The 2025 Draft begins on Sunday! Here's the latest mock

With the 2025 MLB Draft starting soon, significant uncertainty remains regarding the top selections. Teams, particularly in the top half of the first round, are actively exploring potential signability deals to save money, conducting due diligence on players who might accept below-slot bonuses. However, recent history suggests few major deals actually happen at the very top of the draft.

Jonathan Mayo presents his nearly-final mock draft, aiming for accuracy and providing viable options for each pick while acknowledging many decisions are still pending. The draft schedule is confirmed: Day 1 (Rounds 1-3) on Sunday, July 13 at 6 p.m. ET, and Day 2 (Rounds 4-20) on Monday, July 14 at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Mayo's mock draft top five predictions are:

1. Washington Nationals: Likely choosing between LSU left-hander Kade Anderson (increasingly favored, ~60% probability) and high school shortstop/third baseman Ethan Holliday (~40%). GM Mike Rizzo's recent dismissal adds uncertainty.

2. Los Angeles Angels: Expected to select a college left-handed pitcher, with Tennessee's Liam Doyle being the predicted pick. Doyle could offer potential savings compared to slot value. Alternatives include Jamie Arnold or high school shortstop Eli Willits.

3. Seattle Mariners: Increasingly focused on taking a pitcher. Top choice appears to be high school right-hander Seth Hernandez, considered possibly the best pitcher in the class. College right-handers Kyson Witherspoon or Tyler Bremner are alternatives, especially in a deal scenario. Hitters like Aiva Arquette or Ike Irish are also possible.

4. Colorado Rockies: Predicted to select Ethan Holliday, viewed as his likely floor if he falls past the Nationals. Oregon State hitter Aiva Arquette is another possibility mentioned.

5. St. Louis Cardinals: Strongly considering high school shortstop Eli Willits, with some evaluators believing he could be the draft's best overall talent. Deal candidate Ike Irish is a definite possibility. Other options include prep shortstops JoJo Parker or Billy Carlson, or college pitchers Jamie Arnold or Kyson Witherspoon.