2025 MLB Mock Draft: Final Mock 2 Rounds

Round 1 Picks 1-27

Find out who Washington takes with the first pick in the final edition of my 2025 MLB Mock Draft.

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: July 13, 2025.

1. Washington Nationals: Kade Anderson, P, LSU
   
   
   The Washington Nationals moved up from 4 to 1 following the 2025 MLB Draft Lottery. The Washington Nationals are on the clock and have the first pick in the 2025 MLB Draft.
   
   
   
   The Washington Nationals have a few faces in the batting lineup,but need more as their three quality batters are are lead off batter shortstop C.J. Abrams a top 10 pick from the 2019 MLB Draft in the Juan Soto trade that sent Soto to the Padres whose under contract until 2029, right fielder Dylan Crews should hit 10 or more home runs in 2025 after the former LSU right fielder who was drafted second overall in the 2023 MLB Draft made his MLB debut late in 2024 as Dylan Crews will not enter arbritration until 2028 or 2029. You need another star batter to build around your shortstop and right fielder. Luis Roberts Jr. is a good veteran at second baseman, but he's on a one year deal.
   
   
   
   Washington has 2021 first round pick Brady House, a player I mocked third overall to Detroit as their starting third baseman in AA after House fell to eleven in the 2021 MLB Draft. Brady House got promoted from AA at the start of 2024 to AAA by the end of 2024 as Brady House could end up complimenting CJ Abrams and Luis Roberts Jr. at some point next season in 2025. Trey Lipscomb a player that the Washington Nationals drafted with their 2022 third round pick out of Tennessee could be the future first baseman of the Washington Nationals completing their infield, but he could also play second baseman if Luis Roberts Jr. leaves in 2026.
   
   
   
   Mackenzie Gore finally broke out last year validating his status as a number one pitcher with a best 3.90 ERA. He's the only good starting pitcher Washington has which means a pitcher could move up to number one if one emerges in college baseball this season.
   
   
   
   Washington has the closer in Jorge Lopez who they added from the Chicago Cubs, set up pitchers with Derek Law, four middle relievers with Jose A Ferrer moving from closer to middle reliever complimenting Eduardo Salazar, Joe La Sorsa, and Evan Reifert,, and one long reliever which is Jackson Rutledge their 2019 first round pick. Last year, I said long reliever was an area of improvement with the Nationals needing two long relievers, but now the Washington Nationals need one, so the bullpen has gotten better than a year ago with the arrival of Jackson Rutlidge.
   
   
   
   Washington has shortstop CJ Abrams, right fielder Dylan Crews, second baseman Luis Garcia Jr., starting pitcher Mackenzie Gore, and one of the MLB's best bullpens to take pressure off of your starting rotation on days when Gore isn't pitching.
   
   
   
   LSU pitcher Kade Anderson emerged as the top prospect in the 2025 MLB Draft after beginning the year 15 in my 2025 MLB Mock Draft. Kade Anderson was dominant with a complete game shutout in the 2025 College World Series agaisnt Coastal Carolina.
   
   
   
   The 6-2 186 lb Kade Anderson went 4-2 with a 3.99 ERA as a freshman redshirt in 38.1 innings playing 18 games with 9 as a reliever and 9 as a starting pitcher in 2024. Kade Anderson went 12-1 with a 3.18 ERA as a true sophomore starting 19 games with 119 innings pitched, 180 strikeouts, 2 complete games, and 1 complete game shutout as a sophomore redshirt in 2025.
   
   
   
   Kade Anderson has a 94 mile per hour 4-seam fastball, a 91 mile per hour 2-seam fastball, a 77 mile per hour power curveball, a 75 mile per hour curveball, a 83 mile per hour slider, and a 85 mile per hour changeup, and a 96 mile per hour sinker. Kade Anderson could develop into a future starting pitcher on the Washington Nationals as he could be a very good number two starter behind Mackenzie Gore potentially pushing Gore for the number one spot in the Washington Nationals starting rotation.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Jace LaViolette, CF, Texas A&M
   
   
2. Los Angeles Angels: Liam Doyle, P, Tennessee
   
   
   The Los Angeles Angels fell from 7 to 8 following the 2024 MLB Draft Lottery, but moved up one spot from 3 to 2 in the 2025 MLB Draft Lottery.
   
   
   
   The Los Angeles Angels have an abundance of power hitters and one of the leagues better 1-9 batting lineups entering 2025. Los Angeles Angels left fielder Taylor Ward is the leadoff batter as he hit 25 home runs in 2024 and is under contract until 2027 as the Angels and Ward came to an agreement of $7.8-million as both parties avoid arbitration level 3 as Ward has arbritration level 4 next season before he becomes a UFA in 2027. Los Angeles Angels second baseman Luis Rengifo bats second in this batting lineup and batted .300 and had 24 stolen bases with Rengifo entering a contract year in 2025, but Christian Moore the Los Angeles Angels 2024 first round pick out of Tennessee who was drafted eighth overall is already in AAA and Christian Moore will probably arrive in the MLB if Luis Rengifo is moved at the 2025 MLB Trad Deadline. Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout was once the best player in baseball going first overall in Fantasy Baseball before injuries occured as the Los Angeles Angels 2009 first round pick is under contract until 2031 with this clean up hitter locked up. Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Jorge Soler got traded from the San Francisco Giants to the Los Angeles Angels and bats fourth after hitting 21 home runs in 2024 as Soler has two seasons above 30 home runs where he hit 48 home runs with the Kansas City Royals in 2019 and 36 home runs with the Miami Marlins as an MLB All Star in 2023. Nolan Schanuel their 2023 first round pick is the starting first baseman batting fifth in this lineup as Schanuel had 13 home runs and 10 stolen bases in 2024 does not enter arbritration until 2027. Zach Neto their 2022 first round pick out of Campbell hit 23 home runs and led the Los Angeles Angels with 30 stolen bases in 2024 and he enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 meaning that Neto will be a UFA by 2030. Logan O'Hoppe had 20 home runs as the Los Angeles Angels catcher in 2024 and bats seventh in this lineup as he will enter abrtiration level 1 with Zach Neto in 2026. Anthony Rendon bats eighth in this lineup at third baseman and even though Rendon regressed a lot he still won a 2019 World Series with the Washington Nationals as Rendon is under contract until 2027. Jo Adell the Los Angeles Angels 2017 first round pick is the starting right fielder and Joe Adell avoided arbitration level 1 in 2025 and has arbitration level 2 in 2026 and arbitration level 3 in 2027 before he becomes a 2028 UFA. Micky Moniak the former first overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft is a utility player off the bench with Travis d'Arnaud the backup catcher they got in Free Agency, Kevin Newman a former first round shortstop, and Scott Kingery the Philadelphia Phillies 2015 second round pick who was teammates with Kevin Newman at Arizona being another Free Agent utility player that the Los Angeles Angels acquired.
   
   
   
   The Los Angeles Angels went out in Free Agency and bid on Yusei Kikuchi hoping he could be their number one starter after starting 32 games in 2024. Jose Soriano their number two starter had a 3.42 ERA in 2024 and Tyler Anderson had a 3.81 ERA in 2024. Kyle Hendricks struggled with the Chicago Cubs last year and the Los Angeles Angels signed Hendricks to a one year deal hoping he rebounds. Reid Detmers the Los Angles Angels 2020 first round pick was the number one starter last year, but he struggled last year, but was still good enough to remain the number five starter in this starting rotation after a god awful 6.70 ERA in 2024.
   
   
   
   Ben Joyce their 2022 third round pick posted a 2.08 ERA and 4 saves in 2024 emerging into a young closer for the Los Angeles Angels. Los Angeles also has three decent middle relievers in Ryan Zeferjahn who can also be used as a set up pitcher, Jose Quiljada, and Hans Crouse who had a 2.84 ERA with the Philadelphia Phillies out of the bullpen. The Los Angeles Angels need a set up pitcher, one more middle reliever, and two more long relievers. Los Angeles can win games if they lead in the seventh inning with this bullpen and should be able to win games with Ben Joyce if they get to the ninth inning with a lead.
   
   
   
   The Los Angeles Angels draft a pitcher second overall. Tennessee starting pitcher Liam Doyle is the consensus number two pick behind LSU starting pitcher Kade Anderson. I believe Yusei Kikuchi and Jose Soriano will remain the number one and number two starters. Tyler Anderson has regressed as the number three starter and Anderson is in a contract year which is why drafting Liam Doyle to be the Los Angeles Angels number three starter of the future makes a ton of sense.
   
   
   
   The 6-2 220 lb Liam Doyle had a 10-4 record in 17 starts with 95 2/3 innings pitched, 164 strikeouts, 3 shutouts, a 3.20 ERA, and 1 save out of the bullpen with 2 no decisions at Tennessee in 2025. Liam Doyle won the SEC Pitcher Of The Year Award over Kade Anderson.
   
   
   
   Liam Doyle has a 94 mile per hour 4-seam fastball, a 91 mile per hour 2-seam fastball, a 85 mile per hour slider, and a 88 mile per hour cutter fastball that he uses the least frequently of those four pitches. He has three MLB plus pitches with his three fastballs and slider. He does need to use his changeup more and developing one more pitch to compliment his vartiety of pitches would go a long way.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Jamie Arnold, P, Florida State
   
   
   
   
3. Seattle Mariners: Jamie Arnold, P, Florida State
   
   
   Seattle moved up fourteen spots in the 2025 MLB Draft Lottery moving up from 17 to 3. They have a chance to get one of the three blue chip players in the 2025 MLB Draft.
   
   
   
   Seattle Mariners right fielder Victor Robles who had a .328 batting average and 30 stolen bases is the lead off batter is under contract until 2028. Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez bats second in this batting lineup made the MLB All Star game a few years ago and had 20 home runs and 23 stolen bases in 2024 with Julio Rodriguez under contract until 2034. Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh was a third round pick in the 2018 MLB Draft which was the same draft where the Mariners drafted Logan Gilbert in the first round. Cal Raleigh led the Mariners with 34 home runs in 2024 and is under contract until 2028. Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena bats fourth behind Robles, Rodriguez, and Raleigh as Arozarena was a trade deadline acquisition from the Tampa Bay Rays, as he is under contract until 2027 after an underwhelming season in 2024. Seattle Mariners first baseman Luke Raley bats fifth in this batting lineup as Luke Raley showed a lot of promise with 22 home runs in 2024 as Luke Raley will not enter arbitration level 1 until 2026 meaning Raley will be a Mariner until 2030. Seattle Mariners designated hitter Mitch Haniger is the designated hitter batting sixth and is in a contract year. Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford the long-time starting shortstop now bats seventh, but is only under contract until 2027. Seattle Mariners third baseman Dylan Moore bats eighth, but still hit 10 home runs in 2024 as Moore enters a contract year and will be a UFA in 2026. Seattle Mariners second baseman Cole Young rounds out this core. Seattle's 1-9 batting lineup is much better than advertised.
   
   
   
   Seattle's starting rotation features Logan Gilbert their 2018 first round pick out of Stetson as their number one starting pitcher as Gilbert posted a 3.23 ERA in 208.2 innings pitched in 2024 with Logan Gilbert under contract until 2028. Luis Castillo who they got at the 2022 MLB Trade Deadline is the number two starter and he posted a 3.64 ERA in 175.1 innings pitched is under contract until 2029. George Kirby their 2019 first round out of Elon is the number three starter and he posted a 3.53 ERA in 191 innings pitched in 2024 is under contract until 2029. Bryce Miller their 2021 fourth round pick posted a 2.94 ERA in 180.1 innings pitched as the number four starting pitcher and is under contract until 2030. Bryan Woo a 2021 sixth round pick posted a 2.89 ERA in 121.1 innings pitched and dominated enough to earn the number five spot in the Seattle Mariners starting rotation is under contract until 2030. Seattle has quality 1-5 starters in their starting rotation.
   
   
   
   Seattle has Andrews Munoz as their closer under contract until 2029 with club options for the next three seasons. Collin Snider as their set up pitcher under contract until 2030. Middle reliever Trent Thortono is under contract until 2027 and Taylor Saucedo their other bullpen pitcher is under contract until 2028. Seattle needs to fix their bullpen, but everything else is there for Seattle to be ultra competitive in the AL West over the next few years.
   
   
   
   Seattle can draft another pitcher and keep him in their farm system until Logan Gilbert becomes a UFA in 2028. This gives Seattle leverage whether to keep or move on from Logan Gilbert. If Seattle finds a way to extend Logan Gilbert you can keep this draft pick in your farm system unitl 2029 even though I believe the pitcher Seattle drafts at 3 could be ready by 2027.
   
   
   
   The 6-1 192 lb Jamie Arnold struggled as a freshman with 8 starts 24 appearances out of the bullpen with a 2-5 record and a 6.34 ERA. Jamie Arnold was much better with 18 starts and 19 appearances with 1 appearance out of the bullpen where he got a save. Jamie Arnold had a 2.98 ERA in 105.2 innings pitched with an 11-3 record in 2024. Jamie Arnold was third in the NCAA with 159 strikeouts trailing only Chase Burns the second pick in the 2024 MLB Draft on Wake Forest drafted by the Cincinnati Reds and Hagen Smith the fifth pick in the 2024 MLB Draft on Arkansas drafted by the Chicago White Sox in strikeouts. Jamie Arnold was also a 2024 Golden Spikes Semifinalist. Jamie Arnold had a 2.98 ERA with an 8-2 record and 119 strikeouts in 2025.
   
   
   
   Jamie Arnold has a 95 mile per hour 4-seam fastball, a 94 mile per hour 2-seam fastball, a 85 mile per hour slider, and a 75 mile per hour changeup that he uses the least frequently of those four pitches. He has three MLB plus pitches with his two fastballs and slider with batters missing on 40 percent of Arnold's sliders in 2024. He does need to use his changeup more and developing one more pitch to compliment his vartiety of pitches would go a long way. His MLB player comparison is Chris Sale the former Boston Red Sox number one starter. I'm not sure I'm ready to buy that comparision yet, but Jamie Arnold is the top pitcher in the 2025 MLB Draft.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Ethan Holliday, SS, Stillwater HS (OK)
   
   
4. Colorado Rockies: Ethan Holliday, SS, Stillwater HS (OK)
   
   
   The Colorado Rockies had the third best odds in the 2024 MLB Draft Lottery. The Colorado Rockies secured the third overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. The Colorado Rockies had the best odds at the number one pick in the 2025 MLB Draft and ended up dropping from 1 to 4 after the 2025 MLB Draft Lottery. Colorado picks fourth in the 2025 MLB Draft.
   
   
   
   Colorado Rockies center fielder Brenton Doyle is the lead off batter and he is under contract until 2029 entering arbitration level 1 in 2026 after hitting 23 home runs and leading the Colorado Rockies with 30 stolen bases in 2024. Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar bats second behind Doyle and led the Rockies with 26 home runs in 2024 and is under contract until 2032. Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon bats third and had 20 home runs in 2024 with Ryan McMahon under contract until 2028. Colorado Rockies designated hitter Kris Bryant bats fourth and is under contract until 2029. Colorado Rockies first baseman Michael Toglia bats fifth as the Colorado Rockies 2019 first round pick hit 25 home runs and had 10 stolen bases is under contract until 2029. Colorado Rockies left fielder Nolan Jones bats sixth and is under contract until 2029. Colorado Rockies second baseman Thairo Estrada bats seventh is under contract until 2028 and Colorado signed him to a three year contract in Free Agency. Colorado Rockies right fielder Sam Hilliard hit 10 home runs in 2024 and he is under contract until 2027. Colorado Rockies catcher Jacob Stallings hit 9 home runs in 2024 and he is under contract until 2027. Colorado's 1-9 batting lineup is decent, but they do not have pitching. Drew Romo Colorado's 2020 first round pick at catcher is now the backup catcher and will be ready to take over for Stallings. Charlie Condon, the Colorado Rockies 2024 first round pick could be ready to take over at right fielder for Sam Hilliard by 2027.
   
   
   
   Colorado does not have any starting pitchers with a good ERA. Colorado has two good set up pitchers in the bullpen in Seth Halvorsen and Luis Peralta, but those are the only good pitchers on the entire Colorado Rockies roster in terms of both the starting rotation and the bullpen. This was the main issue with the Colorado Rockies heading into the 2024 MLB Draft and that will be the issue with the Rockies heading into the 2025 MLB Draft. Colorado can either draft a pitcher or the best batter on the board at 4. The best batter on the board is Ethan Holliday and that is the player the Rockies apparently love with some saying Holliday is a lock to go to the Colorado Rockies at 4.
   
   
   
   I'm mocking Jackson Holliday's younger brother Ethan Holliday here at 4. Ethan Holliday is too talented to fall out of the top 4.
   
   
   
   The 6-4 210 lb Ethan Holliday had a .407 batting average winning Oklahoma Gatorade High School Player Of The Year in 2024. Ethan Holliday had a .611 batting average, 19 home runs, 57 runs, 64 RBI's, 44 walks, and a .743 on base perentage winning Oklahoma's Gatorade High School Player Of The Year for the second consecutive year in 2025.
   
   
   
   Ethan Holliday can hit home runs, line drives, grounders, and bunts. He has the ability to be a 5-tool batter just like his older brother. He also has positional versatility as he played third baseman as a freshman when he was teammates with Jackson Holliday before moving to shortstop where he played each of the last three years.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Tyler Bremner, P, UC Santa Barbara
   
   
   
   
5. St. Louis Cardinals: Aiva Arquette, SS, Oregon State
   
   
   St. Louis had the sixth worst record in the 2024 MLB Draft Lottery. The St. Louis Cardinals dropped to 7 following the 2024 MLB Draft Lottery only to pick at 7. St. Louis moved up in the 2025 MLB Draft Lottery from 15 to 5 in the 2025 MLB Draft Lottery.
   
   
   
   St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn is the leadoff batter as he had 15 home runs and 11 assists after being a second round pick in the 2020 MLB Draft with Masyn Winn under contract until 2031. St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Alec Burleson bats second as he hit 21 home runs in 2024 and is also a 2020 second round pick with Burleson having the same contract as Masyn Winn with him not being in arbitration level 1 until 2027. St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Wilson Contreras bats third, he had 15 home runs in 2024 and is under contract until 2029. St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Brendan Donovan bats fourth, a 2018 seventh round pick had 14 home runs in 2024 and is under contract until 2028 after agreeing to just over $3 million while avoiding arbitration level 1 for 2025. St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado bats fifth and hit 14 home runs in 2024 with Arenado under contract until 2028. St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Lars Nootbaar bats sixth, he was a 2018 eighth round pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, that the St. Louis Cardinals hit on as Nootbaar had 12 home runs in the MLB in 2024 and will not be a UFA until 2028. St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker bats seventh in this lineup and is their 2020 first round pick with Walker being under contract until 2031. St. Louis Cardinals catcher Ivan Herrera bats eighth and had a .301 batting average in 2024 and is under contract until 2031. St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Victor Scott II bats ninth rounding out this lineup as a 2022 fifth round pick and is under contract until 2031, but the St. Louis Cardinals could end up drafting an upgrade over him at center fielder despite having stability at spots 1-8 in their batting lineup.
   
   
   
   St. Louis has Sonny Gray as their number one starter and Erick Fedde as their number two starter after acquiring him from the Chicago White Sox in a trade.
   
   
   
   Closer Ryan Helsley a fifth round pick in the 2015 MLB Draft is the best reliever on a bullpen that also features Matthew Liberatore the Tampa Bay Rays 2018 first round pick as their set up pitcher, middle relievers Ryan Fernandez, JoJo Romero, and John King give the St. Louis Cardinals three quality middle relievers. Two long relievers and one middle reliever are needed to maximize the effectiveness of this bullpen.
   
   
   
   St. Louis drafts a shortstop at 5. Aiva Arquette is someone that the St. Louis Cardinals reportely love. A infield tandem with Aiva Arquette at shortstop and JJ Wetherholt at second baseman would do wonders for the St. Louis Cardinals.
   
   
   
   The 6-5 220 lb Aiva Arquette played 63 games in two seasons at Washington batting .311 in those two years. He had a .325 batting average, 14 doubles, 1 triple, 12 home runs, 36 RBI's, recorded 28 double plays on defense, 6 stolen bases, and posted a .974 fielding percentage with Washington in 2024. Aiva Arquette played 65 games with a .354 batting average, 17 doubles, 1 triple, 19 home runs, 66 RBI's, recorded 40 double plays on defense, 7 stolen bases, and a .974 fielding percentage with Oregon State taking Oregon State to the 2025 College World Series in 2025.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Brendan Summerhill, CF, Arizona
   
   
6. Pittsburgh Pirates: Seth Hernandez, P, Corona HS (CA)
   
   
   Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa has a one year contract and will be the lead off batter for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2025. Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Bryan Reynolds bats second hitting 24 home runs and stealing 10 bases last year in 2024, he is under contract until 2032. Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz bats third moving from shortstop to center fielder in the second half of last year posting 21 home runs as well as 22 stolen bases with Oneil Cruz under contract until 2029 with arbitration level 1 kicking in fo Oneil Cruz next season in 2026, but sincee the Pirates acquired Cruz from the Dodgers in 2017 his arbitration level with the Pittsburgh Pirates only goes up to level 3 before he becomes a UFA in 2029. Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Andrew McCutchen bats fourth hit 20 home runs last year on a one year contract and is back with the Pittsburgh Pirates on a one year contract. Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Joey Bart bats fifth and hit 13 home runs in 2024 with Joey Bart accepting $1.75 million for his abritration level 1 with the Pittsburgh Pirates with Bart under contract until 2028. Spencer Horwitz bats sixth and had 12 home runs with the Toronto Blue Jays with Toronto originally trading Horwitz to the Cleveland Guardians before the Guardians moved Horwitz to the Pirates as Horwitz is only making $800,000 and will not enter arbitration level 1 until 2028, but since he was a twenty fourth round pick in 2019, his arbitration level will only go up to level 3 meaning the longest the Pittsburgh Pirates can keep Spencer Horwitz is until the end of 2030 making him a UFA in 2031. Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Nick Gonzales bats seventh as the Pittsburgh Pirates 2020 first round pick out of New Mexico State has shown a lot of promise and is under contract until the end of the decade meaning he will not be a UFA until 2030. Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes their 2015 first round pick that they hit on bats eighth now after a down year in 2024 and he will not a free agent until 2031. Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Joshua Palacios rounds out this batting lineup batting ninth with his contract running through 2031 if he breaks out soon.
   
   
   
   Pittsburgh has a pretty good batting lineup for the most part, but needs upgrades at shortstop and right fielder. Designated hitter will be a need down the road, but as long as Andrew McCutchen wants to play on the Pittsburgh Pirates, you don't have to worry about that role for the time being. Pittsburgh has six of their core batters locked up until 2028 and the first UFA is Joey Bart, but you also have former number one overall pick Henry Davis from the 2021 MLB Draft in AAA if Joey Bart doesn't want to take a team friendly deal. Pittsburgh only has two UFAs in 2026 with their lead off batter and McCutchen, but at this point I'm convinced McCutchen wants to retire a Pittsburgh Pirate cause he could have gotten more money elsewhere. Besides Henry Davis you also got Jack Swinski a regular on last years team in the minors under contract until 2030 in addition with Henry Davis.
   
   
   
   In conclusion Pittsburgh has 11 quality batters with 8 of those 11 batters are under contract until 2030 if Pittsburgh Pirates owner Bob Nutting encourages his General Manager Ben Cherrington to utilize arbitration clauses in No Nutt November instead of not paying his biggest assets or trading guys like Gerritt Cole away when they are in year two or year three of arbitration for a premium return before they choose to leave the Pirates in Free Agency.
   
   
   
   You still got Termarr Johnson the fourth pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, who was first overall on the Pittsburgh Pirates draft board in your minor league system developing as insurance if Gonzales doesn't pan out. The prearbitration clauses in Termarr Johnson's MLB contract will not kick in until he's promoted to the Pittsburgh Pirates MLB roster. Termarr Johnson finally reached AA last year and played in the 2024 MLB Futures game.
   
   
   
   Pittsburgh has Paul Skenes as their number one starter and he will not enter arbitration until 2028 which means Skenes will remain under contract until the end of the 2031 MLB Season if all four years of arbitration are utilized meaning Skenes would not become a Free Agent until 2032 as long as Bob Nutting doens't f this up. Mitch Keller is the number two starter after getting extended until 2029. Josh Jones, Pittsburgh's 2020 second round pick is the number three starter with Skenes and Jones leading the MLB in innings pitched. Pittsburgh's number four and number five starters are not good. You have both 2018 second round pick Braxton Ashcraft in AAA as well as 2021 third round pick Bubba Chandler who was in my top 10 of the 2021 MLB Draft in AAA too. Pittsburgh could break out if both Ashcraft and Chandler break out. Carson Fulmer the former White Sox 2015 first round pick is now on the Indianapolis Indians in AAA. Thomas Harrington a 2022 first round pick is also now in AAA. I don't like Pittsburgh's number four and five starters, but if two of their four AAA pitchers break out, the Pittsburgh Pirates have a chance to surprise people. Hunter Barco and Anthony Solometo two other starting pitchers drafted in the second round are in AA.
   
   
   
   With all this stability in the batting lineup, for the Pittsburgh Pirates, there will be a window of opportunity for the Bucs to Raise the Jolly Roger in the NL Central by winning a NL Central Pennant down the road once this organization improves their starting rotation since Pittsburgh has one of the better bullpens in the MLB. Pittsburgh Pirates All Star closer Dave Bednar had a down year in 2024 after a dominant 2023, but he agreed to go from $1.7 in 2024 to $5.9 million in 2025 after he became Pittsburgh's closer in 2023 with Bednar set to become a UFA in 2027 with the final year of his arbitration after this season. Colin Holderman, Pittsburgh's set up pitcher is in the last season of pre arbitration and he's not a UFA until 2029 and has already shown he can succeed Bednar as the closer with Holderman agreeing to $1.5 million avoiding arbitration level 1. Carmen Mlodzinski, Pittsburgh's 2020 first round pick that was drafted thirty first overall had a 2.25 ERA as both a set up pitcher and middle reliever and he won't enter arbitration until 2027 with Pittsburgh having the option to keep him up until 2031 if the Pirates use all four years of arbitration from 2027 to 2030. Dennis Santana is under contract until 2027 and he can be used as both a set up pitcher when Holderman or Bednar is injured as well as a middle reliever. Caleb Ferguson a middle reliever on the Houston Astros joins Pittsburgh on a one year deal at middle reliever. Dauri Moreta enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 and can stay with Pittsburgh until 2030 if he continues to improve since he posted a 3.72 ERA in 2024. Peter Stzerlecki had a 2.31 ERA with Cleveland last year at long reliever and he's on Pittsburgh replacing Max Kranick. Kyle Nicholas who had a 3.95 ERA in 2024 with both of Pittsburgh's long relievers not entering arbitration level 1 until 2028 at the earliest.
   
   
   
   Pittsburgh needs a shortstop, right fielder, and a starting pitcher. The bullpen might be better than last year with the new additions despite after underacheiving in 2024 since the Pittsburgh Pirates hired Indianapolis Indians AAA manager Miguel Perez to be the new bullpen coach. The two best players on the board at six are the second best High School batter and the best High School pitcher. Those two players would be long-term projects for the Pittsburgh Pirates, but Pittsburgh feels like a team that can gamble on a long-term project since if they hit on that player they will be positioned to reload when some of their core players become unrestricted Free Agents.
   
   
   
   Seth Hernandez is the top High School pitcher in this draft. He may have more upside than the top three college pitchers in this years MLB Draft, and some scouts argue he would have gone ahead of both Chase Burns and Hagan Smith in the 2024 MLB Draft.
   
   
   
   The 6-4 190 lb Seth Hernandez went 9-0 with a 0.62 ERA with 73 strikeouts in 56 innings in 2024 while winning California Gatorade High School Player Of The Year as a junior pitching at Corona High School in California. Seth Hernandez went 9-1 with a 0.39 ERA with 105 strikeouts in 53 1/3 innings in 2025 while winning California Gatorade High School Player Of The Year for the second year in a row pitching at Corona High School as a senior.
   
   
   
   Seth Hernandez has a 100 mile per hour 4-seam fastball, a 98-mile per hour 2-seam fastball, a 94 mile per hour cutter fastball, a 87 mile per hour slider, a 80 mile per hour changeup, and a 80 mile per hour power curveball, a 78 mile per hour 12-6 curveball, and a 75 mile per hour curveball. The top three college pitchers have four different pitches they can deploy while Seth Hernandez has eight different pitches he can deploy as a High School pitcher. I said back in February that if Seth Hernandez improves on his junior season, he's a sure fire no brainer selection for the Pittsburgh Pirates at 6 and Hernandez did just that as a senior.
   
   
   
   
   
7. Miami Marlins: Eli Willits, SS, Fort Cobb-Broxton HS (OK)
   
   
   Miami fell from 2 to 7 following the 2025 MLB Draft Lottery. They fell five spots as a result of the MLB Draft lottery.
   
   
   
   Miami Marlins shortstop Xavier Edwards is the leadoff batter and Edwards had 31 stolen bases along with a .328 batting average in 2024. Xavier Edwards is on pre arbitration until 2027 as Xavier Edwards is under contract with the Miami Marlins until 2030. Miami Marlins second baseman Connor Norby bats second and will not enter abritration until 2028 as Connor Norby will not be a UFA until 2031. Miami Marlins left fielder Jesus Sanchez had 16 home runs and 18 stolen bases in 2024 with Jesus Sanchez under contract until 2028 when Sanchez becomes a UFA as Jesus Sanchez is the highest paid batter on the Marlins in 2025 making $4.5-million. Miami Marlins first baseman Jonah Bride hit 11 home runs in 2024 and he will enter arbitration level 1 in 2026 with Bride set to be a UFA in 2029. The rest of Miami's batting lineup outside of their shortstop, left fielder, and first baseman is not good. Miami traded third baseman Jake Burger who led the Marlins with 29 home runs for three minor league prospects while Jazz Chizolm Jr. their other double digit home run hitter in 2024 got moved to the New York Yankees at the 2024 MLB Trade Dealine.
   
   
   
   Miami has a starting rotation with Sandy Alcantara as their number one starter back from a season ending injury that caused him to miss all of 2024 with Alcantara under contract until 2028. Ryan Weathers the former seventh pick in the 2018 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres had a 3.63 ERA with the Miami Marlins and looks like a good number two starter as Ryan Weathers is under contract until 2029 with arbitration level 1 not taking effect until next season in 2026. Edward Cabrera a pitcher from the dominican republic is the number three starter and is under contract until 2029 if the Marlins use all of their arbitration options on him. Max Meyer the third overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft is the number four starter and will enter arbitration level 1 in 2026 and is under contract until 2031 with a level 4 arbitration clause in his contract. Valente Bellozo who posted a 3.67 ERA is the number five starter and will not enter arbitration until 2028. If Cabrera and Meyer clean up their ERA's this has a chance to be the Miami Marlins best starting rotation since 2003 when the Marlins had Dontrell Willis and Josh Beckett on their 2003 World Series team.
   
   
   
   The Miami Marlins bullpen features a few good relievers. Miami Marlins closer Calvin Faucher had a 3.19 ERA in 2024 with Faucher entering arbitration level 1 in 2026. Miami Marlins set up pitcher Jesus Tinoco enters arbitration level 1 in 2027 and had a 3.32 ERA in 2024. Miami Marlins middle reliever Lake Bachar is the only one of four middle relievers with an ERA of under 4.00 with a 3.86 ERA as Bachar doesn't enter arbitration level 1 until 2026. Miami Marlins long reliever Anthony Veneziano is not only the long reliever, but he's also the substitute starter and he had a 3.38 ERA in 2024 as Veneziano will not enter arbitration until 2028.
   
   
   
   Miami goes with the best batter on the board at 7. Eli Willits is the best overall player on the board at 7. He would stay in the minor leagues and would develop until 2030 or 2031 before replacing Xavier Edwards. If Eli Willits develops ahead of schedule, Miami can trade Xavier Edwards for a kings ransom which is what you would expect a franchise as cheap as the Miami Marlins who does not want to pay talent long-term after a players rookie contract is up.
   
   
   
   The 6-1 175 lb Eli Willits had a .610 batting average, 10 home runs, and 12 stolen bases in 2024. Eli Willits had a .516 batting average, 9 home runs, 33 RBI's, 48 stolen bases, and a .979 fielding percentage as a senior in 2025.
   
   
   
   Eli Willits has the production to develop into a 5-tool batter at shortstop that can hit home runs, line drives, grounders, or bunts. His production declined slightly, but he was the most consistent High School player in Oklahoma outside of Ethan Holliday. Miami should pick someone else at 7, but they are taking a prep player and most likely the best High School player on their board at 7.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Max Belyeu, RF, Texas
   
   
8. Toronto Blue Jays: Ike Irish, LF, Auburn
   
   
   Toronto fell from 5 to 8 following the 2025 MLB Draft Lottery. They fell three spots as a result of the MLB Draft lottery.
   
   
   
   Toronto currently has former Houston Astros center fielder George Springer as the Toronto Blue Jays right fielder as their lead off batter until 2027 as Springer had 19 home runs and 16 stolen bases, shorstop Bo Bichette is batting second until 2026 when he's a UFA, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is batting third and will remain in the top 3 until 2026 as Vladimir Guerrro Jr. had 30 home runs as well as a .323 batting average in 2024, designated hitter Will Wagner replaces Danny Jansen, Alejandro Kirk took over as the starting catcher in 2024 and is under contract until 2027, Andres Gimenez will bat sixth and moves from shortstop to second baseman as Gimenez is under contract until 2031, Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement had 12 home runs and 12 stolen bases as he bats seventh with Clement under contract until 2029. Toronto has a very good 1-7 in their batting lineup, but upgrades at both center fielder and left fielder need to be made.
   
   
   
   Toronto has Kevin Gausman as their number one starter with Kevin Gausman posting a 3.83 ERA in 2024 on a two year deal until 2027, Jose Berrios as their number two starter had a 3.60 ERA and is under contract until 2029, and Bowden Francis the number three starter that posted a 3.30 ERA is not in arbitration until 2028. Chris Bassett is the number four starter in a contract year and Alek Manoah could be the number five starter once he comes back from UCL Surgery. Toronto also drafted Trey Yesavage in the 2024 MLB Draft as he was the clear cut third best college pitcher, so getting him that late at 20 was a huge steal for Toronto.
   
   
   
   The Toronto Blue Jays bullpen features some good relievers at closer, set up pitcher, and middle reliever. Toronto Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman who signed a three year deal until 2028 posted a 2.17 ERA in 2024. Toronto Blue Jays Set up pitcher Chad Green was Toronto's closer last year and enters a contract year. Toronto Blue Jays middle reliever Yimi Garcia posted a 3.46 ERA in 2024 and got a two year extension keeping him in Toronto until 2027. Toronto Blue Jays middfle reliever Nick Sandlin had a 3.75 ERA and was a middle reliever on the Cleveland Guardians until 2028. Toronto Blue Jays middle reliever Brandon Little had a 3.74 will not enter arbitration until 2028. Toronto needs one more middle reliever and a better long reliever, but if Toronto's starting pitchers can pitch six innings, this bullpen is good enough to win them games.
   
   
   
   Toronto loves three players in this draft in Liam Doyle, Auburn catcher Ike Irish, and Kyson Witherspoon the Oklhaoma starting pitcher. Toronto will most likely take Witherspoon if someone takes Irish before 8, but if Irish falls to 8, I have a hard time seeing Toronto pass on him since Ike Irish transitioned from catcher to right fielder. Ike Irish now has the versatility to play designated hitter, catcher, right fielder, and left fielder. Toronto needs a left fielder if George Springer remains at right fielder and I can see Ike Irish moving into that role for the Toronto Blue Jays.
   
   
   
   The 6-2 201 lb Ike Irish had a .361 batting average, 6 home runs, 50 RBI's, 24 doubles, 1 triple, a .464 slugging percentage, and a .972 fielding percentage as a freshman in 2023. Ike Irsh had a .319 batting average, 14 home runs, 59 RBI's, 11 doubles, 2 triples, a .627 slugging percentage, and a .992 fielding percentage as a sophomore in 2024. Ike Irish had a .364 batting average, 19 home runs, 58 RBI's, 13 doubles, 2 triples, a .710 slugging percentage, and a .990 fielding percentage after transitioning from catcher to outfielder as a junior in 2025.
   
   
   
   Ike Irish is a power hitter that hits home runs, line drives, and is sound defensively. Doesn't steal a lot of bases, but he will get you either a home run or a double when he hits a line drive. Ike Irish wowed me on tape in Auburn's game against Oklahoma State in the 2024 Regional during last years College World Series and is a guy I mocked at 12 back in Feburary. I also said heading into the year that Ike Irish could end up going higher than where I had him projected in February and now he's a top 10 lock with an outside shot to go in the top 5.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Cam Cannarella, CF, Clemson
   
   
   
   
9. Cincinnati Reds: Kyson Witherspoon, P, Oklahoma
   
   
   Cincinnati fell from 7 to 9 following the 2025 MLB Draft Lottery. They fell two spots as a result of the MLB Draft lottery.
   
   
   
   The Cincinnati Reds batting lineup is one of the better batting lineups. Cincinnati Reds center fielder T.J. Friedl bats first in this lineup as T.J. Friedl had 13 home runs and a .310 batting average as T.J. Friedl enters arbitration level 1 after this year in 2026 and will not be a UFA until 2030. Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz bats second as Elly De La Cruz had 25 home runs, 67 stolen bases, and is under contract until 2031. Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain bats third as their 2021 first round pick out of UCLA replaces Jonathan India their 2018 first round pick with Matt McLain entering arbitration level 1 next year in 2026 meaning Matt McLain won't be a UFA until 2030. Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson their 2015 first round pick bats fourth as Tyler Stephenson hit 19 home runs in 2024 and is under contract for two more years before he's a UFA in 2027. Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jake Fraley bats fifth is under contract for two more years before he's a UFA in 2027 as Fraley is a former lead off hitter who moves down to 5 in a stacked Cincinnati Reds batting lineup. Cincinnati Reds firstaseman Spencer Steer bats sixth as Spencer Steer had 20 home runs, 25 stolen bases, and enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 and will be a UFA in 2029. Cincinnati Reds third baseman Jeimer Candelario bats seventh, had 20 home runs in 2024, and is under contract until the end of 2027 before becoming a UFA in 2028. Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Gavin Lux bats ninth rounding out this lineup as he was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers only to play shortstop replacing Corey Seager, and Gavin Lux has two years left on his contract before he's a UFA in 2027. Cincinnati Reds left fielder Austin Hays bats ninth and is only under contract until 2026. Cincinnati has 8 quality batters in their batting lineup with first baseman being the only area to upgrade in the batting lineup.
   
   
   
   Cincinnati Reds number one starting pitcher Hunter Greene finally broke out with a 2.75 ERA in 2024 after the Cincinnati Reds gave the second overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft a six year contract extension in 2023 which locked him up as the Cincinnati Reds number one starter until 2030. Cincinnati Reds number two starting pitcher Brady Singer, the Kansas City Royals 2018 first round pick was acquired by the Cincinnati Reds as Brady Singer posted a 3.71 ERA with the Kansas City Royals in 2024 before being traded to the Cincinnati Reds as Brady Singer is a UFA in 2027. Cincinnati Reds number three starter Andrew Abbott had a 3.72 ERA in 2024 and does not enter arbitration until 2027 meaning he will not be a UFA until 2031. Cincinnati Reds number four starter Nick Martinez had a 3.10 ERA and is in the final year of his contract with the Cincinnati Reds. Cincinnati Reds number five starter Nick Lodolo, the Cincinnati Reds 2019 first round pick out of TCU struggled for the second year in a row and got demoted to the number five starting pitcher in this rotation after once being the number two starter in this rotation. With Cincinnati Reds 2023 first round pick Rhett Lowder in AAA and Cincinnati Reds 2024 first round pick Chase Burns already in AA, those two appear to be the potential replacements for Nick Martinez and Nick Lodolo if Martinez isn't extended assuming Lodolo continues to regress. Nick Lodolo could also get a shot in the bullpen if those two prospects surpass him in the Cincinnati Reds MLB rotation. Don't be surprised if Lodolo moves to long releiver in a Bronson Arroyo type role under Terry Francona. Cincinnati has stability in the starting rotation both in the short-term and the long-term.
   
   
   
   Cincinnati Reds closer Alexis Diaz a 2015 twelfth round pick in the same draft where the Reds drafted Tyler Stevenson is now the closer as Tyler Stevenson had a 3.99 ERA and 28 saves in 2024 with Alexis Diaz under contract until 2028. Cincinnati Reds set up pitcher Emilio Pagan had 1 save and a 4.50 ERA as he's in the final year of his contract with the Cincinnati Reds and is a UFA in 2026. Cincinnati Reds middle reliever Tony Santillan their 2015 second round pick had a ERA of 3.00 and enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 making him a UFA in 2030. Cincinnati Reds middle reliever Sam Moll had a 3.35 ERA in 2024 and is a UFA in 2028. Cincinnati Reds middle reliever Brent Suter had a 3.15 ERA and 2 saves in 2024 with Brent Suter set to become a UFA in 2027. Cincinnati Reds middle reliever Graham Ashcraft is the final of four middle relievers as the former starting pitcher got demoted to the bullpen after a bad season. Cincinnati has the closer, set up pitcher, and four middle relievers, but the Cincinnati Reds do need long relievers.
   
   
   
   The Cincinnati Reds lone draft needs are at first baseman and long reliever. ESPN is suggesting that the Reds will draft either a High School batter or a College pitcher like Oklahoma ace Kyson Witherspoon. Prospects Live believes the Reds are taking a college pitcher or a college batter. This is the first scenario in my MLB Mock Draft where the data is conflicting. Kyson Witherspoon is the one constant, so I will mock the Oklahoma pitcher to the Cincinnati Reds at 9.
   
   
   
   The 6-2 206 lb Kyson Witherspoon posted a 8-3 record and a 3.71 ERA in 80 innings pitched while also recording 90 strikeouts to 40 walks with Oklahoma in 2024. Kyson Witherspoon posted a 10-4 record and a 2.65 ERA in 95 innings pitched while also 124 strikeouts to 23 walks with Oklahoma in 2025.
   
   
   
   Kyson Williams has a 95 mile per hour 4-seam fastball, a 94 mile per hour 2-seam fastball, a 91 mile per hour cutter fastball, a 88 mile per hour slider, anda 82 mile per hour changeup. Both of his fastballs can go up to 99 miles per hour if you use him out of the bullpen rather than the starting rotation and his slider also goes up to 91 miles per hour if you use him out of the bullpen. Cincinnati is drafting Kyson Witherspoon with the intent of getting a starting pitcher, but can move him to the bullpen if things don't work out since the Cincinnati Reds already have a rotation stacked with young talent.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Kruz Schoolcraft, P, Sunset HS (OR)
   
   
10. Chicago White Sox: Jace LaViolette, CF, Texas A&M
    
    
    The Chicago White Sox had the worst record in MLB history and will not pick until 10 in the 2025 MLB Draft due to finishing in the top 10 in tv revenue. Chicago White Sox right fielder Mike Tauchman bats first and is a line drive specialist that had 75 hits with the Colorado Rockies in 2024 as Mike Tauchman is on a one year deal as Tauchman failed to hit 10 home runs or steal 10 bases in 2024. Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. bats second had 14 home runs, 23 stolen bases, and is under contract with the Chicago White Sox until the end of the 2027 MLB Season before becoming a UFA in 2028. Chicago White Sox left fielder Andrew Benintendi bats third, had 20 home runs in 2024, and is under contract until the end of the 2027 season meaning he will not be a UFA until 2028. Chicago traded Andrew Vaughn the player they drafted third overall in the 2019 MLB Draft to the Milwaukee Brewers which basically means Chicago is going to revamp the infield. Miguel Vargas moved from designated hitter to first base. Kyle Teel, the Boston Red Sox 2023 first round pick is Chciago's catcher. Lenyn Sos moved from second base to designated hitter. Colson Montgomery, Chicago's 2021 first round pick that was drafted out of High School is the starting shortstop and is batting .500 in 2 MLB games.
    
    
    
    The Chicago White Sox have one pitcher that could be decent in Sean Burke their 2021 third round pick that had a 1.42 ERA in 3 starts in 2024 as Sean Burke will not enter level 1 arbitration until 2028 and I believe he's eligible for level 4 arbitration meaning that Sean Burke will not hit the open market until 2032. Chicago traded Garrett Crochet away for a package of minor league prospects including Kyle Teel the Boston Red Sox 2023 first round pick and Braden Montgomery the Boston Red Sox 2024 first round pick giving Chicago a catcher and right fielder for the future. Chicago also has 2024 first round pick Hagen Smith now in AA after Hagen Smith dominated rookie ball and A this past summer.
    
    
    
    The Chicago White Sox bullpen has Fraser Ellard a 2021 eighth round pick whose now the set up pitcher with a 3.75 ERA in 2024 and 1 save as Fraser Ellard is in a similar spot with his contract as starting pitcher Sean Burke. Chicago White Sox middle reliever Prelander Berroa had a 3.32 ERA in 2024 and his contract is identita to Fraser Ellard. Chicago White Sox middle reliever Gus Varland had a 3.42 ERA in 2024 and his contract is identical to Ellard and Berroa with those young relievers making the minimum salary until they are eligible for artbitration. Chicago White Sox middle reliever Steven Wilson is the veteran reliever of this group and is not a UFA until 2028 as he agreed to a settlement to avoid level 1 arbitration with the Chicago White Sox. Chicago White Sox middle reliever Cam Boozer had a 3.38 ERA and 1 save with the Boston Red Sox in 2024. Chicago White Sox long reliever Shane Smith was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2024 Rule 5 MLB Draft. Chicago's bullpen is much better than advertised even though they still need a closer, and one more long reliever.
    
    
    
    I've heard Chicago is linked to both High School and college players. A lot fo MLB sites are mocking a shortstop to Chicago, but with Colston Montgomery emerging into a regular, I think Chicago drafts for need and takes Texas A&M center fielder Jace Laviolette at 10 to round out the top 10. Cameron Appenzeller a hometown player is also an option, but I see Chicago trying to get him or the best High School talent on the board with their second draft pick and taking Jace Laviolette over a High School shortstop with Colston Montgomery's recent performance after being called up.
    
    
    
    The 6-6 230 lb Jace LaViolette has the versatility to play left fielder, center fielder, and right fielder in the outfield despite center fielder being his main position on the Texas A&M Aggies. Jace LaViolette can hit home runs, line drives, grounders, and bunts. He can hit any type of pitch which any variety which makes Jace LaViolette a 5-tool batter in the 2025 MLB Draft.
    
    
    
    Jace LaViolette started 64 games and had a .287 batting average, 21 home runs, 63 RBI's, 10 doubles, posted a .990 fielding percentage, and a .835 slugging percentage against SEC teams as a true freshman in 2023. Jace LaViolette started all 68 games and had a .305 batting average, 29 home runs, 78 RBI's, 87 runs, 64 walks, 16 doubles, 3 triples, stole 7 bases in 9 stolen base attempts, posted a 1.000 fielding percentage, and helped Texas A&M reach the Championship round of the 2024 College World Series where Tennessee defeated Texas A&M to win the 2024 College World Series. Jace Laviolette had a .258 batting average, 18 home runs, 56 runs, 51 hits, 61 RBI's, 9 doubles, 0 triples, 8 stolen bases, and a .993 fielding percentage as a junior in 2025.
    
    
    
    Drafting Jace LaViolette gives the Chicago White Sox an immediate upgrade to their center fielder spot in the batting lineup. Chicago could draft a High School shortstop if they go for the best overall player versus drafting a college batter at a position of need. With Colson Montgomery having recent success, I think that will end up factoring into the Chicago White Sox decision at 10.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Cameron Appenzeller, P, Glenwood HS (IL)
    
    
    
    
11. Sacramento Athletics: Brendan Summerhill, CF, Arizona
    
    
    The Oakland Athletics fell from 2 to 6 in the first 2023 MLB Draft Lottery. This time the Oakland Athletic fell from 1 to 4 in the 2024 MLB Draft Lottery after only winning 50 games. The Oakland Athletics are moving to a AAA ballpark in Sacramento until their new stadium in Las Vegas is complete in 2028. John Fisher just wants to call them the Athletics without naming them after a city. Screw that, in this mock, the Athletics will be known as the Sacramento Athletics until they end up in Las Vegas. The Sacramento Athletics drop to 11 after finishing in the MLB Lottery in back-to-back years.
    
    
    
    Sacramento Athletics right fielder Lawrence Butler bats first as Lawrence Butler hit 22 home runs and had 18 stolen bases in 2024 with Lawrence Butler not entering arbitration level 1 until 2027 with the Oakland Athetics 2018 sixth round pick under contract until 2030. Sacramento Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson began the year batting ninth, but was so dominant as a rookie that he's already moved up to second in the batting lineup, Jacob Wilson, the Oakland Athletics 2023 first round pick that was drafted sixth overall two years ago is the son of former Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson with Jacob Wilson entering his rookie season in the MLB with the Athletics. Sacramento Athletics designated hitter Brent Rooker bats third, hit 39 home runs, and stole 11 bases as Brent Rooker is under contract until 2031. Sacramento Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz, their 2024 first round pick drafted fourth overall got called up to the MLB and his rookie season has gone so well that he's already batting cleanup in the Athletics batting lineup. Sacramento Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers bats fifth, hit 29 home runs in 2024, enters arbitration level 1 next year, and is under contract until 2029. Sacramento Athletics left fielder Tyler Soderstrom bats sixth, the Oakland Athletics 2020 first round pick enters arbitration level 1 in 2027 and is under contract until 2031 as Tyler Soderstrom made the transtion from first baseman to left fielder once Nick Kurtz was promoted to the MLB. Sacramento Athletics 2021 first round pick Max Muncy is the starting third baseman batting seventh. Sacramento Athletics second baseman Zack Gelof bats eighth, the Oakland Athletics 2021 second round pick is one of the better players on this roster as Zack Gelof had 17 home runs, 25 stolen bases, and enters arbitration level 1 in 2027 as Zack Gelof won't be a free agent until 2032. Denzel Clarke the Athletics 2021 fourth round pick at center fielder took the starting center fielder job from JJ Bleday and that tells me if there is a weak link in the Sacramento Athletics batting lineup, that it will be at center fielder.
    
    
    
    The Sacramento Athletics finally did something to improve their starting rotation by signing former New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Severino to a two year deal with a player option for a third year making Luis Severino the Sacramento Athletics number one starter for the next two years and possibly in 2027 aafter posting a 3.91 ERA in 2024 before he beomes a UFA in 2028. The Sacramento Athletics also traded for Jeffrey Springs who posted a 3.27 ERA as Springs is under contract for two years with a club option for 2027 with both pitchers not being Free Agents until 2028. The rest of this starting rotation is awful.
    
    
    
    The Sacramento Athletics bullpen has some decent building blocks. Sacramento Athletics closer Mason Miller was a 2021 third round pick as Mason Miller had a 2.49 ERA and 29 saves in 65 innings pitched as Mason Miller enters arbitration level 1 next season and is under contract until the end of 2030 before he becomes a UFA in 2031. Sacramento Athletics set up pitcher Jose Leclerc signed a one year $10-million dollar deal and is a UFA in 2026. The Sacramento Athletics have four middle relievers in Tyler Ferguson, Michael Otanez, T.J. McFarland, and Grant Holman their 2021 sixth round pick. Each middle reliever except Holman has an ERA of under 4.00 except Holman who has a 4.02 ERA. The Sacramento Athletics two long relievers are Noah Murdock and Hogan Harris with both long releivers having an ERA of under 3.00 if the Athletics have a starting pitcher who gets pulled from a game early.
    
    
    
    Sacramento drafts a future center fielder with Denzel Clarke only batting .207 at center fielder. Brendan Summerhill was a preseason candidate to go in the top 5, but the Arizona center fielder fell to the Athletics at 11.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 200 lb Brendan Summerhill posted a .259 batting average and a 1.000 fielding percentage as a true freshman in 2023. Brendan Summerhill had a .324 batting average and a .965 fielding percentage as a true sophomore in 2024. Brendan Summerhill had a .443 batting average, 11 stolen bases and a 1.000 fielding percentage as a junior in 2025.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Kyson Witherspoon, P, Oklahoma
    
    
12. Texas Rangers: Gage Wood, P, Arkansas
    
    
    The Texas Rangers have quite the batting lineup with six batters from their 2023 World Series still under contract. Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien bats first, hit 23 home runs in 2024 after hitting 29 home runs in 2023, and is under contract until 2029. Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager bats second, hit 33 home runs in 2023 before winning the 2023 World Series MVP, hit 30 home runs in 2024, and is under contract until 2032. Texas Rangers left fielder Wyatt Langford bats third, and the Texas Rangers 2023 first round pick out of Florida had 16 home runs and 19 stolen bases during his rookie MLB season in 2024 as Wyatt Langford enters arbitration level 1 in 2027 and will not become a UFA until 2031. Texas Rangers designated hitter Joc Pederson bats fourth as the Pederson had 23 home runs in 2024 before signing a three year deal with the Texas Rangers as Joc Pederson won't be a UFA until 2028. Texas Rangers right fielder Adolis Garcia, bats fifth as Garcia hit 39 home runs winning 2023 ALCS MVP before hitting 25 home runs in 2024, and is under contract until 2027. Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung bats sixth, as Jung hit 23 home runs as the Texas Rangers 2019 first round pick drafted out of Texas Tech during his rookie season in 2023 before only hitting 7 home runs in 2024 after winning a World Series as a rookie as Jung will not become a UFA until 2030. Texas Rangers center fielder Evan Carter bats seventh, a 2020 second round pick is under contract until 2031. Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger bats eighth, as Jake Burger led the Miami Marlins with 29 home runs in 2024 as Jake Burger doesn't enter arbitration level 1 for another season with Jake Burger not being a UFA until 2029. Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim bats ninth, as Jonah Heim hit 18 home runs in 2023, before hitting 13 home runs in 2024 and becomes a UFA in 2027. Texas has six batters from their 2023 World Series team, Wyatt Langford their 2023 first round pick entering year two, Joc Pederson their big Free Agent acquisition, and Jake Burger the batter they traded for. Texas might have an even better 1-9 batting lineup than two years ago when they won the 2023 World Series.
    
    
    
    The Texas Rangers have one two effective starters when healthy in Nathan Eovaldi who posted a 3.63 ERA and 132 strikeouts in 144 innings pitched in 2023 before posting a 3.80 ERA as the number one starter in 2024 with Eovaldi under contract until 2026. Jacob deGrom posted a 1.69 ERA and is under contract until 2029. The only other good starter besides those two is Cody Bradford their 2019 sixth round pick who posted a 3.54 ERA as the number five starter. Jon Gray is the number three starter with Tyler Mahle is the number four starter, but neither of those guys is good in the regular season. Kumar Rocker, the Texas Rangers 2022 first round pick out of Vanderbilt could be an upgrade over Gray or Mahle if they continue to struggle. Jack Leiter regressed in AAA after getting demoted from the MLB to AAA following a horrible MLB debut. Cole Winn their 2018 first round pitcher Texas drafted got demoted to the bullpen in AAA. Getting another starting pitcher to develop for insurance is a need, but not a big need.
    
    
    
    The Texas Rangers bullpen features Chris Martin a Free Agent who had a 3.45 ERA on a one year deal at closer, Robert Garcia at set up pitcher after getting him in a trade with the Washington Nationals this winter as Garcia will not enter arbitration level 1 until 2027, Jacob Webb posted a 3.02 ERA as a set up pitcher, but he will be the first middle reliever on Texas with his contract running through 2027. Texas Rangers middle reliever Shawn Armstrong signed a one year deal with the Texas Rangers in Free Agency. Texas Rangers middle reliever Holby Milner also signed a one year deal. Texas Rangers middle releiver Daniel Robert a 21st round pick in the 2017 MLB Draft posted a 3.18 ERA in 5.2 innings in 2024 and will not enter arbitration level 1 until 2028. Texas Rangers long reliever Jacob Latz, a 2017 fifth round pick posted a 3.71 ERA. Dane Dunning moves from starting pitcher to a long reliever role that suits him better. The Texas Rangers reloaded hoping the additions at bullpen get them through games when Eovaldi and deGrom are not starting.
    
    
    
    Texas drafts the top pitcher on the board here to develop. Arkansas pitcher Gage Wood is the top pitcher on the board.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 205 lb Gage Wood began hs career as Arkansas's closer before pitching other roles out of the bulldpen as a sophomore. He started full time this year going 4-1 in 10 starts with a 3.82 ERA and 1 complete game where he had 19 strikeout no hitter with only a hit batter keeping him from a perfect game versus Murray State.
    
    
    
    Gage Wood has a 96 mile per hour 4-seam fastball, a 94 mile per hour 2-seam fastball, a 85 mile per hour power curveball, a 82 mile per hour curveball, and a 88 miler per hour slider. Gage Wood does not use a changeup. Gage Wood showed more than Tyler Bremner down the stretch with both the Arkansas starting pticher and UC Santa Barbara pitcher getting consideration here despite both pitchers missing time with injuries in their only full seasons as a starting pitcher.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Aaron Watson, P, Trinity Christian HS (FL)
    
    
    
    
13. San Francisco Giants: Billy Carlson, SS, Corona HS (CA)
    
    
    San Francisco Giants right fielder Mike Yastrzemski bats first, as Mike Yastrzemski hit 18 home runs and is only under contract for one year making him a 2026 UFA. San Francisco Giants left fielder Heliot Ramos bats second as the San Francisco Giants 2017 first round pick hit 22 home runs with Heliot Ramos being in arbitration level 1 next year meaning that Heliot Ramos will be a UFA in 2029. San Francisco Giants designated hitter Rafael Devers was acquired in a trade with the Boston Red Sox bats third. San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman bats fourth, had 27 home runs and 15 stolen bases with Matt Chapman under contract until 2031. San Francisco Giants center fielder Jung-hoo Lee bats fifth and is under contract until 2030. San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames bats sixth as Willy Adames signed a 7 year deal that pays $13.142 million his first two years while he's 29 and 30 before getting paid 31.142 million as Willy Adames hit 32 home runs with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024 as Willy Adames is under contract until 2032. Casey Schmitt a 2020 second round pick bats seventh and took the second baseman job from Tyler Fitzgerald a 2019 fourth round pick. Dominic Smith bats eighth at first baseman. San Francisco Giants catcher Patrick Bailey bats ninth, Patrick Bailey was a 2020 first round pick and he rounds out this batting lineup with Patrick Bailey entering arbitration level 1 in 2026, with Bailey having up to arbitration level 4 he's not a UFA until 2030. Bryce Eldrige the San Francisco Giants 2023 first round pick is already in AAA while Hunter Bishop the San Francisco Giants 2019 first round pick is also in AAA and can replace San Francisco's current right fielder.
    
    
    
    San Francisco Giants number one starter Logan Webb had a 3.47 ERA in 33 starts pitching 204.2 innings as Logan Webb is not a UFA until 2029. San Francisco Giants number two starter Robbie Ray struggled in the first year of his three year deal, but he's going to be back from an injury. San Francisco Giants number three starter is Justin Verlander as Verlander posted a 5.48 ERA in 2024 as Verlander signed a one year deal with the Giants. Kyle Harrison and Jordan Hicks round out this starting rotation. San Francisco can challenge for a wild card spot if Robbie Ray and Justin Verlander step up, but if both guys do as poorly as they did last year the San Francisco Giants will finish fourth in the NL Central.
    
    
    
    San Francisco closer Ryan Walker, the San Fancisco Giants thirty first round pick in tghe 2018 MLB Draft had a 1.91 ERA in 2024 as Ryan Walker enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 and will be a UFA in 2029. San Francisco Giants set up pitcher Tyler Rodgers a 2013 tenth round pick had a 2.82 ERA in 2024 and is in the final year of his contract with the San Francisco Giants. San Francisco Giants middle reliever Taylor Rogers had a 2.40 ERA in 2024 and is a UFA in 2026. San Francisco Giants middle reliever Camilo Doval had 23 saves in 2024 and agreed to $4,525,000 to avoid arbitration level 1 as Camilo Doval becomes a UFA in 2028. San Francisco Giants middle reliever Erik Miller had a 3.88 ERA in 2024 and enters arbitration level 1 in 2027 making him a 2030 UFA. San Francisco Giants middle releiver Sean Hjelle a 2018 second round pick had a 3.90 ERA in 2024 and enters the same situation as Erik Miller making him eligible for arbitration level 1 in 2027 making him a 2030 UFA. San Francisco Giants long reliever Randy Rodriguez isn't eligible for arbitration level 1 until 2028 making him a 2031 UFA. San Francisco Giants long reliever Tristan Beck ha da 1.89 ERA in 2024 as Tristan Beck does not enter arbitration level 1 until 2027 making Tristan Beck a 2030 UFA.
    
    
    
    San Francisco has stability in the batting lineup and bullpen for the most part. San Francisco can either get a pitcher or the best batter on the board if they move a batter to designated hitter in 2026. San Francisco is gonna end up getting Kayson Cunningham a High School shortstop that some have going in the top 5 at 13.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 180 lb Billy Carlson finally broke out as a junior posting a .367 batting average, 29 runs, 36 hits, 21 RBI's, 10 doubles, 2 triples, 4 home runs, 8 stolen bases, and a .942 fielding percentage as a junior in 2024. Billy Carlson also went 2- with a 0.60 ERA and 5 saves out of the bullpen in 2024. Billy Carlson had a .365 batting average, 33 runs, 31 hits, 9 stolen bases, 4 doubles, 1 triple, 6 home runs, and a .938 fielding percentage in 2025.
    
    
    
    Billy Carlson worked to get faster over the summer heading into his senior . He's got the arm and glove to be an MLB shortstop, but San Francisco can gamble on Billy Carlson because they need a shortstop and this is incredible value with Carlson being seen as the last potential consensus top 10 pick. Billy Carlson will have up to seven years to develop in the minors with willy Adames contract at shortstop running through 2032. If you give a High School batter seven years to develop in the minor leagues they usually succeed with that much time to develop.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Kayson Cunningham, SS, Johnson HS (TX)
    
    
14. Tampa Bay Rays: Gavin Kilen, 2B, Tennessee
    
    
    Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz bats first, hit 14 home runs in 2024 and is not a UFA until 2027. Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe bats second, Tampa Bay's 2015 third round draft pick hit 21 home runs in 2024 and is not a UFA until 2027. Tampa Bay drafts the best player on the board here. Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero bats third, Caminero will not enter arbitration until 2028 and is under contract until 2032. Tampa By Rays right fielder Josh Lowe bats fourth, Tampa Bay's 2016 first round pick had 10 home runs as well as 25 stolen bases in 2024, with Josh Lowe entering arbitration level 1 in 2026 making Josh Lowe a UFA in 2029. Tampa Bay Rays catcher Danny Jansen bats fifth, Danny Jansen signed a two year deal as a stop gap catcher in Free Agency after posting a .250 batting average and 9 home runs in 2024 with Jansen being a 2027 UFA. Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Christopher Morel bats sixth as Morel enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 and is under contract until the end of 2028 before becoming a UFA in 2029. Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Jonathan Aranda has been with the Rays since signing from Mexico in 2015 as he enters arbitration level 1 in 2027 and will be a UFA in 2030. Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Jonny Deluca bats eighth, Jonny Deluca had 16 stolen bases, enters arbitration level 1 in 2027, and is not a UFA until 2030. Tampa Bay Rays shortstop, Taylor Walls, a 2017 third round pick agreed to a $1,350,000 deal to be the starting shortstop avoding arbitration level 1 after the Wander Franco scandal.
    
    
    
    The Tampa Bay Rays starting rotation has Shane McClanahan, their 2018 first round pick as their number one starter back from an injury that kept him out in 2024 as McClanahan has previous experience as the AL Starting pitcher in the All Star Game with Shane McClanahan agreeing to $3.6 million to avoid arbitration level 2 as Shane McClanahan is a UFA in 2028. Tampa Bay Rays number two starter Taj Bradley, their 2018 fifth round pick was the number one starter last year and struggled with a 4.11 ERA, but he should do better as the number two starter as Tajh Bradley does not enter arbitration until 2027 and if he has up to arbitration level 4 like Shane McClanahan he will be on the Tampa Bay Rays until the end of 2030 before becoming a UFA in 2031. Tampa Bay Rays number three starter Ryan Pepiot was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers as Ryan Pepiot had a 3.60 ERA as the Rays number two starter in 2024 and should do better as the number three starter as Ryan Pepiot doesn't enter arbitration until 2026 with him not being a UFA until 2029. Tampa Bay Rays number four starter Zack Littel had a 3.63 ERA in 2024 and enters a contract year. Tampa Bay Rays number five starter Shane Baz agreed to $1.45 million avoiding arbitration level 1 after posting a 3.06 ERA in 2024 with Shane Baz under contract until 2029. Tampa Bay has a starting rotation that can win games if Taj Bradley steps up.
    
    
    
    The Tampa Bay Rays bullpen features quite the cast too. Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks had a 3.57 ERA and 23 saves in 2024 as Pete Fairbanks is under contract for two more years before becoming a UFA in 2027. Tampa Bay Rays set up pitcher Edwin Uceta hada 1.51 ERA in 41.2 innings pitched which was best among relievers on the Tampa Bay Rays bullpen as Edwin Uceta enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 and is not a UFA until 2029. Tampa Bay Rays middle releiver Garrett Cleavinger had a 3.75 ERA in 2024 and agreed to a $1.2-million dollar deal to avoid arbitration level 1 as Garrett Cleavinger is not a UFA until 2028. Tampa Bay Rays middle reliever Manuel Rodriguez had a 2.15 ERA and does not enter arbitration leve 1 until 2026 as Manuel Rodriguez is under contract until he becomes a UFA in 2029. Tampa Bay Rays middle reliever Mason Montgomery a 2021 sixth round pick had a 1.86 ERA in 9.2 innings pitched last year with a limited sample size in the MLB and will have a bigger role in the bullpen as Mason Montgomery doesn't enter arbitration level 1 until 2028 with Mason Montgomery under contract until 2032. Tampa Bay Rays middle reliever Cole Sulser agreed to $900,000 for this season avoiding arbitration level 2 after posting a 2.76 ERA. Tampa Bay Rays long reliever Mike Vasil was purchased from the Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays long reliever Drew Rasmussen had a 2.83 ERA in 28.2 innings as the number five starter in 2024 as Mike Vasil enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 with Vasil under contract until 2030 at long reliever while Rasmussen is under contract until 2028.
    
    
    
    The Tampa Bay Rays have the pitching in their starting rotation and bullpen to be a wild card team if Shane McClanahan returns to his All Star form. Kevin Cash is still the manager. Xavier Isaac their 2022 first round pick is in AA and will probably take over for Yandy Diaz in 2027 if Diaz tests Free Agency which is why first baseman isn't a need for the Tampa Bay Rays. Cooper Kinley a 2022 first round pick is the second baseman of the future and he is in AA as he should be ready by 2027 when Brandon Lowe becomes a UFA which is why second baseman isn't a need either. Tampa Bay Rays 2023 first round pick Brayden Taylor is a third baseman in AA and could replace Junior Caminero down the road if Caminero whose under contract until 2032 doesn't break out soon. The batting lineup has needed upgrades at catcher, left fielder, dessignated hitter, shortstop, and second baseman if Brandon Lowe leaves in Free Agency in 2027.
    
    
    
    Gavin Kilen makes sense for Tampa Bay. He could develop in the minor leagues for a little bit. He should be ready by the time Brandon Lowe becomes a Free Agent in 2027.
    
    
    
    The 5-11 180 lb Gavin Kilen posted a .330 batting average and 9 home runs as a freshman shorstop at Louisville. He transferred to Tennessee and is taking over for Christian Moore as a second baseman. Gavin Kilen had a .357 batting average, 60 runs in 210 at bats, 75 hits, 13 doubles, 4 triples, 15 home runs, 46 RBI's, a .671 sugging percentage, 30 walks, a .441 on base percentage, 6 stolen bases, and a .963 fielding percentage finally showcasing 5-tool ability for Tennessee as a sophomore in 2025.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Ike Irish, LF, Auburn
    
    
    
    
15. Boston Red Sox: Kruz Schoolcraft, P, Sunset HS (OR)
    
    
    The Boston Red Sox have quite the batting lineup. Boston Red Sox left fielder Jarren Duran bats first, Jarren Duran, the Boston Red Sox 2018 seventh round draft pick had 21 home runs as well as 34 stolen bases in 2024, Jarren Duran agreed to a $3.75 to avoid arbitration level 1 and $8 million to avoid arbitration level 2 in 2026 with arbitration level 3 as well as arbitration level 4 options, Jarren Duran is not a UFA until 2029. Boston Red Sox second baseman Alex Bregman bats second, Alex Bregman had 26 home runs, 75 RBI's, and 151 hits in 2024 as Alex Bregman is not a UFA until 2028. Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas, bats third, their 2018 first round pick had 13 home runs and enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 as Triston Casas will not be a UFA until 2030 if he has a level 4 arbitration option like Jarren Duran. Boston Red Sox catcher Carlos Narvaez bats fourth. Boston Red Sox right fielder Wilyer Abreu, bats fifth, hit 15 home runs in 2024, and does not enter arbitration level 1 until 2027 making Abreu a member of the Red Sox until the end of 2029 before he becomes a UFA in 2030. Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story bats sixth and is under contract until 2029. Boston Red Sox third baseman Marcelo Mayer their 2021 first round pick took over for Rafael Devers at third baseman and bats seventh in this lineup. Boston Red Sox designated hitter Masataka Yoshia bats sixth, had 10 home runs in 2024, and is not a UFA until 2028 with three years left as the Boston Red Sox designated hitter. Boston Red Sox catcher Connor Wong bats eighth, Connor Wong had 13 home runs in 2024, and enters arbitration level 1 in 2027 and is under contract until the end of the 2029 before becoming a UFA in 2030 with him batting eighth. Boston Red Sox center fielder Ceddane Rafaela bats ninth, Ceddane Rafaela had 15 home runs as well as 19 stolen bases in 2024, as Ceddane Rafaela is not a UFA until 2033. Boston has a good 1-9 lineup with Trevor Story being the only member of the lineup without 10 home runs or 10 stolen bases. Boston currently has Alex Bregman, Triston Casas, and Masataka Yoshia currently on the DL for the Boston Red Sox.
    
    
    
    Boston's starting rotation was supposed to suck in 2024 after a bad 2023 season. Boston traded for Garrett Crochet the Chicago White Sox 2020 first round pick who dominated as a number one starter with the White Sox early in the first half last year and Tanner Houck their 2017 first round pick out of Missouri put together a 3.17 ERA as the number one starter in 2024. Garrett Crochet is a 2027 UFA and has arbitration level 3 in 2026. Tanner Houck agreed to $3.95 million to avoid arbitration level 1 and is a 2027 UFA. The rest of Boston's starting rotation features Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, Walker Buehler, and Lucas Giolito whose still battling an injury from March of 2024 before last years MLB. Boston has two good starters, but needs both Buehler and Giolito to step up if they want to have any remote chance of competing for a wild card in 2025.
    
    
    
    Boston Red Sox closer Liam Hendriks will be back from an injury and is under contract until 2027. Boston Red Sox set up pitcher Aroldis Chapman signed a one year deal with the Boston Red Sox after being utilized as a middle reliever and set up pitcher with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2024 posting a 3.79 ERA and 14 saves in 82.1 innings pitched as the former Chicogo Cubs closer from the 2016 World Series is a good addition to the Boston Red Sox after being the New York Yankees closer for many years following his World Series with the Cubs. Boston Red Sox middle reliever Justin Sieten can play middle reliever or can be a set up pitcher as Justin Slaten had a 2.83 ERA and 2 saves in 85.1 innings pitched in 2024 with Justin Slaten entering arbitration level 1 in 2027 with him not being a UFA until 2030. Boston Red Sox middle reliever Greg Weissert had a 3.13 ERA as well as 1 save in 63.1 innings pitched in 2024 as Greg Weissert doesn't enter arbitration level 1 until 2027 making him a UFA in 2030. Michael Fulmer is the final middle reliever that is decent. Boston doesn't have the long relievers to compete and only three of their four middle relievers are good.
    
    
    
    Boston has to upgrade their pitching. Kruz Schoolcraft the number two High School pitcher is the best pitcher on the board.
    
    
    
    The 6-8 235 lb Kruz Schoolcraft had a 10-1 record with a 0.39 ERA and 146 strikeouts, 4 shutouts, 1 no hitter with a walk preventing a perfect game, he pitched 71.2 innings, and batters only hit .102 against him pitched in 32 games for Sunset High School in 2024 which led Kruz Schoolcraft to winning Oregon's Gatorade High School Player Of The Year in 2024. Kruz Schoolcraft posted a .506 batting average, 14 doubles, 30 RBI's, 29 runs scored, and 7 home runs in 2024. Kruz Schoolcraft had a 5-0 record, a 0.52 ERA, and 82 striekouts in 40 innings pitched in 2025. Kruz Schoolcraft had a .521 batting average, 10 home runs, 30 RBI's and 26 runs scored in 2025. Kruz Schoolcraft won Oregon's Gatorade High School Player Of The Year for a second year in a row.
    
    
    
    Kruz Schoolcraft has a 96 mile per hour 4-seam fastball, an 82 mile per hour slider, and a 70 mile per hour changeup. Those are his only three pitches in his arsenal.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Chase Shores, P, LSU
    
    
16. Minnesota Twins: Tyler Bremner, P, UC Santa Barbara
    
    
    The Minnesota Twins have 9 batters that hit 10 or more home runs in 2023. The Minnesota Twins had 8 batters that hit 10 or more home runs in 2024. Minnesota Twins designated hitter Will Castro bats first, Will Castro had 12 home runs and 14 stolen bases in 2024 and enters the final year of his two year contract with the Minnesota Twins making $6.4 million before becoming a UFA in 2026. Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa bats second, Carlos Correa hit 14 home runs while posting a .310 batting average in 2024 and is not a UFA until 2034. Minnesota Twins left fielder Trevor Larnach, the Minnesota Twins 2018 first round pick agreed to $2.1 million to avoid arbitration level 1 as Larnach hit 15 home runs in 2024 with Trevor larnach under contract until the end of the 2027 season before becoming a UFA in 2028. Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton bats fourth, Minnesota's 2012 first round pick was drafted second overall one spot behind Carlos Correa in the 2012 MLB Draft as Byron Buxton hit 18 home runs in 2024 and is not a UFA until 2029. Minnesota Twins 2019 first round pick Matt Wallner bats fifth, Matt Wallner hit 13 home runs in 2024 and does not enter arbitration level 1 until 2027 as Matt Wallner will not be a UFA until 2030. Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis bats sixth, Minnesota drafted first overall in the 2017 MLB Draft as Royce Lewis hit 16 home runs in 82 games played in 2024 as Royce Lewis agreed to $1.625 million to avoid arbitration level 1 as Royce Lewis does have an arbitration level 4 option on his contract before he becomes a UFA in 2029. Minnesota Twins first baseman Jose Miranda bats seventh, Jose Miranda was the Minneosta Twins 2016 second round pick after the Twins drafted Alex Kiriloff in the first round before he retired as Jose Miranda enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 and is not a UFA until 2029. Minnesota Twins second baseman Brooks Lee bats eighth as Minnesota's 2022 first round pick made the MLB last year in 2024 as Brooks Lee doesn't enter arbitration level 1 until 2028 meaning the Minnesota Twins can keep Brooks Lee until the end of the 2031 season meaning Brooks Lee will not be a UFA until 2032. Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers bats ninth, Ryan Jeffers was the Minnesota Twins 2018 second round pick as Ryan Jeffers hit 21 home runs in 2024 before agreeing to $4,550,000 avoiding arbitration level 2 as Jeffers has one more year of arbitration in 2026 before becoming a UFA in 2027. Minnesota also has Edouard Julien their designated hitter in 2023 whose not a UFA until 2032 as a utility player off the bench along with Christian Vasquez the backup catcher who is making $10 million in a contract year as another utility player. Alex Kiriloff would have been the third utility player on the Twins if he didn't retire and he left money on the table since his contract was set to run through 2028.
    
    
    
    Pablo Lopez, Minnesota's number one starter is locked up until 2028. Joe Ryan posted a 3.60 ERA in 2024 before agreeing to $3 million to avoid arbitration level 1 as Joe Ryan is also a 2028 UFA like Pablo Lopez, and Bailey Ober posted a 3.98 EA in 2024 as Bailey Ober agreed to a $3.3550,000 deal to avoid arbitration level 1 as Bailey Ober is also a UFA in 2028 along with Pablo Lopez and Joe Ryan.
    
    
    
    Minnesota Twins closer Jhoan Duran had a 3.64 ERA and 23 saves in 54.1 innings pitched as Jhoan Duran agreed to a $4.125 million dollar deal to avoid arbitration level 1 as Jhoan Duran is a UFA in 2028. Minnesota Twins set up pitcher Griffin Jax was the Minnesota Twins 2016 third round pick behind Alex Kiriloff and Jose Miranda as Griffin Jax posted a 2.03 ERA as well as 10 saves in 71 innings pitched as Griffin Jax agreed to $2,365,000 to avoid arbitration level 1 as Griffin Jax is not a UFA until 2028. Minnesota Twins middle reliever Cole Sands was a 2018 fifth round pic that posted a 3.28 ERA and 4 saves in 71.1 innings pitched as Cole Sands is on a rookie deal for one more year before entering arbitration level 1 in 2026 as Cole Sands will be a UFA in 2029. Minnesota Twins middle reliever Jorge Alcala posted a 3.24 ERA in 59.1 innings pitched, got $1.5 million avoiding arbitration level 3 in 2025 as Jorge Alcala is a UFA in 2027. Minnesota Twins middle reliever Michael Tonkin ahd a 3.63 ERA and 2 saves pitching 79.1 innings in 2024 as Michael Tonkin agreed to $1 million avoiding arbitration level 2 as Michael Tonkin is a UFA in 2027. Minnesota Twins long releiver Kody Funderburk is a 2018 fifteenth round pick as Kody Funderburk isn't in arbitration level 1 until 2027 as he's not a UFA until 2030. Minnesota Twins long reliever Elberson Castellano was acquired by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2024 Rule 5 Draft back in December.
    
    
    
    Minnesota has the batters and bullpen. They need a few more starting pitchers and until they get more starting pitchers in their farm system through the MLB Draft, there's a limit to how comptitive they can be. This team can make the ALDS if they win the AL Central, but they don't have enough talent to get to the ALCS right now. Drafting a starting pitcher is the most ideal route to go in.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 190 lb Tyler Bremner had a 5-4 record, 80 strikeouts, and a 5.37 ERA in 55 1/3 innings pitched as a freshman in 2023. Tyler Bremner had a 11-1 record, 102 strikeouts, and a 2.54 ERA in 88 2/3 innings pitched in 2024. Tyler Bremner had a 5-4 record, 113 strikeouts, and a 3.49 ERA in 77 1/3 innings pitched as a junior in 2025.
    
    
    
    Tyler Bremner has a 95 mile per hour 4-seam fastball, a 94 mile per hour 2-seam fastball, a 87 mile per hour slider, and a 70 mile per hour changeup that is considered his secondary pitch outside of his fastball. The slider is Bremner's third pitch outside of his two fastballs and slider.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Kade Anderson, P, LSU
    
    
    
    
17. Chicago Cubs: Caden Bodine, C, Coastal Carolina
    
    
    Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ bats first, their 2015 first round pick out of Cincinnati had a 25 home runs as well as 13 stolen bases in 2024 as Ian Happ is only under contract for two more seasons before he becomes a UFA in 2027. Chicago Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker bats second, Tucker spent most of his career with the Houston Astros after being drafted fifth overall in the 2015 MLB Draft got traded from the Astros to the Cubs after posting 23 home runs, 49 RBI's, and 80 hits in 2024 as Kyle Tucker has one year left on his contract before being a UFA in 2026. Chicago Cubs designated hitter Seiya Suzuki bats third, Siya Suzuki had 21 home runs and 16 stolen bases in 2024, as Suzuki has two years left on his contract with the Chicago Cubs before becoming a UFA in 2027. Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch bats fourth, Michael Busch had 21 home runs in 2024, Michael Busch enters aribtratin level 1 in 2027 and is not a UFA until 2030. Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson bats fifth, Dansby Swanson was the first pick in the 2015 MLB Draft as Swanson helped the Atlanta Braves win the 2021 World Series while hitting 16 home runs in addition to recording 19 stolen bases in 2024 with Dansby Swanson being a UFA in 2030. Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner bats sixth, the Chicago Cubs 2018 first round pick was a shortstop at Stanford before converting to second baseman as Nico Hoerner had 31 stolen bases in 2024. Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong bats seventh, as Pete Crow-Armstrong had 10 home runs, 27 stolen bases in 2024, the scary thing with Pete Crow-Armstrong is he doesn't enter arbitration level 1 until 2028 meaning he probably will not be a UFA until 2031 at the earliest. Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw bats eighth, Matt Shaw a 2023 first round pick out of Maryland that played shortstop has dominated in the minor leagues and is projected to make the transition to third baseman as Matt Shaw would not enter arbitration until 2028 at the earliest with him gettinf four years of arbitration versus the three Pete Crow-Armstrong gets with Matt Shaw not being a UFA until 2032. Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya rounds out this batting lineup batting ninth and he's the weak link in this Chicago Cubs batting lineup. Chicago also brought in Carson Kelly in Free Agency to compete with Miguel Amaya at catcher, but I don't trust either catcher even though both are under contract until 2028.
    
    
    
    The Chicago Cubs starting rotation is good. Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga is the number one ace pitcher who posted a 2.91 ERA in 173.1 innings pitched with 29 starts locked up until 2029. Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele is the number two starter had a 3.07 ERA in 24 starts with 134.2 innings pitched in 2024, he agreed to $6,550,000 to avoid arbitration level 2 as Justin Steele is under contract for two more years with an arbitration level 4 option before becoming a UFA in 2028. Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon is the number three starter and posted a 3.27 ERA in 2024 and is under contract for two more seasons before becoming a 2027 UFA. Chicago Cubs number four starter Matthew Boyd had a 2.27 ERA in 2024, but he only started 8 games as a starter and mainly played out of the bullpen with Cleveland last year as Matthew Boyd is under contract until 2028. Chicago Cubs number five starter Javier Assad who they got from Mexico posted a 3.73 ERA in 147 innings starting 29 games is not in arbitration level 1 until 2026 and will be a UFA in 2029. Chicago also has first round picks Jordan Wicks Chicago Cubs 2021 first round pick from Kansas State and Cade Horton a 2022 first round pick from Oklahoma in AAA.
    
    
    
    Chicago only has four good relief pitchers. Chicago Cubs closer Ryan Pressley had a 3.49 ERA and 4 saves in 56.2 innings in 2024 while also posting an ERA of 0 in 10 games with the Astros during their run to the 2022 World Series while recording 6 saves in those games pitching 11 innings as Chicago acquired Ryan Pressley in a trade with the Houston Astros as Ryan Pressly is 36 making $14 million in 2025 in the final year of his contract as he's a 2026 UFA. Chicago Cubs set up pitcher Porter Hodge is a 2019 thirteenth round pick as Porter Hodge had 9 saves and a 1.88 ERA in 43 innings gaining experience as both a set up pitcher and closer in 2024 as Porter Hodge is not going to enter arbitration until 2028 and would not be a UFA until 2031. Chicago Cubs middle reliever Tyson Miller posted a 2.42 ERA and does not enter arbitration level 1 until 2027 and will be a UFA in 2030. Chicago Cubs long reliever Keegan Thompson a 2017 third round pick by the Chicago Cubs agreed to $850,000 to avoid arbitration level 1 and has two more years of arbitration before he becomes a 2028 UFA.
    
    
    
    Chicago needs a catcher and more guys in the bullpen. They have some college pitchers and guys dominating in AAA that can move to the bullpen who might be better than some of the middle relievers and long relievers on the Cubs. I don't trust either one of the catchers the Chicago Cubs have, so I mocked Coastal Carolina catcher Caden Bodine here.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 200 lb Caden Bodine was the 2023 Sun Belt Freshman of the year after posting a .367 batting average, started 55 out of 56 games, 65 runs, 79 hits, 17 doubles, 1 triple, 11 home runs, 47 RBI's, a .609 slugging percentage, 1 stolen base, and a .988 fielding percentage as a freshman in 2023. Caden Bodine had a .328 batting average, started all 60 games, had 500 runs, 79 RBI's, 20 doubles, 9 home runs, 71 RBI's, a .523 slugging percentage, 3 stolen bases and a .997 fielding percentage as a sophomore in 2024. Caden Bodine had a .318 batting average, 55 runs, 78 hits, 42 RBI's, 18 doubles, 1 triple, 5 home runs, 2 stolen bases, and a .998 fielding percentage while helping Coastal Carolina get to the Championship game of the 2025 College World Series.
    
    
    
    Caden Bodine hits with power like Ike Irish. Caden Bodine is not someone who will steal bases, but he will get you home runs and line drives consistently while defending well. He also feels like an upgrade over both of the current catchers on the Chicago Cubs MLB roster.
    
    
    
18. Arizona Diamondbacks: Luke Stevenson, C, North Carolina
    
    
    The Arizona Diamondbacks have a few core players in their batting lineup. Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Caroll had 25 home runs, 54 stolen bases, a team best .285 batting average, and a team best .506 slugging percentage in his rookie season with the 2023 National League Champion Arizona Diamondbacks. Arizona redid his contract and now Arizona's 2019 first round pick is under contract until 2032 giving Arizona a star right fielder before posting 22 home runs and 35 stolen bases as a sophomore in 2024. Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte hit 25 home runs in 2023 before hitting 36 home runs in 2024, bats second in this lineup, will be the highest paid player on the Arizona Diamondbacks until 2028, and is not a UFA until 2029. Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Josh Naylor bats third and replaces first baseman Christian Walker after hitting 31 home runs, 108 RBI's, and 137 hits with Cleveland in 2024 as Josh Naylor is only under contract for one year before being a UFA in 2026. Arizona Diamondbacks left fielder Loudres Gurriel Jr. bats fourth, hit 13 home runs in 2024, is under contract for three more years before being a UFA in 2028. Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez hit 26 home runs in 2023 before hitting 30 home runs in 2024 and enters the final year of his contract as he is under contract until 2026. Arizona Diamondbacks designated hitter Pavin Smith bats seventh, their 2017 first round pick entered arbitration level 1 before settling on $1.5 million as Pavin Smith is not a UFA until 2028. Gabriel Moreno and Gerald Perdomo are expendable as batters, but Jordan Lawler is in AAA.
    
    
    
    Arizona signed Corbin Burnes to a six year contract after Corbin Burnes made his fourth straight All Star Game. Baltimore offered Corbin Burnes $21-million, but he wanted more and got $36 million for 6 years at the age of 30. Zac Gallen, Arizona's number one starter and ace pticher on their 2023 World Series team is under contract for one more year. Merrill Kelly was Arizona's best starting pitcher in 2023, but struggled in 2024 and is under contract for one more year. Arizona signed Eduardo Rodriguez from the Detroit Tigers to a five year deal that keeps him under contract until 2029. Brandon Pfaadt a 2020 fifth round pick and Free Agent Jordan Montgomery are competing for the number five starting pitcher job.
    
    
    
    Arizona Diamondbacks closer Justin Martinez enters arbitration level 1 in 2027 and is not a UFA until 2030 after psotinga 2.48 ERA and 8 saves in 72.2 innings pitched. Arizona Diamondbacks set up pitcher A.J. Puk a former starting pitcher drafted sixth overall by the Oakland Athletics in 2016 out of Florida has moved to the bullpen and had more success there posting a 3.15 ERA and 3 saves in 71.1 innings pitched. Arizona Diamondbacks middle reliever pitcher Kevin Ginkel had a 2.48 ERA, 70 strikeouts, and 4 saves in 2023 before posting a 3.21 ERA and 5 saves in 70 innings pitched as Kevin Ginkel remains under contract in Arizona until he becomes a UFA in 2027. Arizona Diamondbacks middle reliever Ryan Thompson posted a 3.28 ERA in 2024 and is under contract until 2028 Arizona Diamondbacks middle reliever Joe Mantiply had a 3.92 ERA and 2 save in 59.2 innings pitched as Joe Mantiply agreed to $1.7-million to avoid arbitration level 2 as Joe Mantiply is not a UFA until 2027. Arizona Diamondbacks middle reliever Seth Martinez had a 3.59 ERA and 1 save in 52.2 innings pitched in 2024 as Arizona picked up Martinez off of waivers after he pitched with the Houston Astros as Seth Martinez doesn't enter arbitration level 1 until 2026 making him a 2029 UFA. Arizona Diamondbacks long reliever Bryce Jarvis was the Arizona Diamondbacks 2020 first round pick posting a 3.19 ERA in 59.1 innings pitched with Bryce Jarvis not entering arbitration level 1 until 2027 with a potential arbitration level 4 option he will not be a UFA until 2031 at the earliest.
    
    
    
    Arizona only has two immediate draft needs at catcher and starting pitcher. They got two second round catchers in addition to the catchers on their MLB team. One more starting pitcher is needed. Blake Walston a 2019 first round pick drafted after Corbin Caroll is in AAA, so I'll go for value over need and give Arizona the final catcher with a true first round grade at 18.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 210 lb Luke Stevenson had 14 home runs and a .996 fielding percentage as a true freshman in 2024. Luke Stevenson had 19 home runs and a .996 fielding percentage as a true sophomore in 2025. His .284 batting average got worse with his batting average dropping to .251. His power hitting remained a constant with Stevenson improving his home run total from 14 as a freshman to 19 as a sophomore.
    
    
    
    
    
19. Baltimore Orioles: Wehiwa Aloy, SS, Arkansas
    
    
    Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson bats first, Gunar Henderson had 37 home runs, 21 stolen bases, as well as a .281 batting average as Henderson enters arbitration level 1 next season as Baltimore's 2019 second round pick is not an UFA until 2029. Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman bats second, Adley Rutschman the first pick in the 2019 MLB Draft hit 13 home runs in 2022, 20 home runs in 2023, had 19 home runs in 2024, Baltimore had to pay him $5.5 million to avoid arbitration level 1 as that number will only go up the next two years until Adley Rutschman becomes a UFA in 2028. Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Ryan O'Hearn bats third, Ryan O'Hearn hit 15 home runs in 2024 as Ryan O'Hearn enters a contract year before he becomes a UFA in 2026. Baltimore Orioles left fielder Tyler O'Neill bats fourth, he hit 31 home runs, 61 RBI's, as well as 99 hits with the Boston Red Sox in 2024 as Baltimore signed Tyler O'Neill to a three year deal as he's not a UFA until 2028. Baltimore Orioles right fielder Colton Cowser bats fifth, the Baltimore Orioles 2021 first round pick drafted fifth overall from Sam Houston State had 21 home runs in 2024 and is not in arbitration level 1 until 2027 as Colton Cowser has up to arbitration level 4 and is not a UFA until 2031. Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle bats sixth, Ryan Mountcastle hit 13 home runs in 2024 and agreed to $6,787,000 to avoid arbitration level 1 as Baltimore's 2015 first round pick has one more year of arbitration in 2026 before he becomes a UFA in 2027. Batlimore Orioles center fielder Cedric Mullins bats seventh, a 2015 thirteenth round pick had 18 home runs as well as 32 stolen bases enters a contract year and is a UFA in 2026. Baltimore Orioles third baseman Jordan Westburg bats eighth, Jordan Westburg was Baltimore's 2020 first round pick that hit 18 home runs in 2024 as Westburg doesn't enter arbitration level 1 until 2027 with Westburg not being a UFA until 2031. Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday bats ninth, the first pick in the 2022 MLB Draft doesn't enter arbitration level 1 until 2028 meaning he will not be a UFA until 2032.
    
    
    
    Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Zach Eflin a trade deadline acquisition from the San Diego Padres had a 3.59 ERA and takes over as Baltimore's number one starter in the final year of his contract. Grayson Rodriguez is the number two starter once again and Baltimore's 2018 first round pick doesn't enter arbitration level 1 until 2028 meaning he's not a UFA until 2031. Charlie Morton signed a one year deal with the Baltimore Orioles to be their number three starting pitcher. Dean Kremer is the number four starter, and Baltimore signed Tomoyuki Sugano to a one year deal to be their number five starter. Baltimore has three starting pitchers on one year deals.
    
    
    
    Baltimore Orioles closer Felix Bautista got $1 million to avoid arbitration level 1 and he's not a UFA until 2028. Baltimore Orioles set up pitcher Andrew Kittredge signed a two year deal to be Baltimore's new set up pitcher in Free Agency after posting a 2.80 ERA in 70.2 innings pitched with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2024. Baltimore Orioles middle reliever Keegan Akin, a 2016 second round pick had a 3.32 ERA along with 1 save in 78.2 innings pitched in 2024, agreed to a $1,475,000 deal avoiding level 2 arbitration and is a in 2027. Baltimore Orioles middle reliever Yennier Cano enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 and will remain an Oriole until he becomes a UFA in 2029. Baltimore Orioles long reliever Albert Suarez had a 3.70 ERA in 130.2 innings pitched in 2024 as Albert Suarez enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 and will not be a UFA until 2029.
    
    
    
    The Orioles can reload at batter, starting pitcher, and bullpen. With Jackson Holliday staying at second baseman, Baltimore gets a shorstop. Arkansas shortstop Wehiwa Aloy not only makes sense from a need standpoint, he's also a guy that's been linked to the Baltimore Orioles as one of their draft options at 20.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 200 lb Wehiwa Aloy began his career at Sacramento State before transferring to Arkansas after his freshman season in 2023. Wehiwa Aloy had a .350 batting average, 81 runs, 93 hits, 179 total bases, 19 doubles, 2 triples, 21 home runs, 68 RBI's, 32 walks, 10 hits by pitch, 64 strikeouts, 9 stolen bases stealing bases successfully 75 percent, and posted a .978 fielding percentage as a junior in 2025.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Aiva Arquette, SS, Oregon State
    
    
20. Milwaukee Brewers: JoJo Parker, SS, Purvis HS (MS)
    
    
    Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Jackson Chourio bats first, Chourio hit 21 home runs as well as 22 stolen bases in 2024 as Jackson Chourio is under contract until 2034. Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter Christian Yellich bats second, Yelich had 11 home runs, 21 stolen bases, a .315 batting average, and is not a UFA until 2030. Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras bats third, William Contreras had 23 home runs, 9 stolen bases, and agreed to $6,050,000 to avoid arbitration level 1 as William Contreras is a 2028 UFA. Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Garrett Mitchell bats fourth, Milwaukee's 2020 first round pick had 11 stolen bases, enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 and is not a UFA until 2030. Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins bats fifth, Rhys Hoskins hit 26 home runs in 2024, and is a UFA in 2027. Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Sal Frelick bats sixth, Milwaukee's 2021 first round pick had 18 stolen bases in 2024, he doens't enter arbitration level 1 until 2027, he's not a UFA until 2031. Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang bats seventh, Milwaukee's 2018 first round pick led the Brewers with 50 stolen bases in 2024, Turang doesn't enter arbitration level 1 until 2026, he wouldn't be a Free Agent until 2029 at the earliest. Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Joey Ortiz bats eighth, had 11 home runs, 11 stolen bases, 60 RBI's, and 105 hits. He enters arbitration level 1 in 2027, and is not a UFA until 2030. Oliver Dunn rounds out this Milwaukee Brewers batting lineup at third baseman, but he's the one guy that Milwaukee should probably take the liberty to replace in this batting lineup. Tyler Black, Milwaukee's 2021 first round pick drafted thirty third overall is the backup third baseman and is a utility player, but he dissapointed in his MLB debut last year. Andrew Vaughn who Milwaukee got in a trade with the Chicago White Sox is now the backup first baseman. I'm not sure he can be a future third baseman on the Brewers if I'm being honest, even though it feels premature to say that. Milwaukee also has a 2023 first round pick at third baseman in Brock Wilken. Blake Burke, the Tennessee first baseman was Milwaukee's 2024 first round pick and the future replacement to Rhys Hoskins.
    
    
    
    Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher and number one starter Freddy Peralta had a 3.68 ERA in 2024 and is only under contract for two more seasons before he becomes a UFA in 2027. Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff returns from an injury and he's also a UFA in 2027. Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Aaron Civale has the worst ERA of this group, but he showed flashes of potential in Clevleand and has the ability to be a quality number three starter if he puts everything together as Civale enters a contract year with the Milwuakee Brewers. Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Tobias Myers is the number four starter with an ERA of 3.00 in 2024, he doesn't enter arbitration until 2028 and will not be a UFA until 2031. Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Nestor Cortes had a 3.77 ERA with the New York Yankees in 2024 as Nestor Cortes enters this season in a contract year.
    
    
    
    Milwaukee Brewers closer Trevor Megill had a 2.72 ERA, 21 saves, in 46.1 innings pitched in 2024 as Trevor Megill agreed to $1,940,000 to avoid arbitration level 1 as Trevor Megill is a UFA in 2028. Milwaukee Brewers set up pitcher Jared Koenig posted a 2.47 ERA in 62 innings pitched in 2024 enters arbitration level 1 in 2027 and is not a UFA until 2030. Milwaukee Brewers middle reliever Joe Payamps can play middle reliever as well as set up pitcher as Payamps posted a 3.05 ERA in addition to 6 saves in 2024 as Payamps agreed to a $2,995,000 deal to avoid arbitration level 2, and Joe Payamps is a UFA in 2027. Milwaukee Brewers middle reliever Bryan Hudson had a 1.73 ERA in 62.1 innings in 2024 as Bryan Hudson doesn't enter arbitration level 1 until 2027 and is not a UFA until 2030. Milwaukee Brewers middle reliever Elvis Peguero had a 2.98 ERA in 51.1 innings pitched in 2024 as Elvis Peguero enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 and he will not be a UFA until 2029. Milwaukee Brewers middle reliever DL Hall a former 2017 first round pick drafted by the Baltimore Orioles is the weak link among the middle relievers, but he doesn't enter arbitration level 1 until 2027 and will not be a UFA until 2030. Milwaukee Brewers long reliever Connor Thomas is on a one year deal.
    
    
    
    Milwaukee needs a third baseman, starting pitcher, and another long reliever. If the Brewers can fill these voids, they could end up winning the NL Central once again, but I gave them a shortstop that is a projected top 10 pick in some MLB Mock Drafts at 20.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 205 lb JoJo Parker had a .489 batting average, 13 home runs, 64 runs, and 35 RBI's in 2025. JoJo Parker also won Mississippi Gatorade High School Player of the year in 2025. JoJo Parker projects as a 20-25 home run hitter in the MLB.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Xavier Neyens, 3B, Mount Vernon HS (WA)
    
    
    
    
21. Houston Astros: Devin Taylor, LF, Indiana
    
    
    Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Parades hit 19 home runs, 80 RBI's, and had 129 hits in 2024 as he signed a contract avoiding arbitration level 2 as Isaac Parades is a 2028 UFA as Parades was sent to Houston in the trade that sent Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs as Isaac Parades is batting first in this lineup. Houston Astros center fielder Jake Meyers bats second, Jake Meyers a 2017 thirteenth round pick had 13 home runs and 11 stolen bases in 2024. Jake Meyers agreed to $2.3 million avoiding arbitration level 1 in 2025 as Jake Meyers is a UFA in 2028. Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve, tbats third Houston Astros enterred a contract year as Jose Altuve had 14 home runs, 17 stolen bases, and a .311 batting average in 2023. Jose Altuve had 20 home runs and 24 stolen bases in 2024 before getting extended for five years as Jose Altuva is now not a Free Agent until 2030. Houston Astros right fielder Cam Smith, the Chicago Cubs 2024 first round pick at third baseman out of Florida State has found a home at right fielder with the Houston Astros as the Kyle Tucker trade with the Chicago Cubs allowed the Houston Astros to reload and bats fourth in this lineup. Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker bats fifth, Christian Walker hit 26 home runs, 84 RBI's, and 120 hits in 2024 before signing a 3 year $20 million dollar deal with the Houston Astros. Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez bats sixth, Yordan Alvarez huit 31 home runs in 2023 before hitting 35 home runs in 2024 as Yordan Alvarez isn't a UFA until 2029. Houston Astros catcher Yanier Diaz bats seventh, Yanier Diaz hit 23 home runs in 2023, 16 home runs in 2024 and enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 with Diaz being a UFA in 2029. Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena bats eighth, Jeremy Pena, Houston's 2018 third round pick was the 2022 World Series MVP hit 10 home runs as well as 13 stolen bases in 2023, Jeremy Pena had 15 home runs, and 20 stolen bases in 2024. Jeremy Pena agreed to $4.1-million avoiding arbitration level 1 as Jeremy Pena is a UFA in 2028. Houston Astros right fielder Chas McCormick a 2017 twenty first round pick played left fielder in 2024, but is moving to right fielder with Kyle Tucker being traded to the Chicago Cubs in 2025. Houston Astros left fielder Taylor Trammell bats ninth. Houston has a great batting lineup, but the one position in this batting lineup they could upgrade is at left fielder.
    
    
    
    Houston still has Framber Valdez as their number one starting pitcher as Framber Valdez posted a 2.91 ERA in 176.1 innings pitched in 28 starts in 2024, but Framber Valdez enters a contract year in 2025. Houston Astros number two starter Hunter Brown a 2019 fifth round pick posted a 3.49 ERA in 30 starts pitching 170 innings in 2024 as Hunter Brown enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 making him a UFA in 2029. Houston Astros number three starter Ronel Blanco posted a 2.80 ERA in 29 starts in 167.1 innings pitched as Ronel Blanco doesn't enter arbitration level 1 until 2027 meaning he's not a UFA until 2030. Houston Astros number four starter Lance McCullers Jr., Houston's second 2012 first round pick is under contract for two more years before becoming a UFA in 2027. Houston Astros number five starter Hayden Wesneski posted a 3.86 ERA in 7 starts with 67.2 innings pitched as Hayden Wesneski enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 and is a UFA in 2029.
    
    
    
    Houston Astros closer Josh Hader is the highest paid reliever in MLB history after signing a 5 year $95-million dollar deal as he will not be a UFA until 2029 after completing the first year of that contract with 34 saves and a 3.80 ERA in 71 innings pitched in 2024. Houston Astros set up pitcher Bryan Abreu posted a 1.75 ERA in 72 innings pitched in 2023 before having a 3.10 ERA and 1 save in 78.1 innings in 2024, as Abreu is under contract until 2027. Houston Astros middle reliever Tayler Scott posted a 2.33 ERA in 68.2 innings in 2024 and enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 meaning he will be a UFA in 2029. Houston Astros middle reliever Bryan King had a 2.39 ERA in 26.1 innings pitched in 2024 as Bryan King doesn't enter arbitration level 1 until 2028 meaning he will not be a UFA until 2031. Houston Astros middle reliever Kaleb Ort had a 2.55 ERA in 2024 and he does not enter arbitration level 1 until 2027 meaning he will not be a UFA until 2030. Houston Astros middle reliever Forrest Whitley their 2016 first round pick had an ERA of 0.00 in 2024 and does not enter arbitration level 1 until 2028 meaning he will not be a UFA until 2031. Houston doesn't have the long relievers to win games if they get in a hole early, but they have the middle relivers, set up pitcher, and closer to be a threat when their starting pitchers pitch 6 or more innings.
    
    
    
    One of my friends Donovan James, suggested Indiana batter Devin Taylor hearing that Kyle Schwarber thinks Devin Taylor is better than Schwarber at Indiana right now. Houston's biggest weakness is at left fielder, making Devin Taylor a perfect fit for the Houston Astros at 21.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 215 lb Devin Taylor had a .315 batting average, 51 starts, 61 runs, 63 hits, 13 doubles, 3 triples, 16 home runs, 59 RBI's, and a .926 fielding percentage as a true freshman in 2023. Devin Taylor had a .357 batting average, 59 starts, 67 runs, 86 hits, 11 doubles, 1 triple, 20 home runs, 54 RBI's, and a .974 fielding percentage as a true sophomore in 2024. Devin Taylor had a .374 batting average, 55 starts, 63 runs, 80 hits, 13 doubles, 2 triples, 18 home runs, 66 RBI's, 12 stolen bases, and a .981 fielding percentage as a junior in 2025.
    
    
    
    Devin Taylor can hit home runs, line drives, grounders, and bunts. He's a five tool batter with the batting, speed, arm, and fielding MLB teams covet. He's got the versatility to play both left fielder and third baseman even though left fielder is his main spot.
    
    
    
22. Atlanta Braves: Daniel Pierce, SS, Mill Creek HS (GA)
    
    
    Atlanta has a incredible 1-9 batting lineup just like the Los Angeles Dodgers do entering the 2025 MLB Season. Both teams have strong starting pitching with good 1-5 rotations as well.
    
    
    
    Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. dominated last year with a .337 batting average, 41 home runs, and 73 stolen bases with Atlanta's lead off batter having a historic 2023 MLB Season with Ronld Acuna Jr. under contract until 2029, but he's out for the season this year. Second baseman Ozzie Albies bats second in this lineup behind Ronald Acuna Jr., he hit 33 homes runs in 2023, and remains under contract with the Atlanta Braves until 2028. Third baseman Austin Riley bats third in this lineup, hit 34 home runs in 2023 and is locked up until 2034. First baseman Matt Olsen bats fourth in this batting lineup, led the Atlanta Braves with 54 home runs, and is under contract until 2031. Designated hitter Marcel Ozuna bats fifth, hit 40 home runs in 2023, and is under contract until 2026. Center fielder Michael Harris Jr. bats sixth, he had 18 home runs, 20 stolen bases, and is under contract until 2033. Catcher Sean Murphy bats seventh, hit 21 home runs, and is under contract until 2030. Left fielder Jarred Kelenic had 13 home runs and 18 stolen bases with the Seattle Mariners before Atlanta traded for Kelenic. Jared Kelenic will bat eighth in this lineup and is under contract until 2029. Shortstop Nick Hall took the starting shortstop job from Orlando Arcia who got released.
    
    
    
    Atlanta's top nine batters are under contract for the next yar. Now it is time to break down the pitching on the Atlanta Braves.
    
    
    
    Atlanta's number one starter Spencer Strider pitched 186 2/3 innings with 281 strikeouts and a 3.86 ERA with Strider locked up until 2030. Reynaldo Lopez has done well in relief of Spencer Strider as a number one starter and is under contract until 2028 as he will probably be Atlanta's number two starter next year when Strider comes back, but posted a 1.99 ERA in 2024. Chris Sale, won the NL Cy Young and stepped up as the number one starter when Spencer Strider had an elbow injury posting a 2.38 ERA in 2024. Atlanta's number four starter Spencer Schwellenbach had a 3.35 ERA in 21 starts in 2024, does not enter arbitration level 1 until 2028 and is not a UFA until 2031. Atlanta's number five starter Ian Anderson had an ERA of 0.00 and does not enter arbitration level 1 until 2026 after being drafted third overall in the 2016 MLB Draft.
    
    
    
    Altanta's bullpen is pretty strong too. Atlanta Braves closer Raisel Iglesias had 33 saves, 68 strikeouts, and a 2.75 ERA with 55 2/3 innings pitched in 2023. Rafael Iglesias posted a 1.95 ERA, 34 saves, and 68.1 innings pitched in 2024 Raisel Iglesias is under contract for next season until he becomes a UFA in 2026. Atlanta Braves set up pitcher Pierce Johnson posted a 3.67 ERA, 2 saves, and pitched 56.1 innings in 2024 after he had 90 strikeouts in 2023. Pierce Johnson is a UFA in 2027. Atlanta Braves middle reliever Joe Jiminez improved enough to take the set-up pitcher job from A.J. Minter in 2023, but an injury in 2024 causes him to move back to middle reliever in 2025 as Joe Jimenez is not a UFA until 2027. Atlanta Braves middle reliever Aaron Bummer had a 3.58 ERA and is not a UFA until 2027. Atlanta Braves middle reliever Dylan Lee posted a 2.11 ERA and agreed to just over $1 million for 2025 avoiding arbitration level 1 as Dylan Lee has up to arbitration level 4 before becoming a UFA in 2029. Atlanta Braves middle reliever Daysbel Hernandez had a 2.50 ERA in 18 innings pitched and he does not enter arbitration level 1 until 2028 meaning he's not a UFA until 2031. Atlanta Braves long reliever Grant Holmes had a 3.56 ERA in 2024 as Grant Holmes doesn't enter arbitration level 1 until 2028 with Holmes also being considered a substitute starter until Spencer Strider returns with Grant Holmes not being a UFA until 2031. Atlanta Braves long reliever Angel Perdomo doesn't enter arbitration level 1 until 2026 and is not a UFA until 2029.
    
    
    
    Atlanta can draft the best player on the board. Daniel Pierce ranks thirteenth in the MLB Draft rankings on 2025 MLB Draft Rankings. He's a steal this late in the first round at 22.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 185 lb Daniel Pierce had a .408 batting average, 2 home runs, 12 RBI's, and 18 stolen bases as a junior in 2024. Daniel Pierce had a .457 batting average, 8 home runs, 27 RBI's, 10 doubles, 3 triples, 48 runs, 33 walks, 35 stolen bases, a .621 on base percentage, and a .980 fielding percentage as a senior in 2025.
    
    
    
    Daniel Pierce won the District 8A Player Of The Year Award in Georgia in 2025 which is the highest district in Georgia. He lost out on the Gatorade Player Of The Year in the state of Georgia to junior shortstop Keon Johnson who posted a .524 batting average, 10 home runs, 67 runs, and 47 RBI's in 4A which is four divisions below 8A for the 2025 Gatorade High School Baseball Player Of The Year in the State of Georgia. Keon Johnson will be draft eligbile in 2026 if Atlanta wants to wait for their shortstop, but there's no guarantee Keon Johnson will be available when the Atlanta Braves are on the clock next year since Keon Johnson is the ninth best High School batter along with the sixth best High School shortstop and Atlanta could fall to 10 in the 2026 MLB Draft Lottery if the Braves fail to win one of the 6 lottery draws for the 2026 MLB Draft with Atlanta currently sitting as the fourth worst MLB team.
    
    
    
    Atlanta can go for value over need by taking the best player available which is why they draft Daniel Pierce here since Georgia Tech center fielder Drew Burress is the early favorite to go first overall in the 2026 MLB Draft. Atlanta could potentially double up at shortstop in this draft and in 2026 hoping to hit on one of these High School shortstops after having constant turnover at shortstop since losing Dansby Swanson.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Eli Willits, SS, Fort Cobb-Broxton HS (OK)
    
    
    
    
23. Kansas City Royals: Aaron Watson, P, Trinity Christian HS (FL)
    
    
    Kansas City Royals second baseman Jonathan India bats first, Jonathan India had 15 home runs, 13 stolen bases, 84 runs, and 132 hits in 2024, as Jonathan India agreed to a $7,050,000 dollar deal avoiding arbitration level 2 as Jonathan India is a UFA in 2027. Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. bats second, the second overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft is not a UFA until 2038 after signing an eleven year contract extension that began in 2024 as Bobby Witt Jr. had 32 home runs, 31 stolen bases, and an MLB best .332 batting average in 2024. Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino bats third, Vinnie Pasquantino was the Kansas City Royals 2019 eleventh round draft pick as Vinnie Pasquantino enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 and is not a UFA until 2029. Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia bats fourth, Maikel Garcia had 37 stolen bases in 2024, as Maikel Garcia enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 before he becomes a UFA in 2029. Kansas City Royals Salvador Perez bats fifth, Salvador Perez has been with the Royals since October of 2006 and is the lone member from the 2015 Kansas City Royals World Series team still on this roster as Salvador Perez hit 27 home runs in 2024 and is not a UFA until 2027. Kansas City Royals right fielder Jac Caglione their 2024 first round pick drafted sixth overall out of Florida bats sixth. Kansas City Royals designated hitter Nick Loftin their second 2020 first round pick bats seventh. Kansas City Royals left fielder John Rave a 2019 fifth round pick took the left fielder job from MJ Melendez their 2017 second round pick that hit 17 home runs last year as John Rave bats eighth. Kansas City Royals center fielder Kyle Isbel, a 2018 third round pick bats ninth, Kyle Isbel had 11 stolen bases, agreed to $1.75-million to avoid arbitration level 1 and is a UFA in 2028.
    
    
    
    Kansas City has two first baseman in the minors with former starting first baseman Nick Pratto the Kansas City Royals 2017 first round pick in AAA and last years first round pick Jac Caglione drafted out of Florida in AA. Kansas City's batting lineup is pretty complete for this season if everyone stays healthy, but right fielder could be an area that the Kansas City Royals opt to reload at if there is a right fielder worth drafting here, but Gavin Cross the right fielder that the Royals drafted ninth overall in the 2022 MLB Draft out of Virginia Tech is currently in AAA as Gavin Cross will be ready to replace Hunter Renfrow by 2026. Kansas City drafted Blake Mitchell eighth overall as a High School catcher to succeed Salvador Perez, but right now he's in A+ and still hasn't been promoted to AA yet. Mitchell might be ready for the bigs by the time Perez is a UFA. Kansas City can draft the top outfielder in the minors for a few years and bring them up to the MLB in 2028 and 2029 while continuing to reload their roster.
    
    
    
    Kansas City Royals number one starting pitcher Cole Raggins posted a 3.47 ERA with the Kansas City Royals in 2023 and has a 3.14 in 2024. Cole Raggins enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 and is not a UFA until 2029. Kansas City Royals number two starter Seth Lugo improved his ERA from 3.57 with the Padres in 2023 to 3.00 with the Royals as Kansas City's number two starter, but Lugo began the 2024 MLB Season on a high note with a 2.21 ERA leading up to the 2024 MLB Draft. Seth Lugo has two years left with the Kansas City Royals before he becomes a UFA in 2027, but he does have a player option he can use in 2026 if he chooses to test the market to get a bigger payday. Kansas City Royals number three starter Michael Wacha posted a 2.93 ERA before the 2024 MLB Draft, before finishing the year with a 3.35 ERA which is still very respectable as Michael Wacha is not a UFA until 2029. Kansas City Roayls number four starter Michael Lorenzen posted a 3.31 ERA in 130.1 innings pitched in 2024 as Michael Lorenzen has two years left on his contract before he becomes a UFA in 2027. Kansas City Royals number five starter Kris Bubic, a 2018 first round pick drafted after former pitcher Brady Singer posted a 2.67 ERA in 2024 as Kris Bubic has two years under contract before he becomes a UFA in 2027. Kansas City has Daniel Lynch IV, a third 2018 first round pick in AAA as well as Asa Lacy their 2020 first round pick in AAA as reinforcements whenever they lose starting pitchers to Free Agency.
    
    
    
    Kansas City Royals closer Carlos Estevez signed a two year deal at $11.1-million with a club option for a third year after posting a 2.45 ERA and 26 saves in 55 innings pitched with the Colorado Rockies in 2024, Estevez will not be a UFA until 2028 unless the Royals decline his club option in 2027. Kansas City Royals set up pitcher Lucas Ercag posted a 3.36 ERA and 14 saves in 61.2 innings pitched in 2024 with Lucas Erceg entering arbitration level 1 in 2026 with Lucas Erceg not becoming a UFA until 2029. Kansas City Royals middle reliever John Schreiber posted a 3.6 ERA and 2 saves in 51.2 innings pitched in 2024 as John Schreiber agreed to a $2.3-million dollar deal to avoid arbitration level 2 in 2025 as John Schreiber is a UFA in 2027. Kansas City Royals middle reliever Angel Zerpa had a 3.86 ERA in 53.2 innings pitched in 2024, and does not enter arbitration level 1 until 2026 making him a UFA in 2029. Kansas City Royals long reliever Sam Long posted a 3.16 ERA and 1 save in 42.2 innings pitched in 2024 as Sam Long enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 and will not be a UFA until 2029. Kansas City Royals pitcher Kyel Wright is the wild card because when healthy, he's good enough to start, but agreed to $1.8-million in arbitration. Kansas City needs two more middle relievers and a second long reliever in order to complete this bullpen. Moving Alec Marsh and Kyle Wright, two starting pitchers that struggled into the bullpen might fill two of the three voids in this bullpen.
    
    
    
    The Kansas City Royals can take the best player on their board rather than draft for need. There are three AL Central teams looking at Aaron Watson. Aaron Watson and Cameron Appenzeller were two High School pitchers in my top 12 back in Feburary. Both did enough to remain in the first round, but Aaron Watson did a little bit more to cement himself as the third best High School pitcher in the 2025 MLB Draft.
    
    
    
    Kansas City drafts the top pitcher on the board here to develop. Aaron Watson from Trinity Christian High School in Jacksonville is the top pitcher on the board.
    
    
    
    The 6-5 205 lb Aaron Watson went 3-0 and posted a 1.12 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 31.1 innings pitched as a sophomore in 2023. Aaron Watson posted a 2-1 record, a 2.44 ERA, and 44 strikeouts, in 37 1/3 innings pitched as a junior in 2024. Aaron Watson had a 0.64 ERA in 66 2/3 inings pitched with 85 strikeouts as a senior in 2025. Watson improved the velocity on his fastball from 91 to 96 miles per hour in his senior season.
    
    
    
    Aaron Watson has a 96 mile per hour 4-seam fastball, a 96 mile per hour 2-seam fastball, a 95 mile per hour sinker, a 80 miler per hour slider, and a 85 mile per hour changeup. He has a good variety of pitches and could develop into a starter for Kansas City down the road if the Kansas City Royals remain patient.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Tre Phelps, LF, Georgia
    
    
24. Detroit Tigers: Anthony Eyanson, P, LSU
    
    
    Detroit has a good combination of batters and pitchers. If there's one team that can make the AL Central interesting in 2024, it might be the Detroit Tigers after the Minnesota Twins lost Sonny Gray.
    
    
    
    Detroit's batting lineup in the MLB starts off with four players that Detroit drafted with Parker Meadows a left fielder and a 2018 second round pick under contract until 2031, Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres bats second, Gleyber Torreshit 15 home runs with the New York Yankees in 2024 as he signed a one year contract with the Detroit Tigers. Riley Greene a center fielder picked fifth overall in the 2019 MLB Draft bats third, he hit 24 home runs in 2024, and is under contract until 2030. Detroit Tigers designated hitter Kerry Carpenter, a ninteenth round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft that's the Detroit Tigers DH, bats fourth, he hit 18 home runs, and is under contract until 2030. Detroit Tigers right fielder Matt Vierling bats fifth, hit 16 home runs in 2024 and is under contract until 2028. Detroit Tigers 2020 fifth round pick Colt Keith bats sixth, Colt Keith hit 13 home runs in 2024, took the starting first baseman job from the number one pick in the 2020 MLB Draft in Spencer Torkelson with Detroit giving Colt Keith a six year contract extension that keeps him from being a UFA until 2033. Detroit Tigers third baseman Jace Jung a 2022 first round pick and the younger brother of Josh Jung will make his MLB Debut in 2025 as Jace Jung isn't i arbitration level 1 until 2028 and is not going to be a UFA until 2032, there's also a chance he doesn't hit arbitration until 2029 where he would not be a UFA until 2033. Catcher Jake Rodgers hit 21 home runs in 2023 before hitting 10 home runs in 2024, but is batting eighth in this lineup as his contract runs through 2027. Detroit has Javier Baez batting ninth with Trey Sweeney as a utility hitter for insurance. Dillon Diingler is a backup catcher and a utility batter on the Detroit Tigers.
    
    
    
    Tarik Skubal a 2018 ninth round pick that played college baseball on SeattleU on the Redhawks. He overcame Tommy John's Surgery in College before overcoming Flex Tendon Surgery before posting a 2.80 ERA and 102 strikeouts pitching 80.1 innings in 15 starts in 2023. Tarik Skubal posted a 2.83 ERA in 32 starts pitching 198 innings in 2024. Detroit paid Tarik Skubal $10,150,000 to avoid arbitration level 2 as Tarik Skubal has one more year of arbitration before he becomes a UFA in 2027. Detroit Tigers number two starter Jack Flaherty had a 3.79 ERA in 164 innings pitched in 2024 to be the number two starting pitcher in this rotation behind Skubal with a player option for 2026 as Jack Flaherty is a UFA in 2027. Reese Olson had an ERA of under 4.00 for the second year in a row in 2024 as Reese Olson doesn't enter arbitration level 1 in 2027 and will not be a UFA until 2030. Detroit Tigers number four starter Alex Cobb comes to Detroit as a Free Agent from Cleveland as Alex Cobb had a 3.82 ERA in 2024 as Cobb signed a one year deal with Detroit. Casey Mize, the former number one pick in the 2018 MLB Draft out of Auburn rounds out this starting rotation and is a UFA in 2027.
    
    
    
    Detroit Tigers closer Jason Foley agreed to a $3.15-million dollar deal to avoid arbitration level 1 as Jason Foley posted a 3.54 ERA and 12 saves in 63 innings pitched as Jason Foley is under contract for two more years on arbitration after this season before he becomes a UFA in 2028. Detroit Tigers set up pitcher Beau Briske agreed to a $1,025,000 deal to avoid arbitration level 1 and is not a UFA until 2029. Detroit Tigers middle reliever Tyler Holton hada 3.40 ERA during 72 innings pitched in 2024 and enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 and will not be a UFA until 2029. Detroit Tigers middle reliever Tommy Kahnle had a 3.77 ERA and 2 saves in 58 innings pitched as Tommy Khanle signed a one year deal with Detroit. Detroit Tigers middle reliever Will Vest agreed t a $1.4-million dollar deal to avoid arbitration level 1 after posting a 3.39 ERA as well as 2 saves in 68 innings in 2024 as Will Vest is under arbitration for two more years before he becomes a UFA in 2028. Detroit Tigers middle reliever Sean Guenther had a 3.89 ERA in 60 innings pitched in 2024 as Sean Guenther enters arbitration level 1 in 2027 and will not be a UFA until 2030. Detroit Tigers long reliever Brant Hurter a 2021 seventh round pick does not enter arbitration level 1 until 2028. Kenta Maedalast yeasr starting pitcher acquired in Free Agency is the second long reliever after struggling as a starting pitcher.
    
    
    
    Detroit was my dark horse to contend for the AL pennant last year and they made the playoffs with a 0.2 percent probablility in August before their winning streak began. The only immediate need for the Detroit Tigers might be a second baseman. Remember Detroit drafted Bryce Rainer the High School shortstop that I mocked to Detroit, so that's no longer a team need for Detroit.
    
    
    
    A.J. Hinch who managed the Houston Astros during the 2017 and 2019 World Series is the manager of the Detroit Tigers thanks to the Astros sign stealing scandal and with Dusty Baker retiring, there's a 2 to 3 year window for Detroit to be AL Central contenders. Detroit likes LSU pitcher Anthony Eyanson who played a pivotal role as the number two starter behind Kade Anderson helping LSU win the 2025 College World Series.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 208 lb Anthony Eyanson broke out at LSU after two seasons as the number one starter UC San Diego. Remember Paul Skenes spent two seasons at Air Force before he transferred to LSU in 2023 prior to the 2023 MLB Draft. Anthony Eyanson went 12-2 with 108 innings pitched, 152 strikeouts, 2 saves out of the bullpen, and an ERA of 3.00 in 2025.
    
    
    
    Anthony Eyanson has a 94 mile per hour 4-seam fastball that can go up to 98 miles per hour when he's used out of the bullpen, a 92 mile per hour 2-seam fastball that can go up to 97 miles per hour, a 82 mile per hour slider that can go up to 85 miles per hour when used out of the bullpen, a 75 mile per hour curveball that can go up 77 miles per hour, and a 80 mile per hour changeup that can go up to 82 miles per hour when Anthony Eyanson pitches out of the bullpen.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Gavin Kilen, 2B, Tennessee
    
    
    
    
25. San Diego Padres: Quentin Young, 3B, Oaks Christian HS (CA)
    
    
    The San Diego Padres entred last year with World Series expectations and were one of the bigger disappointments in 2023. They may have won it all in 2024 if they had gotten by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
    
    
    
    San Diego Padres first baseman Luis Arraez bats first, he had a .318 batting average and enter sthe final year of his contract with Arraez being a UFA in 2026. San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. bat second, he still had 25 home runs and 29 stolen bases in limited action in 2023 despite serving a suspension for steroids for the first half of the season. Fernando Tatis Jr. had 21 home runs and 11 stolen bases in 2024. Fernarndo Tatis Jr. is locked up for another decade until 2035. San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill bats third, Jackson Merrill, the San Diego Padres 2021 first round pick had 24 home runs and 16 stolen bases as a rookie as Jackson Merrill doesn't enter arbitration level 1 until 2027 as Jackson Merrill will not be a UFA until 2031. San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado bats fourth, Manny Machado had 29 home runs and 11 stolen bases in 2024, Manny Machado is not a UFA until 2034. San Diego Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth bats fifth, Jake Cronenworth hit 17 home rus in 2024 and is under contract until 2031. San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogarts bats sixth, Xander Bogarts had 19 home runs along with 19 stolen basses in 2023 before posting 11 home runs and 13 stolen bases in 2024. Xander Bogarts is not a UFA until 2033. San Diego Padres left fielder Tirso Ornelas bats seventh, Tirso Ornales doesn't enter arbitration until 2028 and will be a UFA in 2031. San Diego Padres catcher Elias Diaz bats eighth, he agreed to $1.5 million avoiding arbitration level 2 and is a UFA in 2027. San Diego Padres deisginated hitter Eguy Rosario enters arbitration level 1 in 2027 and is a UFA in 2030.
    
    
    
    San Diego has good 1-6 batters in the lineup, but upgrades at left fielder, catcher, and designated hitter could be upgraded. If Arraez leaves after this year, first baseman will be another area that the Padres may have to address soon.
    
    
    
    The San Diego Padres have two good starting pitchers. San Diego Padres starting pitcher, Dylan Cease their number one starter, enters the final year of his contract after posting 3.46 ERA. San Diego Padres number two starting pitcher Michael King posted a 3.46 ERA as well, but only pitched 178 innings vs the 185 Cease pitched. Michael King has a mutual option for 2026 and is a UFA in 2027. San Diego Padres pitcher Yu Darvish is the number three starter now after two seasons with ERA's of above 4.00 as Darvish is under contract until 2029. San Diego Padres pitcher Randy Vasquez remains the number four starter under contract until 2030. San Diego Padres pitcher Matt Waldron is the number five starter. I feel like the San Diego Padres will need to reload at pitcher soon if Yu Darvish doesn't step up in 2025.
    
    
    
    San Diego Padres closer Roberto Suarez moves back to closer after being a closer, set up pitcher, and middle reliever in 2024. Roberto Suarez posted a 3.65 ERA and 28 saves in 65 innings pitched in 2024. Roberto Suarez remains a Padre until 2028 when he becomes a UFA. San Diego Paders set up pitcher Jason Adam had a 3.34 ERA along with 3 saves in 68 innings pitched in 2024. Jason Adam agreed to $4.8 million to avoid arbitration level 3 as Jason Adam has an arbitration level 4 option for 2026 before he becomes a UFA in 2027. San Diego Padres middle reliever Jeremiah Estrada had a 3.26 ERA and 3 saves in 63 innings pitched in 2024. Jeremiah Estrada does not enter arbitration until 2027 and is not a UFA until 2030. San Diego Padres middle reliever Adrian Morejon posted a 3.54 ERA and 1 save in 61 innings pitched in 2024 as Adrian Morejon agreed to a $2 million dollar deal to avoid arbitration level 3 as Adrian Morejon has an arbitration level 4 option before he becomes a UFA in 2027. San Diego Padres middle reliever Yuki Matsui also has experience as a set up pitcher as Yuki Matsui posted a 3.60 ERA in 54 innings pitched in 2024 as Yuki Matsui is not a UFA until 2029. San Diego Padres middle reliever Wandy Peralta posted a 3.88 ERA in 50 innings pitched in 2024. Wandy Peralta is not a UFA until 2028.
    
    
    
    San Diego has a good 1-6 batting lineup, but needs upgrades at left fielder, catcher, and designated hitters, more starting pitchers, and long relievers for the bullpen. I'm giving the San Diego Padres the top batter on the board in the State of California that nobody is talking about.
    
    
    
    Quentin Young is the nephew of Dimitri and Delmon Young. He was originally supposed to be a part of the 2026 MLB Draft, but reclassifed. Quentin Young has the versatility to play third baeman, shortstop, second baseman, first baseman, left fielder, right fielder, and designated hitter.
    
    
    
    The 6-6 215 lb Quentin Young had a .318 batting average, 18 home runs, 9 stolen bases, a 95 mile per hour fastball which he throws with precision in addition to accuracy when fielding, and a .980 fielding percentage as a senior at Oak's Christian High School in 2025. Quentin Young's floor is Jayson Werth or Delmon Young. His ceiling is Dmitri Young's base running, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s power hitting, and Jose Ramirez's defending.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Angel Cervantes, P, Warren HS (CA)
    
    
26. Philadelphia Phillies: Steele Hall, SS, Hewitt Trussville HS (AL)
    
    
    Philadelphia has a good batting lineup. Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber bats first, Schwarber led Philadelphia with 47 home runs in 2023 and 38 home runs as the lead off batter with Schwarber entering the final year of his contract before he becomes a UFA in 2026. Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner bats second, Turner hit 26 home runs along while also getting 30 stolen bases in 2023 while getting 21 home runs and 19 stolen bases in 2024 as Turner is is not a UFA until 2035. Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper bats third, Harper hit 21 home runs in 2023 before hitting 30 home runs in 2024 as Bryce Harper is not a UFA until 2032. Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Nick Castellenos bats fourth, Castellenos hit 29 home runs in 2023 and 23 home runs in 2024 as he is not a UFA until 2027. Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm bats fifth, the Philadelphia Phillies 2018 first round pick out of Wichita State hit 20 home runs in 2023 and 15 home runs in 2024 as Alec Bohm agreed to $7.7-million to avoid arbitration level 2 as Alec Bohm is not a UFA until 2027. Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Max Kepler bats sixth, Max Kepler signed a one year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies as Max Kepler is a 2026 UFA. Philadelphia Phillies catcher JT Realmuto bats seventh, JT Realmuto had 20 home runs and 16 stolen bases in 2023 before posting 14 home runs in 2024. JT Realmuto enters the final year of his contract and is a UFA in 2026. Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Brandon Marsh bats eighth, Brandon Marsh hit 12 home runs and had 10 stolen bases in 2023, Brandon Marsh had 16 home runs and 19 stolen bases in 2024, Brandon Marsh is not a UFA until 2028. Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Bryson Stott bats ninth, Bryson Stott was the Philadelphia Phillies 2019 first round pick as Bryson Stott made quite the splash with 11 home runs and 32 stolen bases in 2024. Bryson Stott agreed to $3.2 million avoiding arbitration level 1 as Bryson Stott is a UFA in 2028.
    
    
    
    Zach Wheeler, Philadelphia's number one starter enters a contract year after posting a 3.61 ERA and leading the Phillies with 212 strikeouts in 2023. Zach Wheeler posted a 3.30 ERA in 32 startspitching 202 innings in 2024. Zach Wheeler is a UFA in 2025. Cristopher Sanchez takes over as the number two starter after posting a 3.68 ERA in 171 innings pitched in 29 starts as Cristopher Sanchez is not a UFA until 2031. Aaron Nola, the Philadelphia Phillies 2014 first round pick out of LSU, entered a contract year in 2025 as the number three starting pitcher, but got extended until 2031 after posting a 3.84 ERA in 188 innings pitched in 31 starts in 2024. Ranger Suarez the number four in this rotation posted a 3.62 ERA pitching 166 innings in 28 starts in 2024 while agreeing to a $8.8 million dollar deal to avoid arbitration level 3 as Ranger Suarez enters the final year of his contract. Philadelphia Phillies number five starter Jesus Luzardo agreed to a $6,225,000 deal to avoid arbitration level 3 and Jesus Luzardo has a arbitration level 4 option in 2026.
    
    
    
    Philadelphia Phillies closer Jordan Romano had a 3.83 ERA as well as 23 saves in 59 innings pitched as Jordan Romano signed a one year contract to be the Philadelphia Phillies closer in 2025 before he becomesa UFA in 2026. Philadelphia Phillies setup pitcher Matt Strahm began the season as a middle reliever before getting promoted to set up pitcher as Matt Strahm had a 3.26 ERA and 3 saves in 67 innings pitched as Matt Strahm is a UFA in 2027. Philadelphia Phillies middle reliever Orion Kerkering is only 23 and posted a ERA of 3.00 in 6 innings pitched in 2023. Orion Kerkering posted a 3.17 ERA and 5 saves in 63 innings pitched in 2024 with Orion Kerkering not hitting arbitration until 2027 at the earliest with OrioN Kerkering not being a UFA until 2031. Philadelphia Phillies middle reliever Jose Alvarado had 10 saves and a 1.74 ERA, he posted a 3.31 ERA and 3 saves pitching 60 innings beginning last year as the closer before moving back to middle reliever. Jose Alvardo is not a UFA until 2027. Philadelphia Phillies middle reliever Tanner Banks posted a 3.72 ERA in 68 innings pitched in 2024 as Tanner Banks enters arbitration level 1 in 2027 as Tanner Banks will be a UFA in 2029. Philadelphia Phillies long reliever Joe Ross signed a one year deal and Philadelphia Phillies former starting pitcher Taijuan Walker is the second long reliever after being the number five starter last year.
    
    
    
    Philadelphia is in a luxury position where they can honestly take the best player on the board at 26. Hewitt-Trussville High School shortstop Steele Hall can play shortstop. Philadelphia can draft a second shortstop for value if they move Trea Turner to designated hitter when Kyle Schwarber becomes a UFA.
    
    
    
    The 5-11 175 lb Steele Hall had a .463 batting average, 1 home run, and 12 RBI's as a juior in 2024. Steele Hall had a .486 batting average, 9 home runs, 14 doubles, 5 triples, 35 RBI's, 46 runs, and 60 hits as a senior in 2025.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Billy Carlson, SS, Corona HS (CA)
    
    
    
    
27. Cleveland Indians: Cameron Appenzeller, P, Glenwood HS (IL)
    
    
    I know the Cleveland Indians are the Cleveland Guardians. I became a Clevleand fan because of the Chief Wahoo logo, so I'm keeping the Indians logo up on the site until they win a World Series.
    
    
    
    Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan bats first, Kwan had 14 home runs, 12 stolen bases, and he agreed to a $4,175,000 deal to avoid arbitration level 1 as Steven Kwan is a 2028 UFA. Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Kyle Manzardo bats second, he doesn't enter arbitration until 2028 and will not be a UFA until 2032. Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez bats third, he's the one true superstar on this team as he and Francisco Lindor were the two lynchpin batters on the 2016 Cleveland Indians World Series Team. Ramirez had 39 home runs along with 41 stolen bases in 2024 as Jose Ramirez is not a UFA until 2029. Cleveland Guardians first baseman Carlos Santana bats fourth, Santana signed a one year deal after posting 23 home runs, 71 RBI's, and 124 hits with the Minnesota Twins in 2024. Cleveland Guardians center fielder Lane Thomas bats fifth, Lane Thomas enters the final year of his contract, but Chase DeLauter a 2022 first round pick out of James Madison is already in AAA and is close to being MLB ready meaning DeLauter might end up replacing Lane Thomas in 2026. Cleveland Guardians right fielder Will Brenan bats sixth, Cleveland's 2019 eighth round pick enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 and will be a UFA in 2029. Cleveland Guardians second baseman Juan Brito bats seventh, Brito feels like a stop gap until last years number one overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft Travis Bazzana arrives in the MLB. Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor bats eighth, Cleveland's 2018 first round pick had 13 home runs in 2024 and Bo Naylor doesn't enter arbitration level 1 until 2027, so he's not a UFA until 2030. Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio enters arbitration level 1 in 2027 and is not a UFA until 2030.
    
    
    
    Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Shane Bieber is the number one starting pitcher when he's fully healthy as Shane Bieber signed a two year extension that keeps him under contract until 2027. Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Tanner Bibee showed enough to be the number one starter when Shane Bieber is injured, but he's the number two starter when Shane Bieber is healthy posting a 3.68 ERA in 29 starts and 167 innings pitched in 2024. Tanner Bibee enters arbitration level 1 in 2026 and is a UFA in 2029. Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams is the number three starting pitcher, Cleveland's 2021 first round pick posted a 3.98 ERA in 2024, does not enter arbitration level 1 until 2027 and is not a UFA until 2031. Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz who was the number four starter on the Pittsburgh Pirates last year is now Cleveland's number four starter after being traded from Pittsburgh to Cleveland as Luis Ortiz is not entering arbitration until 2027 and is not a UFA until 2030. Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Triston McKenzie, Cleveland's 2015 first round pick, agreed to $1,950,000 to avoid level 2 arbitration, Triston McKenzie has a level 3 and level 4 arbitration option before he becomes a UFA in 2028. Ben Lively is a fill in pitcher when Shane Bieber is injured.
    
    
    
    Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase posted a 2.62 ERA with 34 saves in 66 innings pitched in 2024 as Emmanuel Clase is not a UFA until 2029. Cleveland Guardians setup pitcher Cade Smith posted a 3.02 ERA with 2 saves in 68 innings pitched as Cade Smith is not a UFA until 2031. Cleveland Guardians middle reliever Hunter Gaddis a 2019 fifth round pick and does not enter arbitration until 2027 as he's not a UFA until 2030. Cleveland Guardians middle reliever Paul Sewald signed a two year deal after posting a 3.84 ERA and 1 save in 59 innings pitched as Paul Sewald is not a UFA until 2027. Cleveland Guardians middle reliever Tim Herrin was a twenty ninth round pick in the 2018 MLB Draft as Tim Herrin posted a 3.40 ERA in 62 innings pitched as Tim Herrin does not enter arbitration until 2028 and will not be a UFA until 2031. Cleveland Guardians middle reliever Andrew Walters a 2023 second round pick posted a 3.98 ERA in 54 innings pitched as Andrew Walters does not enter arbitration until 2028 and will not be a UFA until 2032. Cleveland Guardians long reliever Erik Sabrowski posted a 3.73 ERA in 57 innings as Erik Sabrowski does not enter arbitration level 1 until 2028 and is not a UFA until 2031. Cleveland Guardians long reliever Slade Cecconi does not enter arbitration level 1 until 2028 and is not a UFA until 2032.
    
    
    
    I believe Cleveland will either draft a shortstop, first baseman, or starting pticher at 27. There's not a shortstop with a .300 batting average that can also hit 10 or more home runs. One player that Cleveland likes is Cameron Appenzeller who entered the year as a preseason top 10 pick, he fell to this selection, so Cleveland takes him to bolster their prospect pool. Cameron Appenzeller was the only High School pitcher that was utilized as both a starting pitcher and a reliever out of the bullpen among the four High School pitchers that I had going in the top 12 back in February as all four of those High School pitchers did enough to remain in the top 27.
    
    
    
    The 6-6 180 lb Cameron Appenzeller went 6-0 with a 0.64 ERA, 85 strikeouts, and 15 walks in 43 innings with only 18 hits allowed in 9 appearances as a junior in 2024. Cameron Appenzeller went 5-0 with 2 saves out of the bullpen, a 0.81 ERA, 128 strikeouts, in 69 innings pitched in 7 starts in 2025. Cameron Appenzeller only pitched 2 innings in his first game this year after taking the Glenwood Basketball team to the State Championship where they lost, but he pitched 18 strikes on 20 pitches. This is a guy that can pitch 10-12 strikeouts in 6 innings, 12-14 strikeouts in 7 innings, 14-18 strikeouts in 8 innings, and has 1 complete game shutout where he pitched 20 strikeouts in 9 innings.
    
    
    
    Cameron Appenzeller has a 92 mile per hour 4-seam fastball that goes up to 95 out of the bullpen, a 92 mile per hour 2-seam fastball that goes up to 95 out of the bullpen, a 94 mile per hour sinker that goes up to 96 out of the bullpen, a 86 mile per hour changeup that goes up to 88 out of the bullpen, and a 78 mile per hour slider that goes up to 80 miles per hour out of the bullpen.
    
    
    
    His play as the Glenwood Titans number one starting pitcher allowed Glenwood Baseball to be the 3A Regional Champions in Illinois in back-to-back seasons as a junior in 2024 and as a senior in 2025. Cameron Appenzeller has a ton of command and pitching accuracy on his pitches despite needing to improve his velocity which he did during his senior season. Cameron Appenzeller's velocity will improve in time as he adds more muscle to fill out his frame.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Henry Ford, 1B, Virginia