The whispers have turned into a roar, and the projections have solidified. In the latest mock draft released by MLB Pipeline, a new name sits atop the prestigious list, electrifying the baseball world and confirming what many scouts and analysts have suspected: Kade Anderson, the formidable left-handed pitcher from LSU, is now predicted to be selected first overall in the 2025 MLB Draft. This monumental shift comes on the heels of Anderson’s truly dominant performance, which culminated in him being named the Most Outstanding Player at the Men’s College World Series (MCWS).
Anderson’s ascent to the top spot is a testament to a phenomenal season and a captivating MCWS showing that few could ignore. As an LSU Tiger, he led his team to an improbable run, showcasing a devastating arsenal and an ice-cold demeanor on the mound. His MOP performance in the MCWS, reportedly highlighted by a complete-game shutout over Coastal Carolina in Game 1 of the finals where he struck out 10 batters, solidified his status as a top-tier pitching prospect with immediate impact potential. This follows a season where he was named the 2025 Baseball America College Pitcher of the Year, finishing with a 12-1 record, a 3.18 ERA, and a nation-leading 180 strikeouts in 119.0 innings. His fastball sits in the low-to-mid 90s with carry, complemented by two distinct breaking balls (curveball and slider) that he commands with confidence. This kind of consistent dominance, especially in high-pressure situations, is precisely what major league organizations covet.
The Washington Nationals, holding the coveted No. 1 pick, are now widely projected to take Anderson, envisioning him as a potential fast-track arm who could join their big-league club and complement a burgeoning core of young talent, including recent high picks like Dylan Crews and MacKenzie Gore.
The updated Top 5 of MLB Pipeline’s mock draft reflects this significant shift, offering a fascinating glimpse into what could unfold on draft day:
- Washington Nationals: Kade Anderson, LHP, LSU The new king of the hill. Anderson’s MOP performance at the MCWS, where he led LSU to their 8th national title, undeniably vaulted him into this position. His combination of collegiate success, advanced pitchability, and a frame built for durability makes him an incredibly attractive option for a Nationals team looking to solidify its pitching rotation for years to come. He’s reportedly a draft-eligible sophomore, which gives him some leverage, but his talent is simply too great to pass up. The fact that he’s a Scott Boras client also adds an interesting layer to potential negotiations, though it’s not expected to deter the Nationals from making him the face of their next wave of pitching talent.
- Los Angeles Angels: Liam Doyle, LHP, Tennessee Sliding in at No. 2, Liam Doyle of the Tennessee Volunteers is a compelling prospect for the Angels. Doyle’s incredible season, which saw him strike out an impressive 164 batters in 95.2 innings, speaks volumes about his strikeout potential. He’s been consistently linked to the Angels, who are reportedly targeting a college pitcher who can move quickly through the system and potentially take a below-slot bonus, allowing them to allocate more resources to later picks. Doyle fits this profile perfectly, with a fastball that can touch triple digits and a strong overall arsenal. If Anderson is off the board, Doyle presents an enticing option for the Halos to bolster their rotation with a rapidly ascending arm.
- Seattle Mariners: Aiva Arquette, SS, Oregon State The first position player to appear in the top 5, Aiva Arquette is a captivating talent from Oregon State. Arquette, a shortstop, has distinguished himself as the top college bat in this class. After being drafted in the 18th round of the 2022 MLB Draft and choosing to bet on himself by returning to college, he blossomed into a First Team All-American in 2025. His collegiate season featured a .354 batting average, 17 doubles, 19 home runs, and 66 RBIs, showcasing his power and hitting prowess. At 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, he possesses an MLB-ready frame and generates easy power. While there might be questions about his long-term defensive home at shortstop due to his size and speed, his “rocket arm” and offensive upside make him a premier talent the Mariners would be thrilled to land.
- Colorado Rockies: Ethan Holliday, SS/3B, Stillwater (OK) High School A name synonymous with baseball bloodlines, Ethan Holliday, the younger brother of Orioles star Jackson Holliday and son of seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday, remains firmly entrenched in the top 5. The Rockies, known for their preference for strong bats and often with a nostalgic nod to family ties (Matt Holliday starred in Colorado from 2004-2008), are widely expected to pounce on Holliday if he’s available. Ethan, a shortstop/third baseman, is considered one of the purest hitters in the draft, with advanced plate discipline, a powerful left-handed swing, and the potential to be a 30-35 home run threat at the major league level. His immense talent, combined with his high baseball IQ and athletic frame, makes him a safe yet incredibly high-upside pick for Colorado.
- St. Louis Cardinals: Jamie Arnold, LHP, Florida State Rounding out the top 5 is another compelling left-handed pitcher, Jamie Arnold from Florida State. Arnold had a very strong 2024-2025 season, shooting up draft boards and finishing as a Golden Spikes Award finalist. His fastball sits in the 94-95 mph range, occasionally touching 97 mph, and he has a repeatable delivery that allows him to work deep into games. His slider is a potent out-pitch, and he’s shown a good feel for his changeup, though it’s a pitch he’ll continue to refine. Arnold’s consistent improvement, ability to pound the strike zone, and “funky arm slot” that draws comparisons to Chris Sale make him an intriguing prospect for the Cardinals, who are always looking for reliable arms for their rotation.
The most significant takeaway from this mock draft is the solidification of Kade Anderson’s claim to the No. 1 spot. While Ethan Holliday had long been considered the presumptive top pick, Anderson’s recent performance has seemingly tipped the scales. This is a class rich with high-end college pitching and talented high school position players, creating a fascinating dynamic for teams picking at the top.
The fact that Anderson and Holliday are both represented by Scott Boras means that the Nationals won’t be able to play them against each other in terms of bonus negotiations, but their individual talent levels are what’s driving their high placements.
For the Angels at No. 2, the choice between Anderson (if he were to surprisingly fall) and Doyle could come down to negotiating leverage, as Anderson being a draft-eligible sophomore might command a higher slot bonus. However, Doyle’s exceptional strikeout rate and projected quick ascent through the minors make him a very attractive alternative.
The Mariners, at No. 3, will likely have their pick of the top college bat in Arquette, or potentially another strong college arm in Arnold if that’s their preference. The Rockies at No. 4 are heavily linked to Holliday, creating a potential “feel-good” story with his family ties to the organization. And the Cardinals at No. 5 have a strong chance to land a top college arm in Arnold, continuing a trend of pitching emphasis at the top of this draft.
As the 2025 MLB Draft rapidly approaches, the landscape at the top appears to be settling with Kade Anderson firmly in the lead. His dominant MCWS performance was not just a flash in the pan; it was the final, emphatic statement needed to solidify his status as the premier talent in this draft class, making him the presumptive choice for the Washington Nationals and the future face of a Major League Baseball franchise. The baseball world eagerly awaits to see if these projections hold true on draft day.
