Last week, MLB Pipeline released their latest 2025 MLB Mock Draft, with prospect writer Jonathan Mayo giving his latest rendition on how things will shake out in next month's draft. The Washington Nationals, as we all know, hold the keys to the entire draft, having the #1 overall pick, and will have an opportunity to add to previous names the franchise has taken at that slot like Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper.
While none of the names in this year's draft have the overall hype level that either of those guys had, the team has an opportunity to be able to add an elite talent to their farm system. Names that have been predicted since the lottery in December have varied rapidly, and just goes to show just how wide open this year's player pool is at the moment.
The consensus favorite pretty much since the lottery was decided has been infielder Ethan Holliday out of Stillwater High School in Oklahoma, but while there's a very good chance that he ends up being the pick, there are still other names that could find their way into that mix.
Mayo certainly agrees, and his latest mock provided a lot of intrigue for a new name that has been a bit of a late riser. As for his prediction, he had the Nationals going back to a school in which they've become quite familiar with over the years, as the team has taken guys like Andrew Stevenson, Todd Peterson, Cole Henry, and others. If those names didn't already give it away, maybe Gavin Dugas does? Or perhaps Dylan Crews gives it away?
The name Mayo chose for the Nationals was a lefty starter out of LSU named Kade Anderson, who has elevated his performance as of recently with LSU still alive in the hunt for a College World Series title. Anderson has been the ace of their staff all season long, and now appears to be a lock for a Top 10 selection at a minimum.
The lefty, who is just 20-years-old and feature a skillset that could put him on a fast track to the big leagues, has a 10-1 record, 3.58 ERA, 1.097 WHIP, and an outstanding 163:28 K:BB ratio. According to MLB Pipeline, Anderson has a 60-grade fastball, 50-grade curveball, 55-grade slider, and 60-grade changeup to go with a 55-grade for his control, which gives him an overall 60-grade score. He is the #3 ranked prospect on their big board currently, and he has a real chance to cement his standing with a great showing over the next couple weeks in Omaha.
One thing to note is that 2025 is Anderson's first year starting, as he was a reliever last year for the Tigers. However, given his pitch arsenal and fantastic control, he could be a guy who doesn't need a lot of time in the minors despite being on the younger side for a collegiate player. Mayo cites his age, pitch mix, and athleticism as his main reasons for going with Anderson with the top pick, although it remains to be seen if he can unseat Ethan Holliday as the favorite for the selection.
What would you think of Kade Anderson being the #1 pick? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.