The LSU southpaw overcame Tommy John surgery in high school, which had initially slowed his path. As a freshman, he showed flashes over limited innings (38⅓). However, he exploded onto the scene in his sophomore spring, dominating hitters as LSU’s ace. His 180 strikeouts this spring rivaled Paul Skenes’ performance on a similar trajectory at LSU.
Evaluators note Anderson’s durability and slighter frame as potential long-term questions regarding pitching 180+ innings as a frontline starter. While his stuff is consistently above average, it may lack a truly standout plus-plus pitch. A common comparison is Max Fried, a similarly built lefty who found success by effectively mixing multiple distinct pitches and hitting spots precisely. Anderson’s refined feel for execution and his natural supination lean suggest adaptability and a lower risk of becoming a reliever, a fate that has befallen some past top-10 college lefty picks like A.J. Puk or Drew Pomeranz. Given the recent trend of top SEC aces reaching the majors quickly, Anderson is seen as a fast-mover needing minimal adjustments.
Anderson’s rise this season has been dramatic in various rankings; MLB Pipeline notably moved him from No. 44 to No. 3 overall, citing his strikeout numbers and developing arsenal. While his fastball typically sits 92-94 mph (topping out at 97 mph), it features effective ride up in the zone. His slider is strong, but his changeup is considered his best secondary offering (graded 60 by MLB Pipeline). He reportedly opted to focus on the slider over a curveball this season. His command is advanced, with only 26 walks in 96 innings this spring, contributing to his impressive 9-1 record and 3.28 ERA over 16 starts.
2. Ethan Holliday (SS, Stillwater HS)
Age: 18.3
Future Value: 55
Tools: Hit 25/45, Game power 30/65, Raw Power 60/70, Speed 45/40, Fielding 40/50, Throwing 55/55
Projected MLB Top 100 Rank: 31
The journey with Ethan Holliday has been notable. Initially ranked lower than the industry consensus, significant evaluation shifted his position closer to a virtual co-No. 1 prospect alongside Anderson. A key factor was his performance in summer showcase events, where the best players face off with wood bats – seen as a strong proxy for professional baseball. Holliday struggled in this setting, particularly with timing against higher velocity.
He addressed these timing issues this spring, but faced less pro-level pitching, leaving the adjustment “battle-tested.” Despite this, the consensus view now leans towards his loud tools translating to production. The projection carries some risk, particularly regarding his ultimate hitting ability. He’s currently projected as potentially a .250 hitter with a strong walk rate, leveraging his significant raw power for 25-30 home runs annually, likely playing above-average defense at third base. However, if his hit tool doesn’t fully develop (closer to a 40 grade), his power upside could be limited. The potential remains, though, for him to make a “Jackson Holliday-like” leap in pro ball and become the top prospect in all of baseball.
3. Eli Willits (SS, Fort Cobb-Broxton HS)
Age: 17.6
Future Value: 55
Tools: Hit 30/60, Game Power 20/45, Raw Power 40/50, Speed 60/55, Fielding 45/55, Throwing 55/55
Projected MLB Top 100 Rank: 37
Eli Willits fits a profile the industry sometimes overlooks: a player with medium physical tools and frame who consistently performs at an elite level and possesses exceptional skills. His high-level performance this spring, even spending the day before an interview helping on his family’s ranch, highlights his unique background and approach. He draws comparisons to Kevin McGonigle from a recent draft class, a player who significantly out-performed his draft slot.
Willits is younger, faster, and a better defender at the same stage than McGonigle. This suggests an even higher ceiling. His upside is seen as becoming one of the game’s premier hitters for average and on-base percentage, with the potential for a 20/20 season while sticking at shortstop. While perhaps not a “face of the sport,” he has the tools and performance indicators to develop into a top-20 player in baseball.
Deep Dive into the Top 10 Prospects
The 2025 class features intriguing talents across positions, including high-upside pitchers and athletic position players.
50 FV Tier: High-Ceiling Prospects with Variance
4. Seth Hernandez (RHP, Corona HS)
Age: 19.0
Future Value: 50
Tools: Fastball 55/60, Slider 40/50, Curveball 45/50, Changeup 60/70, Command 40/50
Projected MLB Top 100 Rank: 43
Seth Hernandez is a rare high school right-handed pitcher prospect projected near the top of the draft. This demographic is historically considered one of the riskiest due to a lower hit rate and numerous high-profile busts, despite spectacular successes like Hunter Greene. Hernandez is a standout athlete, formerly a two-way player, with a potent changeup that grades as elite.
This spring, his breaking balls (slider and curveball) showed notable improvement, flashing above average. Pitching development theories favor athletes, changeup-first pitchers, and former standout position players, all of which describe Hernandez. However, concerns linger about his fastball shape and overall spin capacity, areas where he currently grades below average. Some teams reportedly hesitate to take prep righties in the top 10 at all, making Hernandez’s potential draft slot a key storyline. He represents a classic high-risk, high-reward scenario.
5. Jamie Arnold (LHP, Florida State)
Age: 21.2
Future Value: 50
Tools: Fastball 45/55, Cutter 40/50, Slider 55/60, Changeup 50/60, Command 40/50
Projected MLB Top 100 Rank: 51
Jamie Arnold is an accomplished college lefty who presents an uncomfortable at-bat for hitters, largely due to his low arm slot. This delivery gives his four-seam fastball a flatter approach angle with good plane, while adding dive to his sinker and changeup and enabling above-average sweep on his slider. His changeup and cutter became more prominent this season, diversifying his attack.
Despite his success, hesitations exist. His fastball was hit harder than expected at times, and his cutter is seen as merely an OK pitch needed to bridge his fastball and slider. While he exhibits solid control (throwing strikes), his command (hitting specific spots) needs refinement. Arnold has the potential to be a strong No. 2 or No. 3 starter with multiple above-average to plus pitches if he fully clicks, but there’s still developmental work required.
6. Liam Doyle (LHP, Tennessee)
Age: 21.0
Future Value: 50
Tools: Fastball 60/65, Cutter 50/55, Slider 45/50, Splitter 45/55, Command 40/50
Projected MLB Top 100 Rank: 52
Liam Doyle burst onto the scene this spring, showing increased velocity, better strikes, and sharper off-speed pitches after being a second-round follow last season. His fastball is potentially big-league ready right now and can be located effectively in the zone. He also features above-average cutter and splitter offerings.
Scouts have some hesitation due to the effort in his delivery, his heavy fastball usage, and reports of his stuff fading late in games, coupled with some poor down-the-stretch performances. While his control is good, command (hitting spots) is developing. The primary question is whether his delivery and power approach will limit his ability to consistently turn over a lineup, potentially making him a high-impact reliever rather than a starter. However, his ability to throw strikes and potentially fix command issues quickly suggests he could reach the big leagues fast, perhaps in a limited role initially, similar to former Vols lefty Garrett Crochet.
7. JoJo Parker (SS, Purvis HS)
Age: 18.8
Future Value: 50
Tools: Hit 30/60, Game Power 30/50, Raw Power 45/55, Speed 50/45, Fielding 40/45, Throwing 55/55
Projected MLB Top 100 Rank: 55
JoJo Parker has steadily climbed draft boards, moving from a second/third-round prospect last summer to a clear top-10 contender this spring. The appeal is his standout hitting ability and exceptional makeup, both graded as potentially 70-grade tools by many evaluators. Everything else he does is considered around average.
Though not the biggest, strongest, or fastest, Parker could be the rare player whose hitting prowess elevates his entire profile. This skill helps him consistently access his solid-average raw power, projecting around 20 home runs annually. If he ultimately moves to second or third base defensively, he offers a valuable combination of high school upside and college-level certainty due to his refined hitting skills and polish. His twin brother, Jacob, is also a seven-figure prospect in this class (ranked 99th).
8. Billy Carlson (SS, Corona HS)
Age: 19.0
Future Value: 50
Tools: Hit 30/50, Game Power 30/50, Raw Power 50/55, Speed 50/50, Fielding 50/60, Throwing 80/80
Projected MLB Top 100 Rank: 85
Billy Carlson has been a recognized talent in this class for years, possessing impressive athleticism reminiscent of a young Bobby Witt Jr. He features a top-tier infield arm (potentially 80 grade), projects as a plus defender at shortstop, and shows above-average to plus raw power in batting practice. He’s also shown above-average speed at times.
Despite these loud tools, Carlson isn’t ranked higher due to an accumulation of minor concerns. His swing mechanics, with hands positioned far from his body, raise questions for some scouts about his ability to hit professional pitching. While adjustable, this uncertainty is a factor in the top 10. Fixing this might slightly reduce his raw power projection, leading some evaluators to doubt he can achieve average or better grades for both hitting and power long-term. His age relative to the class is another historical negative factor for analytically inclined teams. However, the potential remains for Carlson to be above average to plus in almost every aspect of the game if it all comes together.
9. Aiva Arquette (SS, Oregon State)
Age: 21.7
Future Value: 50
Tools: Hit 30/45, Game Power 30/55, Raw Power 55/60, Speed 50/50, Fielding 40/50, Throwing 60/60
Projected MLB Top 100 Rank: 95
Standing at 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, Aiva Arquette is a large shortstop prospect. While he has a chance to remain at shortstop as an acceptable, average defender, most teams prefer above-average defense at the position, suggesting a potential move to third base.
Questions surround his bat-to-ball skills and pitch selection, which currently grade as average at best. This is somewhat understandable given his size and focus on generating power. Arquette has the potential to be a big league shortstop hitting 25-30 homers or a third baseman hitting closer to .235 with 18-20 homers. He is seen as a certain big leaguer and likely useful player, but the uncertainty regarding his ultimate position and offensive ceiling creates variance in his projection.
Expanding the Top 250: More Talented Prospects
The depth of the 2025 draft class extends well beyond the top handful of players, featuring a wide range of potential future major leaguers.
45-plus FV Tier: Solid Prospect Potential
This tier includes players seen as having solid potential to become everyday big leaguers or valuable contributors.
10. Kyson Witherspoon (RHP, Oklahoma)
Age: 20.9
Future Value: 45+
Tools: Fastball 55/60, Cutter 50/60, Slider 45/50, Curveball 45/50, Changeup 40/50, Command 40/50
Kyson Witherspoon and his twin brother Malachi were high school prospects who fell off the radar before Kyson re-emerged after remaking his delivery and arm action. This led to a significant spike in his stuff and performance. His shorter arm circle delivery is compared to Dylan Cease or Lucas Giolito, and his arsenal features a four-seamer, hard cutter, and power curveball, similar to Gage Wood (ranked 16th). Betting on athletic pitchers with upward development trajectories and hard-breaking pitches often pays off, a profile Witherspoon fits well. Some scouts believe he’s on the cusp of a major performance jump.
11. Ike Irish (RF, Auburn)
Age: 21.6
Future Value: 45+
Tools: Hit 35/55, Game Power 35/55, Raw Power 50/55, Speed 40/40, Fielding 40/50, Throwing 55/55
Ike Irish began the spring as a catcher prospect facing questions about his defense and needing a strong offensive showing. He delivered, putting up some of the best in-conference numbers in the SEC. He possesses several indicators favored by analytical models: a long track record in a top conference, left-handed hitting, experience at a premium position (catcher, though likely moving to a corner outfield spot), and a history as a notable high school prospect.
Some teams are very high on Irish, seeing him as a potential 60-grade hitter with 55-grade power and plus makeup, who might still offer some defensive versatility. He’s seen as a potential target for teams picking in the top 10, possibly on a slightly lower bonus deal. He fits the mold of a higher-floor, slightly lower-ceiling pick akin to James Tibbs in the previous draft.
12. Gavin Fien (3B, Great Oak HS)
Age: 18.2
Future Value: 45+
Tools: Hit 25/55, Game Power 30/55, Raw Power 55/60, Speed 45/45, Fielding 40/50, Throwing 55/55
Gavin Fien showcased arguably the best combination of hitting and power on the summer circuit before the spring season. He projects for plus raw power and has sufficient defensive capability to remain at third base. Despite these tools, his spring performance was unexpectedly inconsistent, confusing evaluators.
The author takes a broader view, giving more weight to his strong summer, comparing the situation to James Wood or Aidan Miller, who also had strong summers followed by less impressive springs but went on to success. The challenge for scouts who saw the inconsistent spring is to reconcile it with the prior high-level performance. Fien remains a prospect with significant upside if his tools translate consistently.
13. Steele Hall (SS, Hewitt-Trussville HS)
Age: 17.9
Future Value: 45+
Tools: Hit 25/50, Game Power 25/50, Raw Power 40/50, Speed 70/70, Fielding 45/55, Throwing 55/55
Steele Hall reclassified from the 2026 class, making him one of the youngest players likely to be selected on Day 1 of the draft. Historically, drafting younger players is seen as a significant positive indicator for future development. Despite a smaller frame (listed at 5’11” or shorter), he effectively generates lift and pulls the ball in games. His athleticism and ability to pack tools into his build draw comparisons to players like Anthony Volpe, Jett Williams, and Trea Turner.
Hall has shown some swing-and-miss at times over the past year, leading some teams to rank him lower. He’s sometimes been overly aggressive early in counts, an issue often considered fixable. While some evaluators place him later in the first round, others are higher on his potential given his age, speed, defensive projection, and promising tools.
Exploring Depth: Later Tiers and Notable Profiles
The list continues through the top 250, featuring players with various strengths, weaknesses, and developmental paths.
45 FV Tier
This extensive tier includes players like Brendan Summerhill (Arizona CF), Wehiwa Aloy (Arkansas SS), Gage Wood (Arkansas RHP), Josh Hammond (Wesleyan Christian HS SS), Tyler Bremner (UC Santa Barbara RHP), and many others down through Kayson Cunningham (Johnson HS SS). Profiles here range widely, from Summerhill whose exit velocity mysteriously dipped, to Aloy who is seen as very close to Arquette, to Gage Wood, a teammate of Aloy with injury concerns who could be a steal if healthy.
Josh Hammond is highlighted as a potential “pound-the-table” player. He transformed physically, looking like a young Josh Donaldson with elite raw power (65-70 grade), a solid shortstop glove, and arm strength, though likely profiling best at third base. Like Fien, he had a standout summer but a less convincing spring (though facing weaker competition).
Signability is a notable factor for many high school players in this range, such as Kruz Schoolcraft (Sunset HS LHP), who is considered a significant signing risk with specific bonus demands and potential landing spots.
40-plus FV Tier
Covering players from Luke Stevenson (North Carolina C) at #38 down to Michael Oliveto (Hauppauge HS C) at #50, this tier is expected to see players selected in the compensation and early second rounds. It features fascinating cases like Marcus Phillips (Tennessee RHP), whose arm action concerns some but whose stuff could make him a frontline starter, and Riley Quick (Alabama RHP), a former high-profile football recruit with elite pitch potential but also Tommy John surgery history and below-average command. Late risers like Josh Owens (Providence Academy HS SS) and Michael Oliveto, both big left-handed hitters with plus raw power, appear in this group, along with Kyson Witherspoon’s twin brother, Malachi Witherspoon (Oklahoma RHP).
40 FV Tier and Beyond
The bulk of the list from #51 through #250 falls into the 40 FV tier and later, representing a wide range of potential draft outcomes from early second round to later picks. Signability continues to be a key factor, with a list of high schoolers known for tough bonus demands (Brock Sell, Jayden Stroman, Marcos Paz, Reagan Ricken, Brock Ketelsen, Nico Partida) and others with closer to 50/50 odds (Nick Becker, Jordan Yost, Jack Bauer, Ryan Mitchell, Alec Blair, Cam Appenzeller, Aiden Stillman, Parker Rhodes, Michael Winter). College players are generally expected to sign, though some like Henry Godbout may consider returning to school.
The potential for finding breakout stars later in the draft class, similar to the 2016 draft, is highlighted. Several player types are worth watching:
Potential Quick-Movers: Polished college arms with traits suggesting faster MLB arrival, even if initially in shorter stints (A.J. Russell, Chase Shores, Cade Obermueller, Mason Morris, Tanner Franklin, J.T. Quinn, Sean Youngerman, Sam Horn, Michael Lombardi).
Reliever-to-Starter Conversions: College pitchers who primarily pitched in relief or split duty but have starter traits teams are targeting (Tanner Franklin, J.T. Quinn, Sean Youngerman, Sam Horn, Michael Lombardi).
Injured Pitchers: Talent sidelined by injury could present value later (Jared Spencer – shoulder, Cam Leiter – elbow, Shane Sdao – elbow, Marcos Paz – elbow).
High-Upside Sleepers & Intriguing Profiles:
Keep an eye on players deeper in the rankings who possess elite tools or unique traits despite flaws:
Prep Standouts: Jack Bauer (Lincoln Way East HS LHP), who hit a reported 103 mph this spring with a plus-plus breaking ball but struggles with walks; Josiah Hartshorn (Orange Lutheran HS LF), a hit-first type who gained significant power; Ryan Mitchell (Houston HS SS), offering a lower-tier version of Eli Willits’ profile; Taitn Gray (Grimes Community HS C), with plus-plus raw power and athleticism who might stick at catcher despite limited high-end pitching exposure; Quentin Young (Oaks Christian HS 3B/SS), possessing true 80-grade power potential but facing contact rate concerns, drawing interest from analytically forward teams like the Padres and Dodgers; and Xavier Neyens (Mount Vernon HS 3B), a lefty hitter with 70-grade power compared to Joey Gallo.
- College Risers/Conversions: Jake Cook (Southern Miss CF), an 80-grade runner who converted from pitching and hits for average; James Ellwanger (Dallas Baptist RHP), a big, physical pitcher whose fastball shape improved late, adding significant buzz; Michael Lombardi (Tulane RHP) and J.T. Quinn (Southern Miss RHP), recognized by the industry as potential reliever-to-starter conversions; Cade Crossland (Oklahoma LHP), seen as a potential No. 3 starter with optimization; Sam Horn (Missouri RHP), a former quarterback with arm talent but injury history; and Rory Fox (Notre Dame RHP), a two-way history pitcher showing starter flashes despite late-season fade.
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This expansive list provides a detailed look at the talent available, from potential franchise cornerstones to high-upside gambles and polished players expected to move quickly through the minor leagues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this ranking evaluate prospects differently than a mock draft?
This ranking prioritizes evaluating the intrinsic talent and potential of players themselves, rather than predicting which specific team might select them. It’s based on scouting assessments, Future Value (FV) grades, detailed tool grades, and performance analysis across different environments (like summer showcases vs. spring high school/college ball). A mock draft, conversely, attempts to forecast team strategy, preferences, and draft order.
Which prospects are considered potential quick-movers to the major leagues from this class?
Several polished college pitchers are identified as likely quick-movers, potentially reaching MLB in relatively short order. This group includes A.J. Russell, Chase Shores, Cade Obermueller, Mason Morris, Tanner Franklin, J.T. Quinn, Sean Youngerman, Sam Horn, and Michael Lombardi. They often possess advanced command or particular pitches that could make them effective in short stints quickly, even if they profile as starters long-term.
Are there any high-upside “sleeper” prospects ranked lower in the top 250?
Yes, the article highlights several players outside the immediate top tier who possess significant upside despite current flaws or lower visibility. High school sleepers include Quentin Young (elite power), Xavier Neyens (elite power), Jack Bauer (velocity/breaking ball), Taitn Gray (power/athleticism), and Ryan Mitchell (tools/skills). College sleepers mentioned include Jake Cook (speed/hitting), James Ellwanger (stuff improvement), and potential reliever-to-starter conversions like Michael Lombardi and J.T. Quinn.
Conclusion
The 2025 MLB Draft class offers impressive depth, particularly with high-end talent atop the board. From potential college aces like Kade Anderson to high-upside prep stars like Ethan Holliday and Eli Willits, the pool is rich with future major league potential. As teams finalize their boards and prepare for draft week, understanding the unique profiles, risks, and potential rewards of each prospect is crucial. This comprehensive ranking provides a detailed look at the top 250 players available, setting the stage for an exciting draft event.
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