Nationals and Angels Shake Up the Top Two MLB draft Picks
Most mock MLB drafts had Kade Anderson or Ethan Holliday going No. 1 overall. But in a surprise move, the Washington Nationals selected Eli Willits, a high school shortstop with elite contact skills and blazing speed.
The Los Angeles Angels followed suit with another surprise, drafting Tyler Bremner, a right-hander from UC Santa Barbara ranked just 18th on MLB.com’s big board. His fastball hits 98 mph, but durability concerns make this a boom-or-bust gamble.
Mariners Land Top Arm in Kade Anderson
With Willits and Bremner off the board, the Seattle Mariners wasted no time scooping up Kade Anderson at No. 3. Rated the best pitcher in the draft, Anderson boasts a polished four-pitch arsenal and frontline starter upside. Though Seattle was hoping for a big bat, Anderson’s value was too high to pass.
Rockies Keep It in the Family with Ethan Holliday
Matt Holliday’s legacy lives on in Colorado. The Rockies selected his son, Ethan Holliday, fourth overall. MLB.com’s top-ranked prospect has big-time left-handed power and may shift from short to third base as he advances. It’s a storybook moment and a smart baseball move.
Pitchers and Shortstops Dominate the Draft Board
Of the first 16 picks, every single one was either a pitcher or shortstop. Overall, 18 shortstops and 12 pitchers were selected in the first 43 picks, not including two-way standout Mitch Voit, drafted 38th by the Mets. Teams clearly prioritized premium positions in this draft class.
Royals Hope Sean Gamble Can Rise Fast
The Kansas City Royals might’ve found another fast-tracker in Sean Gamble, an outfielder ranked 27th overall with five-tool potential. But there’s a catch: Gamble is strongly committed to Vanderbilt, and signing him may not be easy. If KC can get a deal done, they could have another quick-to-the-show gem like Jac Caglianone.
Read More: The 20 Best Shortstops in MLB History, Ranked
