As the old saying goes, on to the next. The 2024 MLB Draft wrapped up just a few days ago, and everyone on the MLB Draft team at Prospects Live is working hard to prepare you all for the 2025 MLB Draft! We will have plenty of content coming your way, even during the summer and fall. Our fearless leader, Tyler Jennings, is already out catching some of the top prep guys at the USA 18u. We hope to have some coverage of fall ball for you as well and we are planning to interview coaches from across the NCAA to bring you insights on what to expect for some teams and draft prospects for the 2025 season!

With that said, I thought now would be a good time to bring you some way-too-early MLB Draft prospects to watch for 2025. Most people know about the Ethan Holliday’s and Jace LaViolette’s of the world, but here are a few other top guys to keep your eye on.

COLLEGE

OF Devin Taylor - University of Indiana 

Athlete with legitimate power. That’s the best way to describe Taylor. The Indiana outfielder has etched himself as one of the best college bats in the NCAA. He hit 20 home runs and drove in 54 to the tune of a .357/.449/.660 slash line. The power comes from his bat speed and strength, and he isn’t afraid to show it to all parts of the field. When I caught Taylor last year in live looks, he struggled at the plate due to issues with chasing out of the zone and velocity up. He rolled over a lot of pitches or popped things up. But that could’ve been weather-related, as both days were insanely cold with massive wind gusts. Despite his struggles, he was trying to make things happen for his team, whether bunting for a base hit, taking a walk, or trying to cause chaos on the base paths. Even though he’s a below-average runner, he wasn’t afraid to try and take an extra base. There is a good chance he mans centerfield in 2025, but he likely ends up at as a left-field type at the next level. 


1B Henry Ford - University of Virginia

Henry Ford was by far the most fun bat I saw last year. All the kid does is hit and hit the ball hard. In a stacked Virginia lineup, he was arguably the best bat as a freshman. He’s a towering presence in the box with his 6’5, 220lb frame. It’s a tall, muscular build with broad shoulders. Even more, he’s super athletic for his size. What stuck out to me most at the plate was how patient he was. He doesn’t let that patience make him overmatched, and he doesn’t strikeout a ton. There is excellent barrel control as he gets barrel-to-ball with ease. It’s a very mature and polished approach at the plate. He played at first base for the Cavaliers since they were stacked, but he is athletic enough that a move to third base could be in his future. He has a powerful arm that would play well over there. He could find himself flying up even higher on draft boards with another strong spring.