2025 MLB Draft Recap: Surprising Turns and Family Ties in the First Round
The 2025 MLB Draft kicked off Sunday, and boy, did it deliver some jaw-dropping moments right from the start. The Washington Nationals made a bold choice at No. 1, selecting high school shortstop Ethan Willits, surprising many who expected them to go with either Ethan Holliday or Kade Anderson from LSU. Nationals interim general manager Mike DeBartolo emphasized Willits’ dual-threat capability, calling him both “the best hitter in the draft and the best fielder in the draft.” It’s not every day a top pick goes off the board with such conviction, but the Nationals clearly believe they’ve landed a future star.
Following Washington’s lead, the Los Angeles Angels opted for UC Santa Barbara’s Tyler Bremner at No. 2, a decision that set the stage for Seattle to scoop up Kade Anderson at No. 3. The Mariners wasted no time reaching an $8.8 million agreement with Anderson, a figure that’s a bit below the expected slot value but still showcases the excitement around this young talent.
At No. 4, the Colorado Rockies picked Ethan Holliday, who, just like his brother Jackson (the No. 1 overall pick in 2022), is making headlines in the draft. One can’t help but feel the family connection fueling his journey. After all, Ethan’s father, Matt Holliday, was a cornerstone player for the Rockies in the 2000s, making this selection feel like destiny.
The first round saw a total of six high school players chosen among the top ten, a throwback to drafting tendencies not seen since 2002. Quick succession selections of shortstops like JoJo Parker, Steele Hall, and Billy Carlson highlighted the deep talent at this position in the draft class, reinforcing the notion that teams are ready to invest in strong, youthful prospects.
Willits, who turns 18 on December 9, had a stellar high school career, leading Fort Cobb-Broxton High School to its third consecutive state championship. Touted for his impressive bat-to-ball skills and strong defense, he’s drawn comparisons to emerging stars like Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe. “He makes the routine plays about as easy as anybody you can see, much less a 17-year-old,” said Nationals scouting VP Danny Haas. Willits’ connection to baseball runs deep—he’s the son of former MLB player Reggie Willits, which brings additional pedigree to his selection.
The draft wasn’t just about standout picks; it also carried an emotional weight for painters of a future narrative. Before the draft, Bremner faced personal challenges, losing his mother to breast cancer. His selection by the Angels felt particularly poignant, and he reflected on the strange ways life brings us to these moments: “I know she’s out there watching, and in a weird way, I went to the Angels… it’s a special moment.”
Anderson, fresh off his stellar season with LSU, led his team to its second championship in three years and had a historic run in the College World Series. His performance, including a sparkling 0.56 ERA, solidified his status as the best college pitcher available, the kind of player who can boost a franchise with immediate impact.
As for Ethan Holliday, his selection underscores the unique bond within this extended baseball family. “I’m super thankful for this opportunity,” he said. “The Rockies are an incredible organization with which my family is very familiar, so I’m super juiced.” Their excitement is palpable, with Colorado even sharing a nostalgic childhood photo of Holliday as a memorable touch to the occasion.
This year’s draft was anything but ordinary. The first ten picks included only one college hitter, a stark contrast to the previous year where multiple college talents dominated the early selections. The streak of high school players represents a shift in drafting strategy as teams continue to eye young upside and longer-term potential.
The first three rounds, with 105 picks completed on Sunday, hint at a transformative draft year for many teams. Rounds 4 to 20 will follow, but the excitement from round one has set a thrilling tone for what’s next. With so many talents on the board and familial narratives weaving through the selections, this draft is shaping up to be one for the ages.
