Las Vegas, Nevada, August 19, 2025
News Summary
The 2025 MLB Draft Day 1 showcased talent and family ties as 105 players were selected. Notable picks include Eli Willits, the youngest first overall pick, and several high school infielders, particularly from Southern California. The draft underscored the strong focus on high school players, with many involved in the first round selections. The excitement continues as the draft prepares for Day 2.
Las Vegas, Nevada – 2025 MLB Draft Day 1 Highlights Top Picks, Family Connections, and High School Talents
The 2025 MLB Draft Day 1 has concluded, showcasing a day filled with talent and family connections. A total of 105 players were selected, including Competitive Balance Rounds A and B and two compensation picks. The draft featured an influx of young high school athletes, with significant attention on several players from Southern California’s Corona High School.
The Washington Nationals made headlines by selecting Eli Willits, a shortstop from Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma, with the first overall pick. At just 17 years and 216 days old, Willits made history by becoming the youngest player to be drafted first overall since Ken Griffey Jr. in 1987. Following Willits was Tyler Bremner, a right-handed pitcher from UC Santa Barbara, picked second by the Los Angeles Angels, and Kade Anderson, a left-handed pitcher from Louisiana State, drafted third overall by the Seattle Mariners.
Other notable selections included Ethan Holliday, the son of former MLB player Matt Holliday, who was chosen fourth overall by the Colorado Rockies. The St. Louis Cardinals picked Liam Doyle, a left-handed pitcher from Tennessee, fifth overall. The Pittsburgh Pirates secured Seth Hernandez, a right-handed pitcher from Corona High School, with their sixth pick. The Miami Marlins selected Aiva Arquette, a shortstop from Oregon State, seventh overall, while the Toronto Blue Jays picked JoJo Parker as their eighth choice. The top ten was rounded out by the Cincinnati Reds, who selected Steele Hall, a high school shortstop from Hewitt-Trussville High School, and the Chicago White Sox, who picked Billy Carlson, another shortstop from Corona High School.
The draft underscored a strong emphasis on high school infielders, particularly in the top 14 picks. Notably, Kyson Witherspoon, a right-handed pitcher from Oklahoma and half of the Witherspoon twins, was drafted 15th by the Boston Red Sox. Another standout, Ethan Houston, a shortstop from Wake Forest, was picked 16th by the Minnesota Twins, recognized as the most advanced college shortstop available.
In addition to family ties with the Hollidays, which drew attention, the draft also featured talented players like Jamie Arnold, a left-handed pitcher from Florida State, and Gavin Kilen, a second baseman from Tennessee, whose selections on Day 1 highlighted the depth of talent this year.
As teams prepare for Day 2 of the draft, which starts at 11:30 a.m. ET on Monday and will cover Rounds 4-20, all eyes are on MLB.com for live streaming of the proceedings.
Key Draft Statistics
- Total players selected on Day 1: 105
- Notable selections from high schools: Multiple players from Corona High School
- First overall pick: Eli Willits (shortstop, Fort Cobb-Broxton HS, OK)
- Strong focus: High school infielders
Summary of Top Picks
| Pick | Player Name | Position | School/College | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eli Willits | Shortstop | Fort Cobb-Broxton HS, OK | Washington Nationals |
| 2 | Tyler Bremner | Right-handed pitcher | UC Santa Barbara | Los Angeles Angels |
| 3 | Kade Anderson | Left-handed pitcher | Louisiana State | Seattle Mariners |
| 4 | Ethan Holliday | Shortstop | None | Colorado Rockies |
| 5 | Liam Doyle | Left-handed pitcher | Tennessee | St. Louis Cardinals |
| 6 | Seth Hernandez | Right-handed pitcher | Corona HS | Pittsburgh Pirates |
| 7 | Aiva Arquette | Shortstop | Oregon State | Miami Marlins |
| 8 | JoJo Parker | Shortstop | Mississippi | Toronto Blue Jays |
| 9 | Steele Hall | Shortstop | Hewitt-Trussville HS | Cincinnati Reds |
| 10 | Billy Carlson | Shortstop | Corona HS | Chicago White Sox |
FAQs
What is the MLB Draft?
The MLB Draft is an annual event where Major League Baseball teams select eligible amateur players to join their organizations.
When does the 2025 MLB Draft continue?
The 2025 MLB Draft will resume on Day 2, starting from 11:30 a.m. ET on Monday, covering Rounds 4-20.
Who were the first three picks in the 2025 MLB Draft?
The first three picks were Eli Willits by the Washington Nationals, Tyler Bremner by the Los Angeles Angels, and Kade Anderson by the Seattle Mariners.
How many players were selected on Day 1 of the MLB Draft?
A total of 105 players were selected on Day 1, including picks from Competitive Balance Rounds and compensation selections.
Which position saw the most selections in the top picks of the draft?
The draft highlighted a strong emphasis on high school infielders, particularly shortstops.
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Additional Resources
- Baseball America: Owen Caissie Called Up
- MLB: 2025 MLB Draft Day 1 Complete Coverage
- NCAA: Everything You Need to Know About 2025 MLB Draft
- ESPN: 2025 MLB Draft College Baseball Prospects
- BC Eagles: Ragsdale Selected by Brewers
- Wikipedia: MLB Draft
- Google Search: 2025 MLB Draft
- Google Scholar: 2025 MLB Draft
- Encyclopedia Britannica: MLB Draft
- Google News: 2025 MLB Draft
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