2025 MLB Draft: Top 250 Prospects - April

B/T: L-L

Height: 6-1

Weight: 192

Draft Age: 21 yr 3 mo

Hometown: Tampa, FL

Report: After a challenging freshman season in Tallahassee, Arnold redefined himself in 2024, emerging as one of college baseball's most dominant arms. He struck out 159 batters over 105.2 innings while posting a 2.98 ERA, proving his ability to handle a starter's workload and thrive in high-pressure situations. His combination of arsenal, command, and starter traits positions him as a legitimate contender to be the first pitcher selected this July, with real 1:1 potential. On the bump, Arnold pitches with confidence and presence, featuring an athletic, low-launch delivery with a 4'4" release height and crossfire action, enhancing deception and extension down the mound. His mechanics incorporate significant scap retraction, yet he remains on time with his arm, creating a tough angle to the plate with a slingy release. He's a competitor in every sense, attacking hitters with a fearless approach and a sharp understanding of how to use his stuff. His fastball underwent one of the most significant jumps in the country, now sitting 93-95 MPH, touching 97, with elite arm-side run averaging 17 inches, sometimes exceeding 20 inches. He also mixes in a four-seam fastball that plays effectively off the sinker, providing a different look with more ride and less run. His heater's strong carry and flat approach angle allow it to play up in the zone, making it a true bat-missing weapon. Arnold's mid-80s sweeper is his bread and butter, a plus pitch with 14 inches of sweep and minimal drop. It's a true swing-and-miss offering that he lands for strikes, with enough depth to backfoot right-handers and keep lefties off balance. His changeup, once a liability, has become a legitimate weapon after an extensive offseason overhaul at Driveline. Now featuring 9 inches of drop and 10 inches of run, it mimics the action of a two-plane breaking ball from a righty, giving him a devastating third pitch. While command of the changeup is still developing, its separation from his sinker has unlocked a new dimension in his arsenal. Arnold has evolved into more than just a high-upside arm, he's a pitcher who embraces the grind, adapts, and finds ways to improve. With his combination of power stuff, refined mechanics, and competitive mindset, he not only has frontline starter potential but also the presence and work ethic of a future big-league ace. His ability to generate swings and misses at an elite rate, combined with his improved velocity and deceptive delivery, makes him one of the most exciting arms in the 2025 draft class.

B/T: R-R

Height: 6-4

Weight: 200

Draft Age: 19 yr

Hometown: Chino, CA

Commitment: Vanderbilt

Report: At this stage of the 2025 draft cycle, no arm in the class stands out more than Hernandez. He's both physically and mentally ahead of his peers on the mound, and while his future likely lies on the bump, his raw tools as a position player gives him a legitimate two-way for consideration early in the process.At 6-foot-4, 195 pounds, Hernandez has plenty of projection remaining, and his operation is as effortless as they come. He's a fluid, athletic mover with elite arm speed and a loose, explosive delivery from a high three-quarter slot. The fastball currently sits 95-97 mph and has touched triple digits in shorter outings. As he continues to add strength, he projects to sit comfortably in the upper-90s with strong extension and the ability to challenge hitters at the top of the zone.The changeup is among the best in the country, a low-80s parachute with heavy sink and excellent separation off the fastball, flashing plus consistently. He also mixes in a big, top-to-bottom curveball in the upper-70s and a cutter/slider hybrid in the mid-to-upper 80s, both spinning north of 2,700 RPMs. His command of secondaries still needs some refinement, but he fills the zone and misses bats with all four offerings.Offensively, Hernandez brings a loud toolset that's often overlooked due to his upside on the mound. He shows impressive hand speed and bat control, with flashes of above-average raw power, especially to the pull side. Scouts have expressed concern over his exaggerated load and inconsistent performance against quality breaking balls, which clouds his long-term offensive profile. However, he's shown consistent barrel control, leveraged swings, and has been one of the top performers at the plate early in the spring on the West Coast for Corona HS.Defensively, Hernandez is a 6.8 runner with a cannon for an arm, giving him real defensive value in the outfield. If the pitching doesn't fully develop, he offers a legitimate fallback as a corner outfielder with pop and defensive upside. Overall, Hernandez profiles with a Michael Lorenzen-type floor, but he's already more polished than Lorenzen coming out of college, giving him a significantly higher ceiling. He's a premier name in the 2025 class with two-way intrigue, but the upside on the mound is what separates him from the pack.

B/T: R-R

Height: 6-1

Weight: 180

Draft Age: 18 yr 11 mo

Hometown: Corona, CA

Commitment: Tennessee

Report: A dynamic two-way talent from the talent-rich Corona High School program, Carlson might be the premier defensive shortstop and top overall prepster in this year's class when the dust settles. He displays smooth, rangy actions at shortstop with natural bounce, soft hands, and a quick release. Carlson has plus range, especially to his left, and a strong, accurate arm that grades out as a 60, more than capable of handling throws deep in the hole. At the Perfect Game National Showcase, he touched 99 mph during I/O, underscoring the elite arm strength that could also translate to the outfield if needed. Offensively, Carlson's swing can get a bit steep at times, but he stays in the strike zone well and doesn't chase often. There aren't major concerns with whiff rate. He's added strength since last summer, now showing improved backspin and carry on contact. A key developmental focus this spring has been lifting the ball more consistently, and so far, he's responded with multiple home runs on the West Coast varsity season. There's legitimate power in the bat, driven by loud bat speed. However, he can get overly pull-happy and swing too big, especially when hunting damage. He also tends to be overly aggressive early in counts, often putting himself in disadvantageous situations. On the mound, Carlson's athleticism carries over cleanly. He's been up to 96-97 mph with a fluid delivery and solid strike-throwing ability. His secondaries include a mid-70s curveball with depth and a fading mid-80s changeup, both showing real promise. Carlson flipped his commitment from Vanderbilt to Tennessee in the fall, joining a highly touted class under Tony Vitello. For scouts and front offices eyeing the draft, Carlson projects as a potential top-10 overall pick. The dream outcome is a Trea Turner-type player with a hit-and-speed combo and 25+ home run potential out of a lean, wiry frame. Given the tools, polish, and upside, it would be a surprise to see him make it to campus next spring.

B/T: L-R

Height: 6-4

Weight: 210

Draft Age: 18 yr 4 mo

Hometown: Stillwater, OK

Commitment: Oklahoma State

Report: The younger brother of 2022 first overall pick Jackson Holliday and the second son of former Cardinals star Matt Holliday, Ethan is already showing greater physicality and louder offensive tools than Jackson did at the same stage. Ethan appears to have inherited more of his father's physical traits, and scouts believe his long-term profile may resemble Matt's more than Jackson's, with more power and strength over twitch and athleticism. Offensively, Holliday's toolset is among the loudest in the class. His swing is buttery smooth and effortless, with easy bat speed and an advanced feel for impact. He consistently posts triple-digit exit velocities in-game, including a 111 mph rocket during the 18U Team USA trials, and has the raw strength to project 30+ home runs annually at maturity. There are still areas for development, though. Holliday can be overly passive in his approach, and his swing can get long, leading to some swing-and-miss. That said, the power upside is enormous. Scouts expect him to continue filling out physically, which should only further enhance his impact potential at the plate. The biggest developmental priority will be tightening up the approach and shortening the swing (a similar issue Matt had in the Rockies system after being drafted), but the offensive ceiling is significant. Defensively, most evaluators project Holliday to eventually move off shortstop due to his size, with third base seen as the most natural fit. He moves fluidly on the dirt with solid range and a strong arm, traits that would play well at the hot corner. Long-term, some even envision a path similar to his father's, beginning his pro career as a third baseman before potentially shifting to left field as he adds more weight and mass. While he may not be the consensus 1.1 pick right now, Holliday is firmly in the mix as the top high school player in the class and a strong candidate to go in the top five. If he heads to college, he's committed to Oklahoma State, where his uncle, Josh Holliday, is the head coach, and his grandfather coached before him.

B/T: L-L

Height: 6-6

Weight: 230

Draft Age: 21 yr 7 mo

Hometown: Katy, TX

Report: At 6'6", 230 pounds, LaViolette is one of the most physically imposing left-handed bats in college baseball, boasting some of the most robust power in the country. His controlled yet violent swing generates exceptional bat speed, with an optimal bat path designed to do damage to all fields. A true all-fields power threat, LaViolette has cleared the 115 MPH exit velocity mark in 2024, flashing 80-grade raw power to the pull side and 65/70 grade power to the rest of the field. His quick hip rotation allows him to get leverage in his swing, maximizing his power output. Beyond his power, LaViolette's plate discipline stands out. He rarely expands the zone, showing advanced patience and a knack for drawing walks. While strikeouts remain a part of his game, he has time to refine his bat-to-ball skills, which would take his offensive profile to another level. Even with his massive frame, he moves well on the basepaths and in the outfield, swiping 18 bases in 22 attempts at College Station in 2023. Defensively, he split time across all three outfield positions in 2024, though he logged most of his innings in center field. While he handles the position well, scouts envision his long-term future in a corner outfield spot, where his size, actions, and arm strength are a better fit. Simply put, LaViolette is a physical force on the diamond, an athlete supreme with enormous power potential, embodying the profile of a future MLB middle-of-the-order bat. As the draft approaches, teams will be closely monitoring two key areas of his game. First, he will need to cut down his strikeout rate, which has hovered around 25% in each of his first two college seasons. Second, maintaining a strong walk rate while pushing his contact rate above 80% would further solidify his case as a top-three selection in July. Given his elite power, plate awareness, and overall impact, it would be a surprise if he falls out of the top 10 picks in this draft.

B/T: L-R

Height: 6-1

Weight: 215

Draft Age: 21 yr 6 mo

Hometown: Cincinnati, OH

Report: Between his standout career at LaSalle High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, and earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors two seasons ago at Indiana, Devin Taylor has quickly become one of the most talked-about college prospects in the Ohio Valley, and for good reason. He has consistently proven doubters wrong, blending a patient yet powerful approach at the plate with a natural feel for hitting that separates him from many of his peers. Taylor's summer campaign last year was a rollercoaster, beginning with a six-game stint for Cotuit in the Cape Cod League before heading to Cary, NC, for Team USA. In Cotuit, he showcased his elite ability to get on base, hitting over .300 while drawing multiple walks, but his early struggles with swing-and-miss (striking out eight times in his first 16 at-bats) raised concerns among scouts. However, when he arrived in Cary, something clicked. Under the bright lights of USA Baseball, Taylor flipped the switch, delivering in high-pressure moments and proving he could thrive on the biggest stages. He carried that momentum back to Cotuit, finishing his Cape League stint with a .300 average, .907 OPS, and five home runs in 29 games, demonstrating that his bat-to-ball skills and power translates to a wood bat. A high-upside offensive prospect, Taylor possesses advanced hitting traits, projecting as a plus hitter capable of anchoring a premium lineup spot at the next level. His medium frame is nearing full maturity after adding 25 pounds of strength over the past year, significantly enhancing his power potential and making him an even more complete offensive threat. His mature approach at the plate, ability to drive the ball to all fields, and natural power to both alleys make him a steady 30-homer threat with high on-base ability for pro ball. He works deep counts, isn't afraid to take walks, and has a refined approach that consistently challenges pitchers. Those who have followed Taylor's career know his success isn't just a product of talent, it's built on grit, adjustments, and an unshakable belief in his ability. While Taylor's bat will carry his value, his below-average speed and fringy defensive ability create long-term questions about his position, likely pushing him toward a corner outfield, first base, or DH role at the next level, similar to Kyle Schwarber's defensive trajectory. Even so, his elite offensive profile makes him a high-floor, high-ceiling prospect with the chance to rise quickly through the minors. With minor refinements to his swing decisions and approach against advanced pitching, he has the potential to be one of the first players from his draft class to reach the big leagues. A monster spring at Indiana could solidify him as a top-10 pick, and he shouldn't fall outside the top 15. Ultimately, his hit and power tools will dictate his long-term success, but his ability to consistently impact the baseball, adjust, and perform under pressure makes him one of the safest and most exciting offensive bets in the class.

B/T: R-R

Height: 6-4

Weight: 220

Draft Age: 21 yr 8 mo

Hometown: Kailua, HI

Report: A tall, lanky, and highly athletic shortstop, Arquette plays the game with a natural ease and fluidity that sets him apart from his peers. At 6 '4", his frame draws comparisons to Troy Tulowitzki or a young Carlos Correa, yet despite his long levers and above-average height for a shortstop, he moves with efficiency and confidence, proving he can stick on the left side of the infield long-term. Defensively, Arquette's soft hands, quick and strong arm, smooth actions, and plus range make him a standout on the dirt. His exceptional internal clock allows him to stay composed under pressure, making smart, instinctual decisions on when to charge, hold, or reset. While some evaluators have questioned whether his offensive profile might lead to a move off shortstop, early results this spring suggest the opposite, his athleticism, instincts, and defensive polish indicate he has every chance to stick at the position at the next level. At the plate, Arquette is a dynamic hitter with near-plus-plus bat-to-ball skills and a natural ability to drive the ball to all fields. His above-average bat speed and growing raw power indicate significant offensive upside, though refining his approach against offspeed pitches, tightening his swing, and improving plate discipline will be key areas of development. Even so, his barrel control, ability to adjust mid-at-bat, and in-zone contact skills stand out in a draft class filled with swing-and-miss concerns. Beyond his impressive tools, Arquette brings a competitive edge to the field, playing with quiet confidence and a natural feel for the game. He embraces the spotlight, thriving in high-pressure situations and consistently rising to the occasion. His elite bat-to-ball skills, emerging power, and defensive ability make him a high-priority prospect in the 2025 draft, with a legitimate top-3 upside. In a class where many top hitters carry swing-and-miss concerns, Arquette's contact skills, athleticism, and defensive polish make him one of the safest yet highest-upside picks available. Overall, the sky's the limit for Arquette, and he will be one of the most exciting prospects to track leading up to July's draft.

B/T: R-R

Height: 6-2

Weight: 180

Draft Age: 21 yr 2 mo

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Report: One of the premium arms in this summer's MLB Draft, Bremner has solidified himself as the top mid-major pitcher in the class and has a legitimate case to be a top-10 selection. Despite a somewhat slow start to the season, his dominance remains unquestioned. On Opening Day, he was cruising through three innings before an injury scare forced him out early. His second start showcased electric pure stuff, though he struggled to put together a quality outing. However, in recent starts, Bremner has looked fully back to form, demonstrating durability, efficiency, and elite pitchability, reaffirming why he is one of the top-tier draft prospects in the class. Bremner's ultra-projectable frame, featuring long, lean limbs and a low-effort, fluid delivery, allows him to generate easy velocity with exceptional body control down the mound. His athleticism, advanced starter traits, and overpowering arsenal set him apart, showcasing a rare combination of power and polish. He possesses three pitches that flash plus, with two that consistently grade at that level. His fastball sits comfortably in the mid-90s, touching 97 mph with impressive riding life that makes it highly effective at the top of the zone. While the velocity is elite, what separates Bremner is his touch and feel for the pitch, as well as his ability to locate it with precision throughout the zone. He manipulates its shape, generating high carry with a flatter plane up in the zone, while also creating heavy tailing action when working at the knees. His ability to land first-pitch strikes at an elite 88.9% rate speaks volumes about his command and poise on the mound. Bremner's best weapon is his devastating changeup, a double-plus, 70-grade pitch that some evaluators consider one of the best changeups the industry has seen in years. The pitch features screwball-esque shape, high spin, and excellent velocity separation, sitting in the low 80s while mirroring his fastball's arm speed, making it nearly impossible to pick up. He commands it exceptionally well to both sides of the plate, and in his most recent start, roughly two-thirds of swings against it resulted in whiffs, proving its dominance against both righties and lefties. His slider has also taken a significant leap forward, evolving into an upper-80s, two-plane breaker with late bite, giving him another true swing-and-miss weapon in his arsenal. With three above-average or better offerings and above-average command, Bremner boasts one of the most complete pitching profiles in the draft class. If he continues to build on his momentum and stays healthy, he is a lock for the top half of Day 1, with a legitimate case to be the first pitcher selected. In our eyes, Bremner is the college version of Dylan Lesko, offering a similar blend of elite pitchability, athleticism, and a devastating changeup. For teams selecting early in the draft that either missed out on Lesko or were hesitant due to his injury concerns, Bremner presents a chance to invest in a similarly high-upside arm, this time with a proven collegiate track record and fewer durability questions.

B/T: S-R

Height: 6-1

Weight: 175

Draft Age: 17 yr 7 mo

Hometown: Fort Cobb, OK

Commitment: Oklahoma

Report: One of the more prominent reclassifications from the 2026 class, the switch hitter has quickly made his mark as a potential top-of-the-class prospect. He offers a complete and polished toolset, one that includes the ability to hit for average with some pop, steal bases with ease, and play premium defense. The son of former Angels outfielder Reggie Willits, Eli shows advanced feel and balance from both sides of the plate. Both swings are compact and short to the baseball with his right-handed swing features more bat speed and raw power, while the left-handed stroke is more contact-driven with natural gap-to-gap ability. While he likely projects for fringe-average power long-term, his bat-to-ball skills, strike zone discipline, and overall approach are extremely advanced for his age and has the stuff to mature into a true leadoff hitter for the next level. Defensively, Willits is a steady, athletic presence on the infield. He shows clean footwork, soft hands, and a strong, accurate arm. Though he may not be the flashiest or twitchiest defender, his instincts, internal clock, and consistency give him a real chance to stick at shortstop. He's also logged time in center field, most notably during the 18U USA Trials, where his speed and feel translated well. Long-term, there's versatility in his profile, but he has every chance to remain on the middle dirt until a move is necessary. On the basepaths, Willits is an average to above-average runner with solid instincts, making him a legitimate base-stealing threat at the next level. Overall, Willits brings above-average tools across the board and knows how to use them. His balanced skill set and instincts evoke shades of a young José Reyes, with switch-hit polish, speed, and quiet confidence to impact the game in all phases. He's committed to the University of Oklahoma, where his father, Reggie, serves as Associate Head Coach under Skip Johnson.

B/T: L-R

Height: 5-10

Weight: 178

Draft Age: 19 yr

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Commitment: Texas

Report: Despite his smaller stature, Cunningham makes a strong case as the best pure contact hitter in the prep class and stands out as one of the most physically mature and advanced players in the 2024 draft.He covers the zone exceptionally well, rarely chasing and minimizing whiffs thanks to his innate bat-to-ball skills. Cunningham consistently sprays the ball to all fields with a smooth, direct left-handed swing, quick hands, and advanced barrel adjustability. It's a compact operation with real bat speed and an all-fields approach. Over the summer circuit, he posted contact rates north of 90%, solidifying the hit tool as a potential plus or better weapon at the next level. There's some power present, particularly to the pull side, and he'll regularly work the gaps for extra bases. His swing is currently geared more toward line drives with consistent backspin and carry, and there's reason to believe he'll add some lift over time. While he profiles as a hit-over-power type, the strength and swing mechanics suggest there's more impact coming.Defensively, Cunningham is a plus runner underway and shows strong range at shortstop. He features quick, soft hands, efficient footwork, and a strong, accurate arm with surprising life across the diamond. While there's a chance he could slide to second base at the next level, his actions, instincts, and overall feel for the position make it hard to see him leaving the middle infield. Cunningham flipped his commitment from Texas Tech to Texas over the summer and will be draft-eligible again as a sophomore in 2027 if his bonus demands aren't met this July. If I were a scouting director or GM, I wouldn't hesitate to submit Cunningham's name in the 5-20 range of the first round; if he's still on the board. Frankly, it would be a surprise to see him available beyond that point.