The 2025 MLB Draft delivered a blend of expected top picks and surprising steals that could shape the future of several franchises. As teams sought to balance immediate impact with long-term potential, a few players emerged as the biggest surprises and steals in the critical first round.
One of the most talked-about surprises was the Washington Nationals’ decision to select prep shortstop Eli Willits with the first overall pick, bypassing the consensus top pitching prospect, LSU left-hander Kade Anderson. Anderson was widely predicted to go No. 1, given his elite college track record and fast-track potential for the majors next season. Instead, the Nationals opted for a shortstop, signaling their focus on organizational needs and a potentially altered competitive timetable. This move raised eyebrows because Anderson was seen by many as the safest bet for an early Major League impact, while Willits is viewed as more of a longer-term developmental project.
The Seattle Mariners, selecting Anderson at No. 3 overall, were perhaps the biggest beneficiaries. The Mariners snagged arguably the best pitching talent in the draft after he fell past the first two picks a clear steal. An expert analyst from Chat Sports commented, "You don’t overthink it. You take Kade Anderson at three. He was my number one overall prospect. Seattle walked away from the draft as one of the biggest winners". Anderson’s mix of a mid-90s fastball with advanced command and a devastating slider makes him a top-caliber pitching prospect who could be impactful by 2026.
Another compelling steal came thanks to the Boston Red Sox, who nabbed Kyson Witherspoon, a pitcher out of Oklahoma, at 15th overall despite projections placing him in the top 10. The selection was praised as a major value pick, with draft analysts describing Witherspoon as “absolutely a steal” due to his advanced arsenal and competitive feel on the mound. The Red Sox, known for their sharp draft strategy, added depth to their pitching pipeline with this savvy choice.
The Colorado Rockies capitalized on the draft by selecting Ethan Holliday, a prep shortstop regarded as a top talent but one expected to take several years to develop. Holliday was highlighted as this year's "biggest winner" by multiple analysts, who commended the Rockies for landing a potential franchise cornerstone with three of their eight Day 1 picks. Holliday’s pedigree and athleticism have drawn big-league comparisons, and his selection early in the draft validates Colorado’s commitment to building internally.
Notably, the draft saw a prevalence of high school shortstops off the board quickly, with six selected within the first dozen picks, including siblings Jojo and Jacob Parker twins who are generating buzz for their offensive upside and defensive instincts.
Across the league, other teams like the Miami Marlins impressed by doubling down on prep position players with their early picks, following a trend similar to successful models seen in Tampa Bay and Seattle. The Los Angeles Angels, despite having multiple first-round picks, drew criticism for passing on top pitching talent in favor of college players, a move questioned given their aggressive development track record.
The draft’s dynamic revealed the continuing tension between selecting polished college pitchers who can reach the majors quickly and high-upside prep players who require more seasoning but potentially offer higher ceilings. Teams like Seattle and Boston appeared to lean into the college pitching talent, while Colorado and Miami bet big on prep talent.
In summary, the 2025 MLB Draft’s first round was a tapestry of strategic gambles and fortunate steals. The Nationals’ unexpected top selection of Willits over Anderson was a bold move, while teams such as the Mariners and Red Sox capitalized on value picks that could pay dividends down the line. With prospects like Anderson, Holliday, and Witherspoon leading the charge, the draft’s biggest surprises may very well become tomorrow’s stars. As always, only time will tell who emerges as the true winners of this pivotal event.AD by Chat Sports host Jack Lautaret’s grades: Seattle Mariners and Colorado Rockies earned A+ grades for their shrewd choices, while the Angels struggled with a D-. The first round showcased MLB’s evolving talent evaluation as franchises balance immediate needs with future upside.
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