Surprises and Records Mark 2025 MLB Draft Start

The opening night of the 2025 MLB Draft saw unexpected selections and record achievements, including the Arkansas Razorbacks having four players picked in the first round. The Nationals chose Eli Willits and the Angels took Tyler Bremner with their top picks, diverging from earlier projections and reshaping early draft narratives. The Atlanta Braves bolstered their infield by selecting shortstops Tate Southisene, Alex Lodise, and Cody Miller in the first three rounds, reflecting a strong league-wide preference for high school shortstops. The Seattle Mariners made a notable move by drafting LSU pitcher Kade Anderson third overall, securing him below slot value to maintain financial flexibility. The Dodgers selected two Arkansas players, Zach Root and Charles Davalan, in the first round, despite earlier reports of first-round penalties. These picks underscore teams' focus on both immediate impact and long-term development strategies.