After college players dominated last year's Major League Baseball Draft, the 2025 editio is shaping up to be a showcase for high school talent.
The top 30 selections featured just 10 high school players last year including no prep picks until Konnor Griffin was taken with the No. 9 overall selection by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
In 2025, however, mock drafts have as many as five to six high school players going in the top 10, including the No. 1 overall selection. As many as 15 have been pegged for the first round.
Ethan Holliday of
Stillwater (Okla.) is the near unanimous choice among mock drafts as the No. 1 overall pick. His brother Jackson was a surprise No. 1 pick in 2022 but his play has warranted the selection and he is now regarded as the top prospect in minor league baseball by Jim Callis of MLB.com.
Should Ethan go No. 1, it won't come as a surprise. He has been ranked at the top of the class since his freshman year by rankings services such as Perfect Game.
The Hollidays, sons of former All-Star Matt Holliday, could become the first brothers to ever both be selected No. 1. The Upton brothers, Justin and B.J., were chosen No. 1 and 2 respectively in the 2005 and 2002 drafts.
Another storyline focuses on three players from
Corona (Calif.). Several schools have had two players selected in the first round, but no school has had three.
The Panthers could become the first.
Seth Hernandez, the MaxPreps National Junior Player of the Year, ranks as a potential top 10 pick while shortstop
Billy Carlson could go midway through the first. Third baseman
Brady Ebel, meanwhile, has been named in several mock drafts as a pick in the latter third of the draft.
Read on for a look at the top 10 high school Major League Draft prospects as selected by MaxPreps based on mock drafts, player ratings and past performance.
Ethan Holliday, Stillwater (Okla.)Ethan has been on every scout's radar for a long time, thanks in part to the progress of his brother Jackson and also to his own physical makeup and ability. Bigger and more physical than Jackson, Ethan is expected to excel at the plate with a powerful bat and smooth swing. A high school shortstop, he is likely to move to third where his strong arm will be an asset.
Xavier Neyens, Mount Vernon (Wash.)
The state of Washington has had only three high school players chosen among the top five picks and none since 1999 but Neyens could buck that trend. One of the top offensive players in the draft, Neyens also adds plus power to the mix. Currently a shortstop, Neyens could move to third base or possibly a corner outfield position due to a strong arm.
Seth Hernandez, Corona (Calif.)
The first of Corona's trio to come off the board, Hernandez is a likely top 10 pick as a pitcher. Considered the top high school pitching prospect in the Class of 2025, Hernandez has reached up to 98 mph on his fastball and has a devastating changeup. His athleticism shows on the mound as he is also an accomplished hitter and fielder.
Kayson Cunningham, Johnson (San Antonio, Texas)
Although smaller in stature than other shortstop prospects, Cunningham ranks as a top 10 pick due to his batting prowess and his ability to make contact. He also has the range and arm to stay at shortstop but could also be an option at second base.
Kruz Schoolcraft, Sunset (Portland, Ore.)
Formerly in the Class of 2026, Schoolcraft reclassified last year. He ranks as one of the tallest players in the 2025 draft at 6-foot-8 and 215 pounds. As he adds pounds to his frame, look for him to add miles per hour to his fastball, which currently sits in the lows 90. He also brings a change-up and a breaking ball in his arsenal, giving him three "out" pitches. Likely goes somewhere between 10-15.
Eli Willits, Fort Cobb-Broxton (Fort Cobb, Okla.)
A reclassification from the Class of 2026, Willits will be a catch for some lucky team simply due to his age. He will still be six months shy of 18 on draft day. Willits' hitting ability will be another reason to draft him. A switch-hitter, Willits batted over .600 last year and is seen as a plus hitter at the next level. Although he hit 10 home runs as a sophomore, he is not necessarily considered a power-hitting prospect. His fielding ability, however, should be good enough for him to stick at that position. Could go somewhere around picks 10-15.
Billy Carlson, Corona
Some scouts see Carlson as the top pick from Corona although most mock drafts slate him around pick No. 15 overall. Tabbed as the best fielding shortstop in the class, Carlson has good hands and a strong arm to stay at the position. Also has a solid bat, although not necessarily for power at this point.
Brady Ebel, Corona
Possibly the second-best shortstop in the nation, Ebel doesn't start at the position due to the fact that the No. 1 fielding shortstop, Billy Carlson, is on the same team. Ebel has the ability and range to play the position at the next level but could also emerge as a third base project thanks to a strong arm. Also pegged as one of the top bats in the Class of 2025, Ebel will also draw attention due to his age, since he won't quite be 18 on draft day.
Sean Gamble, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
Gamble is a player with unlimited options when it comes to playing in the field. With a strong arm and plus speed, he can play any of the outfield positions. However, he also has the athletic ability to play the infield at third base or second. He brings a powerful swing and bat speed to the plate. Likely goes somewhere in the last third of the first round.
Gavin Fien, Great Oak (Temecula, Calif.)
An outstanding summer at the plate has Fien moving up the charts and into the first round of several mock drafts. According to MLB.com, Fien was considered by some scouts as the best bat in the class, rivaling that of fellow Californian Brady Ebel. Has solid ability in the field at third base due to a strong arm, or possibly in the outfield. Should go end of first round.

Kayson Cunningham is the top prospect from the state of Texas. (PHOTO: Robbie Rakestraw)