As the highly anticipated 2025 MLB Draft approaches, a talented group of amateur players is ready to make the leap from prospects to professional athletes. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the top prospects expected to be selected, showcasing their skills and potential to become key players for Major League Baseball teams.
Seth Hernandez, a right-handed pitcher from Corona High School in California, has drawn comparisons to former MLB star Josh Beckett. Upon learning this, Hernandez took to YouTube to study Beckett's game, quickly recognizing their similarities in frame and pitching style. "Looking at it, it’s like, 'OK, that kind of really looks like me,’” he said during an interview with MLB Network. Beckett, who maintained a 3.88 ERA over a 14-year career with teams like the Red Sox, Marlins, and Dodgers, was the No. 2 overall pick in the 1999 Draft, a range that Hernandez aspires to achieve. “I've got to outdo him now,” Hernandez added, showcasing his competitive spirit.
Jamie Arnold, a left-handed pitcher from Florida State, has been likened to Cy Young winner Chris Sale due to his unique delivery and effective fastball-slider combination. Although Arnold stands at 6-foot-1, five inches shorter than Sale, his talent and performance have positioned him as a likely early pick in the upcoming Draft.
At just 17 years and 7 months old on Draft Day, Eli Willits is the youngest prospect in the 2025 class, having reclassified from the class of 2026. This strategic decision allows him to showcase his skills earlier, making him a compelling player to watch. The next-youngest in the top 100 rankings is right-handed pitcher Angel Cervantes, who ranks 49th.
Aiva Arquette stands tall at 6-foot-5, fitting perfectly into the modern trend of larger shortstops in MLB. With five primary shortstops in the league currently standing at 6-foot-3 or taller, Arquette’s size complements his skill set, which includes impressive defensive capabilities. He has demonstrated his potential at the College World Series, showing he can be a long-term asset at the shortstop position.
Another standout from Corona High School, Billy Carlson is part of a unique cohort with three other teammates also listed among the top 250 Draft prospects. The school has a history of producing successful MLB players, and Carlson's inclusion in this group could mark a significant milestone for the institution.
Liam Doyle has made a name for himself as the top strikeout pitcher in college baseball, leading Division I with a remarkable strikeout rate of 15.5 K/9. He shattered Tennessee's single-season strikeout record with a total of 164 strikeouts, emphasizing his dominance on the mound. Doyle's impressive trajectory has seen him improve his strikeout ratios significantly throughout his college career.
JoJo Parker is making headlines as Mississippi’s top prep prospect, but he’s not alone; his twin brother Jacob is right behind him in the rankings. While JoJo has earned accolades, including being named Gatorade Mississippi baseball player of the year, their sibling rivalry adds an intriguing dynamic to their prospects for the Draft.
Kyson Witherspoon, also a twin, has surpassed his brother Malachi as a Draft prospect. Both have shared a passion for baseball from a young age, and their journey continues as they prepare to take different paths in their careers. Witherspoon's commitment to the Oklahoma Sooners has set the stage for an exciting future.
As the 2025 MLB Draft approaches, these prospects are not only talented athletes but also represent the future of baseball. Keep an eye on their development and potential impact on their respective teams in the coming years.
