Welcome back for our third annual live draft reaction! It’s our favorite day of the year and promises enough excitement to pull Jake out of retirement. Adam will contribute, too, particularly depending on how well the Cardinals do with its pick.
Tonight you’ll be able to read our immediate thoughts on picks 1 through 32, and we’ll similarly attempt to both provide an overview of the pick and give some FYPD context.
A few things to note:
You can find Prospect Live’s final draft rankings here: https://www.prospectslive.com/2025-mlb-draft-top-400-prospects-final-big-board/
And a mock: https://www.prospectslive.com/2025-mlb-mock-draft-3-0-the-final-mock/
And Drew Wheeler dropped his v1.0 FYPD rankings today: https://www.prospectslive.com/2025-26-fypd-rankings-v1-0/
Prospects Live will also be hosting a live draft show on YouTube with plenty of guests. Here’s a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hc40KkcDCvE
Disclaimer: Much of what will be written here tonight are solely the opinions of Adam and Jake. We’ll make references to PLive rankings and other content, but there may be inconsistencies between our own rankings, tool grades, and fantasy opinions versus what you’ve read elsewhere on the site. Adam may also crack jokes, go through periodic bouts of self-sabotage, and demean all organizations alike. You’ve been warned.
Disclaimer #2: This is a new website we are using for this article. We may experience some difficulties. If we do, give us some grace, we'll figure it out.
Round 1
1. Washington Nationals - Eli Willits, SS, 17, Fort Cobb-Broxton (OK)
The Nationals have held the first overall pick twice in its history and both times joyously stared down the barrel of a generational talent. Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper were easy picks more than a decade ago. But, let’s be honest: there’s been no indication tonight’s pick was easy. Both Kade Anderson and Ethan Holliday were great options. But they didn’t make either pick. They instead take Eli Willits.
Getting old is a realization made when seeing big leaguers’ kids come through the ranks. Reggie Willits garnered Rookie of the Year votes for the Angels in 2007, and his kid has the chance to do the same in several years. What feels like five years is actually almost twenty. While Eli will offer more pop than his pops - Reggie never hit a big league home run - it’s the rest of the package that stands out. There aren’t many safer bat-to-ball skills in the prep class, which is impressive considering he’s not even 18 years old, and, when combined with plus athleticism, it’s easy to envision a high contact hitter who can also do damage on the basepaths. His arm, range, and hands will keep him at the six, and the overall upside is a player who can make an impact in nearly all facets of the game. Power remains the biggest question mark and will be dictated by how he physically matures.
Matt Thompson joked last year that Seaver King would get Mike Rizzo fired. None of us are willing to say that sole decision led to his demise, however here’s a question: do we feel better about this pick knowing what else was on the board?. Having the first pick opens doors, even if it doesn’t always lead to a generational talent. We like Willits, though.
Fantasy Outlook: This was a surprise pick, but Willits still looks like a top five pick in FYPD, and we would have said the same before the Nationals popped him. He’s a well-rounded prepster who offers good upside. He might be a slower burn than many others in the top five, though.
2. Los Angeles Angels - Tyler Bremner, RHP, 21, UCSB
The Angels were the butt of many jokes during the draft in recent years, but we’ll use those as a reminder that a draft can’t be accurately judged in the short-term. We’ve nonetheless tried. Selecting 20 consecutive pitchers, without much impact, will always be damning in hindsight, but the team’s decision to draft Zach Neto, Nolan Schanuel, and Christian Moore during the first round in the three proceeding years looks more favorable than first anticipated. Prospects are volatile, and all three only reached the big leagues in short order. Both Neto and Schanuel have their warts, but they’ve been productive for the Angels, and Moore should do the same once he’s back to full health. The organization prides itself on grabbing quick movers, and Bremner is precisely that. But what is happening here? Should we make more jokes?
Bremner wasn’t considered one of the top three arms leading up to the draft, but he blends polish, track record, and upside. It should also be noted that he was highly rated coming into the year. He’s a projectable arm with a great delivery, and you’ll hear plenty of comments about his changeup tonight and in post-draft recaps. Adam loves it. He also touches 97 MPH with his fastball and has a slider with two-plane break. He does well to throw strikes, too, and the whole package looks like a complete, viable mid-rotation arm. Still, this is a shocking development. Money probably talked.
Fantasy Outlook: We really like Bremner overall, but he’s not a top pick for us in FYPD. Both Adam and Jake thought he’d be an option in the 10-15 range in our points dynasty league, and that’s probably where he should be ranked, even with the expedited timeline he’ll see in Los Angeles
3. Seattle Mariners - Kade Anderson, LHP, 21, LSU
The Mariners seemingly favor two types of prospects: the contact-oriented prepster and the upside-laden pitcher. They’d been linked to Seth Hernandez in recent weeks, but they also probably didn’t expect Kade Anderson to be available. Anderson isn’t quite the consensus top arm in the class, but it’s close. The new Mariner offers above-average to plus velocity from the left side, but it’s his pair of breaking balls that really carry the profile. Anderson is a spin monster who incorporates both his curveball and slider into any count, and he particularly relies on both to generate a ton of whiffs. Adam dinged him in his own rankings for lacking an “F you” fastball, but the combination of two out pitches and at least average command are an enticing package at the top of the draft. There’s a little more projection in his frame, too, and there’s some hope he can start working more in the mid-90s. He should move quickly, and further velocity might be the difference between him becoming a #2 or #3 starter.
Fantasy Outlook: Paul Skenes he is not, but high-upside pitching is always in high demand, particularly in a draft class that appears to be stronger with bats after the first ten picks. Anderson is primed to be a top 3 pick in most FYPDs and could very well yield results quicker than any other player outside of Tyler Bremner in the draft. He offers plenty of strikeout upside.
4. Colorado Rockies - Ethan Holliday, SS, 18, Stillwater (OK)
We’ve heard for weeks that the Rockies wanted to bring the youngest Holliday into the same system (or ballpark?) that made his father a Hall of Famer. The younger Holliday has been pegged as a top pick for several years, particularly after his older brother Jackson proclaimed him a better prospect at the same age. Whether he’s a better prospect at the time of being drafted remains open for debate, largely because there may be more hit tool risk in his profile than expected. Those may also be overblown. Nonetheless, Ethan’s overall skillset is as good as anyone in the class. He looks like a future third baseman and has the arm and power to profile there. An average hit tool may suppress his game power to some degree, but the results would still make him an above-average player. We’re not willing to label him a future Hall of Famer, but it’s difficult to not see the physical parallels between him and his dad. His upside is a perennial All-Star.
Fantasy Outlook: Holliday figures to be a top three pick in FYPDs in the same way his brother was. This year’s class offers a variety of options at the top of drafts - advanced pitching being the biggest strength - but Holliday’s genes, tools, and landing spot are all positive markers, and it’s become clear that thumpers are especially desirable fantasy assets in points leagues. He’s an immediate Top 25 dynasty prospect and could be impacting a fantasy lineup within the next three years
5. St. Louis Cardinals - Liam Doyle, LHP, 21, Tennessee
As a Cardinals fan, the beginning of the draft began very well for Adam because he was not expecting Holliday and Anderson to be available at #3. This is the Cardinals taking a swing, and the outcome is much better than some of the other names that had been floated. Adam would have jumped off a ledge if they’d popped Ike Irish.
The upside with Doyle is tantalizing. He possesses a huge fastball - it’s been up to 100 MPH - with life, and mixes in several offspeed pitches. All of them will need further refinement because he likely can’t rely on the fastball in the same way he did during most of his time at Tennessee. There are other positive markers, though. He can throw strikes and is a legitimate athlete on the mound, and he’s also shown an ability to hold that aforementioned velocity deep into games. Doyle has the potential to stick near the top of a rotation, but there are still some quietly questioning whether he’d be better in relief simply based on his delivery and secondaries. He should receive every opportunity with the Cardinals to remain in the rotation but, like with several of the top arms in the college class, his floor is high based on stuff alone. It’s an “F you” fastball, to quote Adam.
Fantasy Outlook: Doyle will be a top ten pick in every FYPD draft and should rise into the top five in most. There’s a ton of strikeout potential here, and the Cardinals are notorious for getting the most out of pitchers. They haven’t had an arm like this in a while.
6. Pittsburgh Pirates - Seth Hernandez, RHP, 19, Corona (CA)
We’d heard all of the discourse about a prep right-hander never going #1 overall, which is fair given the profile’s attrition rate, but Hernandez would be the model should someone finally break through. He obviously didn’t. Hernandez is battle-tested on the amateur circuit, has scraped 100 MPH with his heater, and has a surprising amount of control for someone with that much stuff. The secondaries are led by a changeup that might just be the best in the entire class, prep or otherwise. Detractors will utilize that changeup-driven arsenal as a counterpoint to him being ranked so highly, but a counterpoint to that counterpoint is his slider and curveball also shine bright. It’s difficult to find another arm in this class with the same level of filthy upside, and that alone was the basis for him being considered by every team picking in the top five. The fact he fell to six is a coup for the Pirates. The potential of Skenes and Hernandez being the one-two punch in 2028 is wild.
Fantasy Outlook: Hernandez might have the widest range of potential outcomes among this year’s top prospects when it comes to FYPDs. We’ve already covered it, but high school pitchers are volatile, and he’s not going to move through the minors at the same pace as his pitching counterparts selected around him. However, if you’re hunting for upside and are willing to sink draft capital into a guy you’ll have to wait on, he’s your man. He’s simply a risky, but incredibly high upside play that could be your league’s top or tenth pick. He’ll be closer to the former in our dynasty points league.
7. Miami Marlins - Aiva Arquette, SS, 21, Oregon State
We got the chance to see Arquette in person earlier this year, although he didn’t do much. We’ll give him a pass. There’s a ton of upside here based on his frame - he’s a tall boy™ - and present skills, but he’s not without warts. As with most six-foot-five prospects, he’s susceptible to turning around on well-positioned heat, and there are legitimate questions about whether he can reach an average hit tool. If he does, he should possess plus game power, and that combined with an ability to stick on the left side of the infield means he’s going to be incredibly valuable at the next level. There’s still some room for him to fill out, which could also bolster his game power and potentially slide him over to third base long-term. That’s not a prediction at this stage, but his arm would fit there should it happen. In either case, Arquette is one of the top bats in the class and the Marlins did well to add him. They have such a sneaky farm system.
Fantasy Outlook: Arquette’s going to hit plenty of tanks while also playing at a premium position. He should be locked into the top seven picks in FYPDs, and the landing spot gives us confidence.
8. Toronto Blue Jays - Joseph “Jojo” Parker, SS, 18, Purvis (MS)
Jacob Parker’s twin has done nothing but climb in the rankings. The results match the scouting report. Jojo’s offensive skills belong in the discussion of the best in the prep class. He’s six-foot-two and 195 pounds with a pretty left-handed swing. There’s bat speed and barrel control in all four quadrants, and his combination of above-average hit and power tools had teams drooling leading up to the draft. He’s also athletic with an above-average run tool and should continue to man the six for the foreseeable future. His above-average arm also works at third base If or when he makes the move. While Mississippi prep bats don’t have the greatest track record, Konnor Griffin is doing work to buck the trend and prove it shouldn’t be a concern. Clearly it wasn’t for the Jays. He’s a fun pair with Arjun Nimmala, and we commend the team for investing in upside.
Fantasy Outlook: Drew Wheeler dropped a wild #2 ranking on him in his FYPD article earlier today, and that’s the kind of upside Parked possesses. We’d probably slide him down between 5 and 10, but it’s tough to argue with the profile. The Jays are pretty good with developing bats, afterall.
9. Cincinnati Reds - Steele Hall, SS, 18, Hewitt-Trussville (HS)
The Reds snag one of the better prep bats remaining. We were predicting a college pitcher based on what they’ve done in recent years, but he fits in well with what the organization is doing overall. Hall can fly, and there’s a semblance of a hit tool, too. He’s worked hard to add strength, and the power is coming. The overall offensive profile has been compared to Trea Turner - you’ll hear that a lot if you haven’t already - but there’s still some work to do to get there. We’ve tentatively pegged him as a future average hitter, but his speed will always allow that tool to play up. He has a big arm and plus range on the left side, and there’s no reason to think he moves off the six. We’re a fan of the pick and again applaud the team for taking upside over safety. Hall offers a lot of it.
Fantasy Outlook: We tentatively had him pegged outside the top ten coming into tonight, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him quickly rise up the ranks. He’s young for the class and offers about as much upside as some of the names already called tonight. If the Turner comp turns out, we’re talking about one of the best players in the entire draft.
10. Chicago White Sox - Billy Carlson, SS, 19, Corona (CA)
Carlson, like Seth Hernandez, was part of the historic Corona team. The leading tool here is the glove, and it’s likely the best in the entire class. He was a two-way player in high school and could spin a breaking ball as well as his aforementioned teammate, but the reality is the glove and improving bat will keep him at shortstop at the next level. He has a strong arm and a potentially double-plus glove on the dirt. Yes, there are detractors who point to his bat being behind his fielding, but his bat speed measures up to big leaguers and the bat-to-ball skills are as good as many other shortstops in this range. He’s also made strides in elevating the ball. The approach needs some work, and the power has yet to fully come, but there’s All-Star upside here if he maxes out. The glove gives him a high floor, and that’s what the White Sox are banking on.
Fantasy Outlook: There’s upside here, but defensive-driven prospects aren’t exactly a desirable fantasy commodity. He’s a safe bet to be a future contributor, but the impact might not be there. He’s outside our top ten prospects for FYPDs, but you might still see him in your league’s first round.
11. Athletics - Jamie Arnold, LHP, 21, Florida State
This is a great pick for the Athletics. Not only does it very much fit the team’s mold, but it’s also great value, money pending. Arnold’s been near the top of his draft class for more than a year after dominating at Florida State in 2024. He carried his strong performance over into 2025, albeit perhaps not as dominating, and now finds himself just outside the top ten. The stuff is pretty big, all things considered, with three pitches that project as above-average or better from the left side, and he also offers at least average command. The sweeper is the star of the show and would already be a big league out-pitch. He’ll need to incorporate his changeup with more consistency to reach his midrotation ceiling, but between his mid-90s heat and slider, the floor is also high. He can race to the big leagues with the Athletics.
Fantasy Outlook: While Arnold doesn’t offer the most upside in the draft, he’s similarly primed to move quickly like those selected ahead of him, and there’s every reason to buy him as a top ten pick in FYPDs. He should become a reliable starter at the next level based on his repertoire and command, and he’s overall a safe pick for teams looking to reap early benefits from their draft.
12. Texas Rangers - Gavin Fien, 3B, 18, Great Oak (HS)
A combine standout and Travis Scott’s favorite draft prospect, Fien is a hulking, offensive-driven prospect. We have him as an average hitter, but the power here should be strong. He offers a lot of strength, which translates both in the batter’s box and on the dirt. His plus arm profiles well at third base, but he’s not a great defender, partly due to his size, and we have to wonder whether he’ll end up elsewhere. Regardless, this pick was not made for his defense. The Rangers know what they’re getting with the 18-year-old, and that’s pure offensive ability. He’ll go from a Texas commit to a Texas Rangers prospect.
Fantasy Outlook: Good thing defense doesn’t score points. Fien will be ranked higher in FYPDs than he was on draft boards due to his big-time power. He’s probably outside the top ten, but we wouldn’t fault you if you fell in love with his offensive prowess.
13. San Francisco Giants - Gavin Kilen, 2B, 21.3, Tennessee
Drew Wheeler called him a Jack of all trades, and we think that might be a bit rude. Sitting at *just* five-foot-eleven, the name of his game is contact skills and an impressive amount of in-zone contact. (93% to be exact). His barrel control and physical improvements also give him a surprising amount of pop. It is mostly pull-side, but it’s enough for fringe-average. He has an aggressive approach, but the aforementioned contact skills allow him to maintain a high level of production. Defensively, he has strong instincts, good range and great actions. He will be an above-average defender at the keystone in the bigs. While we may not agree with Drew’s terminology, Kilen is a very well rounded prospect who offers a safe but quick moving profile. Adam calls it a boring pick, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a bad pick. The Giants like this kind of player.
Fantasy Outlook: Kilen, while a good draft prospect, doesn’t really fit the mold we like to chase in fantasy. He may not be “boring” - to steal Adam’s words from above - but the upside isn’t particularly inspiring, either. He’s a second rounder for us.
14. Tampa Bay Rays - Daniel Pierce, SS, 19, Mill Creek (HS)
This is a quintessential Rays pick. Pierce offers a ton of athleticism that particularly plays on the defensive side of the ball, but we’re also pretty bullish on his offensive tools. He has the semblance of a hit tool based on his eye and improving bat-to-ball skills, but he may actually prove to be more of a power threat at the next level. He’s added muscle and can already get the ball in the air. We’ve heard a lot about this year’s shortstop class, and Pierce was a late mover. His defensive game really is the best component of the package at the moment, and it’s not too hard to imagine him becoming a legitimately plus defender at shortstop. He also has a big arm. The Rays like prep players - they took Theo Gillen last year - and Pierce offers as much upside as any of those recent selections.
Fantasy Outlook: He’s going to be a second rounder in nearly all drafts, but there’s upside for him to outperform that spot. Much will depend on how well his hit tool develops, but just getting on base will be valuable considering his speed. And then the power should be there, too. He’s a solid target for teams who like upside.
15. Boston Red Sox - Kyson Witherspoon, RHP, 20, Oklahoma
The Sox did well here. Witherspoon went undrafted out of high school, which is really only relevant because his twin brother Malachi was. (What’s with all the twins this year by the way?) The tables have turned since both arrived in Norman, Oklahoma out of a Florida JuCo a year ago, and Kyson is now firmly the better prospect. Both offer plenty of athleticism and arm talent, but Kyson was able to make significant strides in his control en route to dominating the SEC competition this past season. He features a deep repertoire that’s headlined by a mid-to-upper-90s fastball and plus slider. There’s still some skepticism about his ability to throw enough strikes to reach his mid-rotation ceiling, but those two pitches alone point to an easy reliever floor. His curveball and change both show potential, and further refinement should only help. He’s an exciting right-hander at the top of a class dominated by lefties. Adam believes this was a great pick and was surprised he fell this far because he’s closer to the top tier arms than most want to admit.
Fantasy Outlook: Witherspoon will be a top 10 pick in our dynasty league, and that’s probably the range for most leagues. Adam is right, the upside here is about the same as those more famous names taken ahead of him. He offers a lot of strikeout ability and we all know the Red Sox are historically one of the better orgs for pitchers. He’s a fine selection for fantasy.
16. Minnesota Twins - Marek Houston, SS, 21, Wake Forest
Wake Forest cannot go a draft without a guy getting picked at the top, and this year Marek is the man to continue that trend. He’s a glove-over-bat guy who, at one point, was considered in the top five picks by some teams. It’s an easy plus glove that he pairs with an above-average, if not plus, arm. There are no questions about his defense, and he actually made a huge jump in rankings this season due to the improvements on the offensive side. He added serious strength, which has changed his profile from a line-drive specialist to a legitimate offensive prospect. He has great bat-to-ball skills to match with barrel control and discipline. We think he profiles as a leadoff type, but if the power and physicality trend continues, there might be something more there. It could also be a steal of a pick. We’ll see what happens, but the glove alone is good enough for him to be a first rounder.
Fantasy Outlook: Marek does necessarily excite either of us, but we expect him to be a desirable draft target based on the recent gains he’s made. The upside is in flux based on where you believe his power projects, but we’re overall a fan of his style of play. He’s probably a second rounder in most leagues.
17. Chicago Cubs - Ethan Conrad, OF, 21, Wake Forest
Conrad’s draft stock was lower than his tools otherwise dictated due to an injury-shortened season. Chicago saw through the noise and identified him as one of the best hitters in the college class. We agree. It’s a nice left-handed swing with bat speed, and his approach is good enough to suggest he’ll continue to hit at the next level. He changes his swing path based on the count, and we generally point to that as a sign of maturity in the batter’s box. The contact skills still need some work, but we see him as a potential above-average power hitter. He should also be able to man center field, which makes him a bit of a rarity in this class. This pick was made by the Cubs on the basis of what he can be; not what he’s done. Chase DeLauter, anyone?
Fantasy Outlook: Adam said “he’s a great second round pick if you’re feeling frisky.” That’s a fair assessment, and the parallel he made to DeLauter means someone will fall in love with him while conducting their draft research. He’s a quality hitting prospect.
18. Arizona Diamondbacks - Kayson Cunningham, SS/2B, 19, Johnson (TX)
Both of us thought Slater de Brun would be the pick, if only because he’s basically a physical clone of other players in the organization. Kayson is probably the better pick, though. He has one of the best hit tools in the prep class, and the former Team USA starting shortstop offers shades of past top prospects. He should excite Diamondbacks fans. That hit tool exists because he simply doesn’t swing and miss and has a great two-strike approach. Simply put, he’s incredibly difficult to strike out. It’s a line-drive approach right now, and his knack for getting on base should persist at the next level. He has bat speed and can flash power, but he doesn’t try to do damage with every swing. He’s a strong athlete overall, and it also shines on defense. He can stick up the middle, but the question of whether he plays at second or short might come down to his arm. It’s about average. Kayson is one of the safer prep players in this class, and it’s not absurd to consider him in the same tier as many of the other players selected an hour ago.
Fantasy Outlook: Kayson’s combination of hitting ability, athleticism, and landing spot should inspire fantasy players. We have a second round grade on him, but the upside is better than some of the other names we’ve marked down for the same range. He’s also just a comparatively safe pick.
19. Baltimore Orioles - Ike Irish, C/OF, 21, Auburn
We’ll let Adam drive this blurb considering his disdain for Irish and the earlier possibility the Cardinals would take him. Every year Adam finds himself watching a hype train take off without him in the early picks of the draft. It almost always relates to a corner college bat without speed or too much defensive value. Ike is that man this year. Now, he’s been wrong before (see: Nick Kurtz). However, he’s also been on the good side many times, too (see: Jacob Berry and Nolan Schanuel). Adam wants to be clear: he is not saying Irish is anything like Schanuel or Berry. It’s just a gut feeling.
That all being said, Irish has been one of the best hitters in the best conference for years now, and should still be considered as such. Frankly, Ike has an argument for best college bat in the draft. He has an advanced feel for the strike zone, a great approach, and average to above-average bat-to-ball skills. The bat speed is where he makes his money. The real offensive wart, though, is a worrisome groundball rate. A swing change could be a candidate to help him lift the ball more. Defensively, there's a small debate that has been answered thanks to this pick. Being announced as a catcher means the Orioles have some faith he can stay there. His arm is plus and will allow him to play behind the plate, but we don’t know if it’s a long-term fit. He probably belongs in a corner outfield spot.
Fantasy Outlook: Irish could go anywhere from the back of the first round to the middle of the second round. It’s very much a YMMV situation because catchers tend to be the least valuable position in fantasy baseball. The offensive talent exists for him, though, and we won’t be too critical if he goes early in that range.
20. Milwaukee Brewers - Andrew Fischer, 3B, 21, Tennessee
The Brewers snag Fisher and announce him as a third baseman. Maybe. He models himself after Bryce Harper and is one of the best power bats in the college class. He offers a physical lefty bat with a violent swing and bad intentions. He’s looking to do damage with every swing and has proven himself capable of demolishing velocity. There’s serious bat speed, and he similarly does well to cover the entirety of the zone. His main warts are spin and approach, but we think the Brewers can temper the latter. It should also be noted that the chase rate has already made strides. The biggest question for us is the defensive home. The Brewers may have announced him as a third baseman, but he’s not a good defender, and we expect him to move across the diamond. However, he’s apparently going to get a chance to prove himself. Time will tell.
Fantasy Outlook: Fischer doesn’t really excite us, but someone who likes offensive prospects will begin to consider him in the second round. His position will dictate a lot of his future value, and we feel more comfortable throwing an early third round grade on him.
21. Houston Astros - Xavier Neyens, SS, 18, Mount Vernon (HS)
Woo boy, we love this pick. And we’ve mocked it for a while. Neyens may not be a shortstop - we’ll get to that - but power is the calling card here. It’s among the best in the prep class, and it comes from an incredibly strong six-foot-four frame. There’s a surprising amount of room to continue to add bulk, and that’s partly why we think he might slide over to third base. His defensive actions are fine, but he’s not particularly rangy. His arm is also plus, which shouldn’t be unsurprising given his raw strength. As with many guys of his size, there are some concerns about the hit tool. You can squint and see a future average hit tool based on his eye and swing, but he needs to improve his approach and swing decisions. We think he’s a future corner masher, and the Astros will milk every ounce of his potential.
Fantasy Outlook: Neyens should be a second round pick, and it wouldn’t surprise either of us to see him get considered pretty early in that round. The power upside rivals anyone in this class, and we all know it’s a valuable commodity.
22. Atlanta Braves - Tate Southisene, SS, 18, Basic Academy (HS)
We didn’t have Southisene ranked quite this high, but the Braves did well to add a prepster whose tools aren’t too dissimilar from some of those guys taken ahead of him. It’s a legitimate bucket of average-to-above-average tools, including his range in center field. He’s a good runner, has an average or better arm, and we don’t see any reason to suggest he’s going to move off shortstop to anywhere other than center. It should be noted, though, that he was announced at the six. The offensive game is also advanced. He shows a feel for the zone, can discern between pitches, and the hit tool itself can become average or better in time. Power remains a question for us, if only because we aren’t certain how he’ll mature, but others around Prospects Live have given him an average grade. The Braves like prep prospects, and Southisene was one of a handful of quality names remaining at their spot.
Fantasy Outlook: We sound like a broken record at this point, but we are in the range where these guys are all going to garner second round consideration. Jake tends to favor prep prospects and has him ranked in the late 20s, for what it’s worth.
23. Kansas City Royals - Sean Gamble, OF, 19, IMG Academy (HS)
“The tools are worth the gamble” - Trevor Hooth. Great work by Trevor; unfortunately his preferred pick for his Tigers went one pick too soon. Gamble is explosive and twitchy, attributes that both of us struggle to resist. His elite bat speed, combined with physicality, equals loud contact. Einstein said that. He’s already posted EVs at 108 MPH at 19 years old, and he’s only going to make gains as he ages. The main concern here is the approach. He can become aggressive, which doesn’t work particularly well because he also needs to improve his pitch recognition. When asked, Jake expressed concerns about the Royals’ ability to improve those attributes. There’s a chance Gamble can play center field at the highest level, and it would only be a benefit to the profile if he could.
Fantasy Outlook: Gamble is a great upside play, both for the Royals, and for fantasy managers. Broken record: second round.
24. Detroit Tigers - Jordan Yost, SS, 18, Sickles (HS)
Neither of us have a great feel for this pick, if only because we tend to be biased against batters without any real power. Yost’s ability to make contact is promising, but he simply doesn’t hit the ball hard, and that’s not a good marker for future offensive success. He can run and looks like a future second baseman, but we’re not certain he’ll reach the offensive threshold to start there. We’ll see. In any case, this feels like a bit of an overdraft, and we’re assuming it’s a monetary decision.
Fantasy Outlook: Time to replace the record. He’s a fourth or fifth rounder on our boards. The lack of power, the position, and uncertainty about the offensive output all around really suppresses our interest.
25. San Diego Padres - Kruz Schoolcraft, LHP, 18 Sunset (HS)
This was Jake’s pick for the Royals. They can have him when the Padres come calling in trades, which will inevitably happen. It’s no shocker why Jake likes him, though. Does everyone remember his favorite profile? Big, strong men. And Kruz is just that - he’s a giant six-foot-eight - and garnered Bryce Eldridge comps in the box. He was not announced as a two-way player, though, and his future lies on the mound. He sits in the mid-90s and gets up to 97 MPH while also creating a ton of extension with good body control. His slider is firm, and he can also drop in a changeup. He’s one of the best prep arms in the class and offers the upside to match.
Fantasy Outlook: Okay, this is an actual second round target. Not only is he ranked accordingly, but if you’re into upside - he’s your guy. Guys his size are rare, sure, but he has the stuff to back it up.
26. Philadelphia Phillies - Gage Wood, RHP, 21, Arkansas
This is a bit of a surprising selection, if only because many thought Wood would be off the board. The Phillies do well here to add a pitcher who offers comparable upside to some of the names selected more than an hour ago. Everyone knows about the no hitter he threw against Murray State, but perhaps they don’t know how it happened. Wood can dominate with his upper-90s fastball alone, but he also mixes in a couple offspeed pitches. The curveball stands out, but the slider works, too. There’s been some pessimism about him staying in the rotation, in part because of his frame, but the Phillies generally do well with power arms, and Wood will get the chance to stay on an every five-day schedule. If it doesn’t work out, he’ll easily fit into relief, too. There’s a good floor here.
Fantasy Outlook: Wood’s value is tied to one’s confidence in his ability to remain in the rotation. He looks like a mid second to early third round pick based on the names that are out there, but risk tolerance and upside hunting will help dictate that.
27. Cleveland Guardians - Jace LaViolette, OF, 21, Texas A&M
This could absolutely be the steal of the draft for the Guardians. A Golden Spikes front runner and a presumed top five pick, LaViolette fell after struggling this past season. Yes, he fits Jake’s preferred profile - he’s six-foot-six with power - but he needs a lot of work. His swing is quick and violent and geared to do serious damage every time he steps to the plate. While his plate discipline is great, there’s still swing-and-miss in the profile. The hope is the Guardians can clean up his issues, and it’s hard to knock the fit here, but one has to wonder how much time it’ll take. Adam seems to think there’s still a chance he jumps to the bigs before DeLauter, which is presumably a joke, but it’s a good one. LaViolette can play all three outfield spots, for what it’s worth.
Fantasy Outlook: Jake here. There’s a part of me that wants to rank Jace as a first round pick, but it really can’t be justified based on the season he had. He’s more aptly ranked as a second rounder.
Prospect Promotion Incentive Pick
28. Kansas City Royals - Josh Hammond, SS, 18, Wesleyan Christian Academy (HS)
The Royals have been mocked Hammond at #24 and #28 for what seems like weeks, and now we know why. It wasn’t just speculation. Hammond offers some of the most interesting upside in the entire draft, in part because he came through amateur ball playing both ways. Those kinds of players tend to offer a lot of power, both on the mound and in the box, and that’s precisely what Hammond does. It’s going to be a power-driven profile on offense, and it’s not a reach to say it could be plus in time. The Royals announced him as a shortstop, but he has the arm strength to fit at third base in the future. The Royals have done really well in this draft by investing in upside.
Fantasy Outlook: Second round. Hammond’s talent level is in that ~top 25 range in this draft, and that’s not even factoring in his unique upside. The Royals have a solid track record with developing prospects, and his name is going to become pretty popular as FYPDs approach.
Compensation Picks
29. Arizona Diamondbacks - Patrick Forbes, RHP, 21, Louisville
Forbes was getting a lot of late helium due to his intriguing fastball/slider combo. He works in the mid-90s but has scraped 100 MPH, and he also shows one of the best sliders in the class. There’s a distinct chance he ends up in relief, but those two pitches alone give him legitimate late-innings upside. The Dodgers had been rumored to be interested, which is traditionally a good sign for a pitching prospect, and we suspect the Diamondbacks will do everything in their power to keep him in the rotation. Much of that will hinge on the development of a third pitch, which would presumably be a changeup.
Fantasy Outlook: This is an intriguing third round flier. The upside is there for something more based on the strength of his fastball and slider, but you also have to weigh the reliever risk.
30. Baltimore Orioles - Caden Bodine, C, 21, Coastal Carolina
Adam does not like catching prospects. Adam loves Caden Bodine. This is a unique profile due to a plus hit tool and double-plus glove. It should also be noted that few prospects performed better down the stretch, leading the Chanticleers to the final two in Omaha. He’s a switch-hitter with elite bat-to-balls skills, perhaps even better than Kilen. While his power is not his biggest asset, he tapped into it more this year, which helped raise his draft stock considerably. There are no concerns about his ability to stick behind the plate and succeed there. Bodine is a safe pick at a position of strength for the Orioles, but that’s a testament to him being the best player available on its board.
Fantasy Outlook: He’s probably a third rounder. He’s the best catcher in the draft if you don’t count Ike Irish, but that’s still an uninspiring statement. He’s a safe play but without the upside of many names in this draft.
31. Baltimore Orioles - Wehiwa Aloy, SS, 21, Arkansas
This year’s Golden Spikes winner will now take his talents to South Beach. Okay, that’s not true, but Baltimore is a nice alternative? Aloy is a Hawaiian product whose strong Cape Code performance vaulted him into first round consideration heading into 2025. His offensive skill set is defined by an aggressive approach with big bat speed. His power is near the best in the college ranks and helps improve his ceiling. The hit tool isn’t as polished as most would like, which adds some risk, but the potential still exists. He’ll need to improve his pitch recognition and focus on not expanding the zone. His glove is good enough to stay at short, but the Orioles probably won’t need him there. His frame and actions would also fit at third base, but the same could be said about that spot. The Orioles are just loaded with talent. There’s a chance he becomes a steal once he gets into the Orioles’ developmental system. Sometimes polish is all one needs.
Fantasy Outlook: We’re thinking he’s a late second or early third rounder, and it’s most likely going to be up to the drafting team and their preferred model. We’re perhaps not as high on him as we could be. The good news is the Orioles should help him maximize his ability.
32. Milwaukee Brewers - Brady Ebel, SS, 18, Corona (HS)
The third best player in his High School and the 32nd overall pick. That is absolutely insane. If not for Carlson, Ebel would have played more shortstop, so we refuse to knock him for it. While he’s seventeen today and will turn eighteen in short order, the six-foot-three prepster is a prospect that is made in a lab for older scouts. He grew up around the game - his dad Dino is the current third base coach for the Dodgers. He features a smooth and repeatable left-handed swing that is short and line-drive oriented. There’s plenty of remaining physical projection, too, which gives promise to his power developing. He may not have played shortstop very often in high school, but that’s where his future lies. This is a very Brewers-esque pick, both in terms of upside, but because they’ve shown a willingness to draft questionable signability types. Chris Levonas being the most recent example. Ebel is committed to LSU, but should sign.
Fantasy Outlook: This is a great upside play, not just for the Brewers but also for anyone with a second round draft pick in FYPDs. Jake had him as a sleeper for one of his later picks, but that opportunity might be out the window now that he’s both been announced as a first rounder and on a team that does well developing these types.
Almost 8000 words later. Thanks again to Jake for helping me on this article. Thank you all for reading. This is the most fun we have all year, even if it is chaotic.
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