2025 MLB Draft Buzz: Nationals Face High-Stakes Decision With No. 1 Pick
Alright, so here's what everyone’s talking about in the baseball world right now—the upcoming 2025 MLB Draft on July 13. And let me tell you, it’s going to be one of the most intriguing drafts we’ve seen in a while, especially with the Washington Nationals holding the No. 1 overall pick. For the third time in franchise history, they’re on the clock at the top. But unlike the previous times—when it was a no-brainer to grab Stephen Strasburg in 2009 or Bryce Harper in 2010—this year’s decision is anything but easy.
There’s no clear-cut, once-in-a-generation talent at the top of the board, and that’s got fans, scouts, and front offices buzzing. So, let’s dive into the real contenders who could hear their names called first.
One of the top favorites is Kade Anderson, the electric left-hander out of LSU. This guy just wrapped up a dominant season and was lights-out in the College World Series. His fastball sits mid-90s and can touch 97, he’s got a solid slider, a wicked changeup, and even a respectable curveball. People are comparing him to Max Fried. That’s a serious compliment. He’s polished, competitive, and looks big-league ready. But some scouts are concerned—does he have that true frontline upside, or is he more of a dependable No. 3 starter?
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Then there’s Ethan Holliday, the high school shortstop with the kind of baseball bloodlines scouts love—his dad’s Matt Holliday, and his brother Jackson went first overall a few years ago. Ethan’s got raw power, a great swing, and potential to be a serious middle-of-the-lineup bat. But there are red flags, like high swing-and-miss rates, especially on fastballs. The upside is huge, but the floor is low. Risky, but tempting.
Eli Willits is another wild card. A switch-hitting shortstop with advanced feel for the game and plenty of projection. At just 17, he’s holding his own against college arms and shows flashes of a future Lindor-type profile. Not flashy, but steady and reliable. Some think he’s the best all-around player, even if he lacks a standout tool.
Now let’s talk about the dark horses. Liam Doyle from Tennessee has a fastball that scouts are drooling over—one of the best swing-and-miss heaters in the draft. He’s emotional, fiery, and has top-of-the-rotation vibes, but his secondary pitches are still a work in progress. Then there’s Seth Hernandez, a high school righty with prototypical ace stuff, including a high-90s fastball and two sharp breaking balls. But the history of high school right-handed pitchers going No. 1 isn’t exactly encouraging.
And don’t sleep on Aiva Arquette from Oregon State—the best college bat on many draft boards. He’s a 6-foot-5 shortstop with power and athleticism, though questions about his swing-and-miss tendencies and defensive fit might push him slightly down the board.
The Nationals are known for taking bold swings in the draft, and this year is no different. Whoever they choose, it’s going to shape their future in a big way. With the draft just days away, all eyes are on Washington. Will they go with the polished lefty in Anderson, the high-upside bat in Holliday, or take a shot at rewriting history with someone like Hernandez? We’re about to find out.
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