The 2025 MLB Draft was rich with surprises that reshaped initial expectations and delivered a fresh narrative for prospective stars and franchises alike. While the selection of Eli Willits by the Washington Nationals as the No. 1 overall pick made headlines for shaking up the draft order, several other players and team decisions stood out as the biggest surprises of Round 1.
The most glaring shock came at the very top, as the Nationals bypassed high-ceiling college pitching ace Kade Anderson, who many considered the favorite to go first overall. Instead, Washington opted for the prep shortstop Willits, a polished hitter with notable defensive skills but a longer development timeline. ESPN insider Alden Gonzalez remarked, “The Nationals threw a wrench into the proceedings by selecting Willits... He’s a polished hitter who might hit 20 homers and steal 20 bases at a premium position, and his selection set a really interesting tone for the rest of the draft.” Washington’s gamble allowed Anderson to fall to the Seattle Mariners at No. 3, a pick which Seattle will likely celebrate as a steal.
Another unexpected moment unfolded when the Los Angeles Angels selected UC Santa Barbara right-hander Tyler Bremner second overall, surprising many who projected college southpaws with higher baseball pedigrees to be snapped up earlier. Analysts noted that while Bremner presents a solid floor, he doesn’t possess the same upside as peers Anderson or Tennessee’s Liam Doyle. The Angels’ preference for college players who can ascend rapidly to the majors explained the choice, but it remains a bold deviation from draft consensus.
Beyond the upper echelon, the 2025 draft stood out for the sheer number of prep shortstops taken early, marking a shift in MLB clubs’ valuation of athletic, switch-hitting middle infielders. In total, 15 of the first 32 picks were shortstops, many projected to remain at that defensive cornerstone position while also contributing offensively. ESPN’s Jesse Rogers noted, “Athleticism has returned to baseball, and draft rooms are acting accordingly,” pointing to the industry’s excitement around these young athletes who combine speed, defense, and power potential.
Ethan Holliday, taken fourth overall by the Colorado Rockies, was another surprise and winner of Day 1. As the son of former big leaguer Matt Holliday, Ethan carried significant pedigree but was projected outside the top three in many mocks. His early selection affirmed Colorado’s strategy of prioritizing a high-upside prep shortstop as a building block. Analysts called Holliday “the biggest winner” and lauded Colorado for one of the draft’s smartest plays.
The Chicago Cubs’ selection of Ethan Conrad at 17th overall raised eyebrows as well. Ranked around the 30th slot by several evaluators, Conrad’s quick ascent in draft stock exemplified the fluid nature of scouting and how teams remain willing to invest in players with compelling skill sets who might be undervalued in public rankings.
Finally, the Baltimore Orioles’ draft haul deserves mention, as their seven picks on Day 1 allowed them to pivot between top batters like Auburn’s Ike Irish and underrated college arms like Michigan State’s 6-foot-8 lefty Joseph Dwa. The abundance of picks enabled Baltimore to surprise fans by combining power-hitting prospects with pitching depth, signaling an aggressive approach after earlier hitter-heavy drafts.
In retrospect, the 2025 MLB Draft’s biggest surprises emerged in the contrasting philosophies between teams chasing polished college arms and those investing heavily in high-upside prep position players, especially shortstops. As ESPN’s David Schoenfield observed, “The hit tool is the hardest to scout and project, so not all these kids will make it, but their potential is exciting.” This emphasis on athleticism and multifaceted tools promises an intriguing future crop of stars as these players develop through the minors.
Ultimately, the draft’s unexpected shifts and steals from Willits at No. 1 to Anderson at No. 3 and Holliday at No. 4 have set the stage for seasons of player growth and franchise building that will be scrutinized and celebrated in years to come. The 2025 draft will be remembered as a decisive moment that underscored the unpredictable and evolving nature of baseball scouting and team-building.
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