Top 75 MLB 2025 Draft Prospects - Part 3
With the 2025 MLB Draft just two days away, who are the final 25 players on my board?
The final installment of my Top 75 draft prospects series is here, where I’ll be breaking down players 51-75 on my board. There is a good mix of players from all four of the draft demographics (prep pitchers and hitters; collegiate hitters and pitchers), though it definitely skews towards high school bats and college arms. This is where the draft gets most exciting, in my opinion. Because of how the MLB draft works, players on this list (particularly the high school guys) could get all the way into the first comp. round (Picks 33-43) or fall outside the Top 100. It’s a wide range of outcomes for a fairly talented group of players. Let’s see how they shake out here.
Tate Southisene SS/OF (18) Basic (NV)
Southisene has solid bat control, which helps him to make lots of contact within the strike zone. He currently has average raw power, but developing above average raw is not out of the question. He has an unorthodox swing in which he starts his hands out in front of his chest (similar to Justin Turner), and though he obviously has quick hands because he makes it work well for him right now, I do wonder if he may struggle with inside velocity against higher levels of competition in the minors. He is a plus runner and shows tremendous aptitude on the base paths, making him an asset here. He plays average defense at shortstop and centerfield, but most scouts prefer his actions in the outfield, where his plus speed plays better defensively. Based on footage of him taking grounders at short during the Draft Combine, I tend to lean the other direction, as his mechanics were good and he looked natural making a variety of plays at the position. He has the potential to develop into a dynamic five-tool player, and this upside will get him selected within the first two rounds.
52. Lucas Franco SS L/R (18) Cinco Ranch (TX)
Franco is one of the better fielding prep shortstops in the class. With a plus arm and solid actions, he is able to consistently make tough and routine plays alike. He has a disciplined approach, but can chase at times, holding back both his hit tool and in game power. He will have to make improvements to an overly long swing in order to develop into a league average hitter at the next level, but the makings of a dynamic shortstop are here. However, the one concerning thing in the profile is Franco’s speed, which will likely become fringy (45) by the time he reaches the big leagues. If this happens, he may have to move to third base, which will put more pressure on his bat, though his natural fielding abilities (good hands and range) and strong arm will probably be enough to keep him at the 6 long term.
53. Jordan Yost SS L/R (18) Sickles (FL)
Yost is a very athletic shortstop with a smooth left handed swing. He does a good job of staying on his backside and works through the baseball, rather than around it, which helps him control his barrel and make consistent, solid contact. He shows a strong knowledge of the strike zone and regularly makes good swing decisions. He has a wiry frame, with plenty of room to add muscle, so I would project average raw power in his future, though he is presently below average. The biggest thing that jumped out to me about Yost’s MLB Combine footage was how fluid he looked making plays at shortstop. He has sound mechanics, good hands, and an above average arm that helps him to make throws from deep in the hole. He should be at least above average defensively at the position, and his plus speed will always make him a threat on the base paths.
54. Nick Becker SS R/R (18) Don Bosco Prep (NJ)
Becker is an above average shortstop all around. He has decent bat-to-ball skills and finds the barrel consistently, giving him average in game power. You can project more strength on his frame, but he will need to develop more leverage in his swing in order to make use of it. He is an above average runner and has solid range in the field, giving him the ability to handle shortstop in pro ball. It is a floor over ceiling profile, but Becker’s quality all around tools will see him go within the first two rounds.
55. Ryan Mitchell 2B L/R (18) Houston (TN)
Mitchell’s bat is what will get him drafted. With a plus hit tool and a plus approach, Mitchell rarely swings outside of the zone and consistently gets the barrel to pitches within the zone. His disciplined approach, high barrel accuracy, and projectable strength all point to at least average power once he fully matures. Though he plays shortstop now, he will likely move over to second base professionally, where his average range and arm strength will play better. Given his inconsistent hands and mechanics, a move to centerfield is not out of the question, especially considering he would be able to better make use of his above average speed defensively there.
56. Dax Kilby SS L/R (18) Newnan (GA)
Kilby profiles similarly to Yost. He has a smooth and compact swing from the left side with an up the middle approach the helps him to stay on the inside of the baseball. It is much easier to see average raw power in Kilby’s future, and he did put up quite a few hard-hit balls during his Combine BP. Like Yost, Kilby also has strong plate discipline and rarely swings outside of the strike zone. Though Kilby is less athletic defensively and on the base paths, he quelled concerns about his arm not playing at short during the combine, making a couple of nice throws on the move and one from the hole. He is currently an above average runner, but will likely slow down some as he continues to fill out his frame.
57. Jaden Fauske OF L/R (18) Nazareth Academy (IL)
Fauske is a very intriguing prospect because there are such wide ranging takes on his future. Some see him as solid catcher who can also provide value offensively, while some see him as a corner outfielder who won’t be able to hit enough to make it at the position. His hitting ability is undeniable. With a smooth left-handed swing and a disciplined approach, Fauske rarely chases pitches out of the zone or whiffs on pitches in the zone. His flatter swing produces more line drives than flyballs, but he should get to at least average power as he continues to get stronger and learns to pull the ball. Behind the plate, Fauske has reliable hands and a quick transfer, but average arm strength holds him back somewhat. To stick at the position professionally, he would have to put considerable effort into improving his receiving and blocking, as both are currently below average. However, the potential for a dual threat backstop is here, increasing the chances that Fauske will go somewhere within the first two rounds.
58. Jacob Parker OF L/R (18) Purvis (MS)
JoJo’s twin brother, Jacob Parker is a center fielder with an absurdly strong 6’4 frame. He has a short and smooth swing, that looks very athletic and natural but does not fully tap into his plus raw power. His quick hands generate plenty of bat speed, giving him tremendous pull side power. He does not often look to pull the ball in-game however, further limiting his ability to get to his raw power. A team drafting him will want to make adjustments to get him into his lower half more and use the incredible strength that he has to his advantage. He’s an average runner now, meaning that he will probably have to move to an outfield corner at some point in pro ball as he continues to grow and slows down some. The potential for a 25 HR right fielder with above average defense is here.
59. Cameron Appenzeller LHP (18) Glenwood (IL)
Appenzeller is a tall and lanky left-handed prep starter with lots of projection remaining. His fastball typically sits 91-92, touching 94, but he operated in the upper 80s this Spring, which naturally raised concerns among scouts. I had him closer to Round 1 pre-season, but I now think the second round is a more realistic spot. A smooth and repeatable delivery allows him to throw lots of strikes, and his low and wide arm angle gives his 4-seam and 2-seam fastballs unique shape, making them even more difficult for hitters to square up. His upper 70s slider has good sweeping movement, playing well off the two heaters. His changeup lags behind his other offerings developmentally because it is too similar in movement and velo to his 2-seam fastball. He shows an aptitude for pitching beyond his years, increasing the likelihood of him developing into a major league starter if he can regain the velocity that had him closer to the first round at the beginning of the year. This should be made easier by the amount of room he has to add strength on his 6’6 frame.
60. Zach Strickland RHP (19) Maranatha (CA)
Strickland fits the mold of a prototypical projectable prep right-handed pitcher. His fastball sits 92-94 but should go up at least two ticks as he continued to add strength to his frame. The pitch has good shape and life and is most effective when located at the top of the strike zone because of its impressive riding action when located here. His upper 70s slider and low 80s changeup have good movement and play well off the heater. Although his secondary offerings are average now, he commands all of them well and can throw them consistently, increasing the likelihood that they can develop into above average offerings in the future. The projectability of Strickland’s frame combined with his repeatability on the mound increase his odds of developing into a mid-rotation starter.
61. Michael Lombardi RHP (21) Tulane
Lombardi is an incredible athlete. Not only is he one of the top pitchers in the draft, but he also played all four infield positions and centerfield during his collegiate career at Tulane. His future in professional baseball unquestionably lies on the mound, but his raw athleticism scores him huge points in his favor. His fastball sits 93-95 mph, touches 97, and has huge induced vertical break, eliciting many futile swings coming from his high 3/4 arm slot. Lombardi’s curveball is another dominant offering, sitting around 80 mph with massive downward break, so much so that he sometimes struggles to control the pitch. His mid 80s changeup shows promise as well, which gives him the necessary tools to be a starter in pro ball. Lombardi’s athleticism helps him to repeat his delivery regularly, and his command should only improve as he focusses solely on pitching professionally (his pitches may tick up as well). There is a lot of untapped potential and room for growth here, which may intrigue a team enough to take Lombardi early in the second round.
62. Marcus Phillips RHP (21) Tennessee
Phillips has some truly electric stuff. His fastball sits 96-98, regularly touches 100, and is nearly impossible to catch up to because of Phillips’ low 3/4 delivery, low release height, and impressive extension down the mound. He has a depthy slider that sits in the upper 80s and touches 90 occasionally, playing well off the fastball. Phillips best offering based on movement alone may be his rarely used changeup, which induced chases and whiffs at a higher rate than his fastball or slider this season. However, the pitch has so much fade that Phillips struggles to command it, hence why it is rarely used despite the wipeout movement the changeup possesses. Phillips’ fastball and slider can get hit around a bit when he leaves them in the middle of the plate, and his long arm action does create some reliever risk. Still, the plus stuff gives him No. 2 starter ceiling, and if he can hold his average control professionally, he should be able to get to the big leagues as a starter.
63. Cooper Fleming SS L/R (18) Aliso Niguel (CA)
Another one of the many hit over power shortstops in this year’s draft class, Fleming has a good chance to hear his name called at some point during Round 2. He pairs an advanced approach at the plate with sound swing mechanics, giving him an above average hit tool. There is plenty of projection remaining on Fleming’s lean 6’3 frame as well, giving him a good chance to develop average raw pop as he gets older and stronger. He is currently an average runner, and if a move off short is necessary, the hot corner will be Fleming’s home, where his plus arm will serve him well. This would be a ways down the road, however, as the plus arm and above average hands/actions are more than enough to compensate for average range at short for the time being.
64. Brady Ebel 3B L/R (17) Corona (CA)
Ebel is an atypical prospect. His approach at the plate is very aggressive, yet he is hit over power right now because he makes lots of contact on pitches outside the zone. This ultimately results in weak contact, which holds him down from a power perspective. He is a fringy runner who is not much of a stolen base threat. However, his plus arm and good instincts in the field give him a chance to play shortstop professionally. He will play an above average third base if a move is necessary, however this will put more pressure on his bat. He will have to become a more patient hitter to fully develop and reach his ceiling.
65. Ethan Moore 2B/SS S/R (18) Oak Park & River Forest (IL)
Moore’s calling card is his decent approach and above average hit tool. He does not chase much and makes lots of contact on in-zone pitches of all types. His power ceiling is lowered by a smaller frame and a flat swing, but he does possess above average bat speed. If a team can develop more loft in his swing, Moore may be able to reach average raw power. He is an above average runner with good instincts on the base paths. Average range and fringy arm will likely see Moore move to second base as a pro, however, there is a solid middle infielder’s profile here, which should be enough to get Moore selected in the second round.
66. Taitn Gray C/OF S/R (17) Dallas Center-Grimes (IA)
Gray impressed me the most of any player I watched on Day 1 of the Draft Combine. His plus raw pop is real (he posted three of the seven highest EVs, all between 110.8 and 112.4 mph off the bat), and it is easy to dream on given that he is still several years away from fully filling out his 6’4 frame. He also knows how to hit the ball in the air from both sides of the plate, posting three 400+ ft. blasts from the left side, and one from the right side (his left-handed swing is a bit further along developmentally, but I see absolutely no reason for him to stop switch hitting). Like most prep catching prospects, he has a lot of work to do to stick behind the plate long-term (his receiving/framing and blocking are the most lacking presently). However, he has the raw tools to be a good pro backstop (athletic, above average arm strength), so I think there is a chance he develops into an average catcher defensively in the right organization. He has above average speed currently, though this will likely take a step back if he remains at catcher for the long haul.
67. Brock Sell OF L/R (18) Tokay (CA)
Sell has a short and quick swing that allows him to easily make contact against all types of pitches. He can chase at times because of his approach (he often swings at pitches he shouldn’t because knows he can get the barrel to them), resulting in non-optimal contact that brings down his fringy power. However, you can project average power on his frame, and if he reaches this, he will become a dynamic 5 tool player. He is a plus runner and a plus defender in centerfield, which should help him play the position for a long time. The risk of him not developing average power and/or a more disciplined plate approach drags the profile down some, but it is the kind of risk/reward play that a team will certainly take within the first two rounds.
68. Dean Moss OF L/R (19) IMG Academy (FL)
Moss makes consistent hard contact with a smooth swing and solid barrel accuracy. If he can learn to loft the ball, you can project above average power on his frame. As it is, he struggles to tap into what raw power he does have as he often hits the ball on the ground. Moss’ other tools are closer to average, but he plays a good centerfield despite this. It is likely he will eventually have to move to an outfield corner, which will put more pressure on his bat to develop. Though on the older side of draft eligible prep players, there is still plenty of untapped potential within Moss, giving him a good shot to go in the first two rounds.
69. Max Williams OF L/L (21) Florida State
Williams is a well-rounded outfielder with above average in-game pop. He has a short left-handed stroke, that, combined with his toe-tap, allow him to get the barrel to the baseball quickly. He has no problem turning high velocity around, though he will need to improve his plate discipline in order to get to his power professionally, as there are times when his poor swing decisions get him in trouble. Williams raises the floor of his profile with his above average speed and arm strength, which gives him a chance to one day play centerfield in the big leagues. Should he have to move to a corner, he will profile well in right field, though this will put more pressure on his bat. Ultimately, Williams’ ability to improve his swing decisions and get to his power in-game will determine what role he is capable of filling in the big leagues, though there is everyday centerfielder upside here, which should get him drafted in the second round.
70. Cam Cannarella OF L/R (21) Clemson
Once regarded as a potential Top 10 pick, Cannarella’s struggles have seen him slide down draft boards. A torn right labrum suffered in 2024 has impacted his offensive and defensive performance, greatly altering his place in this draft class. Cannarella has great bat-to-ball skills, but he chases too much, resulting in weak contact outs. He has below average bat speed, which prevents him from getting to much in-game power, when combined with his chase happy approach. His plus speed makes him a great baserunner and centerfielder by range alone. However, below-average arm strength (only worsened by the severe shoulder injury) has many scouts wondering whether or not he has the strength to play CF as an everyday player. Still, the upside that once seemed more realistic will make teams interested enough to take him in the first two rounds.
71. Korbyn Dickerson OF R/R (21) Indiana
Dickerson is a true centerfield prospect with 20/20 upside, fueled by plus raw power and speed. He hit 19 bombs for Indiana this past year and blew his career statistics out of the water. His only weakness at the moment is that his swing can get too long, which makes it difficult for him to catch up to premium velocity. Eliminating his leg kick for a toe-tap could alleviate this struggle, and it should not hurt his in-game power because it would allow him to get the barrel to the baseball more consistently. Dickerson’s swing decisions could also stand to improve, though he does show some ability to make contact on pitches outside of the strike zone when he does chase. His plus speed is an asset in center, where Dickerson is an above average defender. His lack of track record and performance against high quality competition may scare some teams away, but all the tools of an everyday centerfielder are here, and I fully expect a team to take a chance on Dickerson in the second round.
72. Gavin Turley OF R/R (21) Oregon State
Turley’s carrying tool is his pop from the right side. It’s double plus raw power, plus in-game, fueled by an aggressive approach that looks to pull the ball in the air. Turley has shown improvement in his ability to recognize and lay-off spin out of the strike zone, punishing spin that is left in the heart of the plate, though he still chases and whiffs more than I would like to see. He is an above average runner with a plus arm that makes him an average centerfielder (he will be an above average right fielder in pro ball). The biggest question with Turley is whether the strides he has made in his approach will carry over to pro ball and hold up against tougher competition. If they can, Turley has the potential to be a power hitting outfielder with quality defense in right field.
73. Kane Kepley OF L/L (21) North Carolina
Kepley is an on-base machine who does not chase out of the zone, nor whiff on in zone offerings. He has average bat speed, but a flat swing prevents him from being able to loft the ball in the air with authority, capping his raw power well below average. His approach at the plate focuses on walking, making contact, and spraying line drives all over the field. It’s a high floor/low ceiling profile on offense, which is compensated by his plus speed and defense in centerfield. His name will come off the board in the second or third round.
74. Jason Reitz RHP (21) Oregon
Reitz is my biggest riser compared to other publicly available draft boards. I really like his operation on the mound and strongly believe a team would be rewarded for taking him in the third round. With a fastball that sits 92-94 and touches 97, the pitch has good movement and is at least average. His best trait is his ability to spin the baseball, with two above average breaking balls that have a good chance to become plus offerings in the right organization. His mid 80s cutter has sharp, tight action that elicits plenty of chase and swing and miss, both in and out of the zone. His low 80s slider has good depth and acts more like a slurve, but the movement is consistent and plays nicely off the firmer cutter. He lands both his breaking balls and the fastball for strikes consistently, although he does leave them over the middle of the plate at times, surrendering more hard contact than you’d like to see. He has shown some feel for a changeup, though the pitch will need work to become an average offering. For a 6’11 kid with long levers, he repeats his delivery well. His mechanics are clean and the only tweak I would make would be to get him further down the mound, which should make his fastball play up. Not cutting himself off in his delivery might actually make his spin better as well, which is fun to think about. The fact that he is lanky and has a big frame, I think there is some projection remaining, especially if he can get further down the mound. Reitz has all the ingredients to develop into a mid-rotation starter.
75. James Ellwanger RHP (21) Dallas Baptist
Ellwanger’s arsenal revolves around his easily plus fastball, which sits in the mid 90s, touches 99, and shows excellent movement characteristics. His slider flashes plus, as does his curveball, though the latter is far less consistent, limiting its effectiveness. His changeup is thrown too firmly and needs a lot of work to be usable at the major league level. He has a deceptive 3/4 delivery that helps his pitches play up, but it does hurt his command. Ellwanger will need to refine and improve his operation on the mound in order to become a big-league starter and avoid the reliever path. There is risk in the profile, but the exceptional fastball and potentially plus secondaries give it significant upside.
Thanks for reading the final part of my draft prospects series. In a week’s time, once the draft is wrapped up, I’ll post an article that sums up my thoughts on the 2025 MLB Draft and discusses some of the picks that stood out to me. The first day of the draft (July 13th) will be covered on both MLB Network and ESPN starting at 6:00 pm ET. Make sure you tune in to see where the top player’s in this year’s class land!