The first day of the MLB Draft is behind us, and we can assess what stood out. From teams to players to positions, here are my biggest winners and losers after the first three rounds on Sunday.
The Baltimore Orioles were clear winners of Day 1, securing six picks among the first 69 selections, including their first pick at No. 19. Their draft haul was impressive, with standout college bats Ike Irish, Caden Bodine, and Wehiwa Aloy, as well as high school outfielder Slater de Brun.
Corona High School’s Seth Hernandez and Billy Carlson made history by becoming the first high school players to be selected in the top 10 of the MLB Draft. The Orioles’ strong bonus pool allowed them to sign their entire draft class, a promising start for the young team.
The Red Sox had a solid Day 1, taking two promising right-handers, Kyson Witherspoon and Marcus Phillips, with picks acquired from the Brewers. Both pitchers have impressive skills and should quickly reach the majors with the help of Boston’s experienced coaching staff.
A record 14 shortstops were drafted in the first 27 picks, showcasing the high value placed on positional flexibility. The Red Sox took infielder Henry Godbout and right-hander Anthony Eyanson to round out their draft class.
However, several teams had disappointing drafts. The players who attended the event missed an opportunity to build relationships with media and fans, which can significantly impact their careers. The Angels’ failure to take left-hander Kade Anderson was particularly notable, as they passed on a talented pitcher in favor of right-hander Tyler Bremner.
The Dodgers, Yankees, and Mets had no picks in the first round due to exceeding competitive balance tax thresholds, a result of making payroll decisions last year. It’s disappointing for the biggest markets in baseball not to be represented in the early rounds.
Overall, Day 1 of the MLB Draft showed promise from some teams while also highlighting areas for improvement.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6492762/2025/07/14/mlb-draft-2025-winners-losers-day-1