The 2025 MLB draft began with some surprises at the top. The Nationals set the mood with selecting Eli Willits No. 1 overall. The first round and supplemental slots ended with Miami picking Cam Cannarella from Clemson.
As expected, high school shortstops were the common threads for teams in the top 43. And the SEC had 13 players selected, including four from Tennessee and four from Arkansas.
Let’s take a look at the players in the top 43 that didn’t come from the most fruitful crop. Here are five gems from the 2025 MLB draft first round and supplemental slots.
Tyler Bremner – Angels
The Los Angeles Angels followed the Nats by selecting Tyler Bremner from UCSB at No. 2 overall. Many had Kade Anderson or Liam Doyle being the first pitchers off the board, but it was the right-hander from University of California – Santa Barbara that landed in the slot. Bremner carved up the Big West for three seasons at UCSB, logging 221 1/3 innings for the Gauchos. He led the conference with a 35.8 K% and 111 strikeouts. It’s likely the best changeup from the college class, with the fastball not far behind. With solid breakers, Bremner could turn into a gem for the Halos.
Aiva Arquette – Miami
The Miami Marlins selected Oregon State’s power-hitting shortstop with pick No. 7 in the MLB draft. It’s conceivable that the Marlins weren’t expecting Arquette to be here with this slot. At 6-foot-4 and 220 lbs., Arquette has the range, glove and arm to stick at the six hole in pro ball. But it’s the bat that brings the most upside from Corvallis, Oregon. He’s the second Beaver taken in the Top 10 in as many years. Last summer, Travis Bazanna took a record 1.6 million savings by signing with the Cleveland Gaurdians. Arquette doesn’t project to be an under-slot here.
Caden Bodine – Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles had the advantage of holding four picks in the first 37 selections. With the first Comp-A pick, Baltimore took Caden Bodine from Coastal Carolina. Like Summerhill, Bodine is a pure hitter with supreme bat-to-ball skills. He is a switch-hitting backstop that hit .318 with a 1.96 BB/K in 2025.
The Orioles also selected Ike Irish at pick 19. While Irish has a path to catch in pro ball, it’s likely Bodine carves that route for years to come in the organization, while Irish sticks in right field. Bodine is compensation for former Brewer, Corbin Burnes.
Mitch Voit – Mets
Mitch Voit had a breakout spring with Michigan with an 1.140 OPS, while hitting .346. It’s an intriguing selection for the Mets, as Voit is likely a second baseman with questions surrounding other spots in the field. The arm strength is noteworthy, as he is a former two-way performer. It’s possible Voit could transition to the outfield based on his history and traits. It’s a solid bat, with a compact swing that could lead to more power in pro ball. This slot is New York’s only pick in the top 100.
Brendan Summerhill – Rays
With their 42nd selection, the Rays grabbed Brendan Summerhill from Arizona. He boasts one of the best hit tools from the college class. There’s ton of value with Summerhill, as he can play the corner or center outfield. The lefty bat hit .343 with the Wildcats last season. The Rays loaded up with two selections in the top 43. Tampa Bay went with talented shortstop, Daniel Pierce, from Mill Creek (Ga.) at pick 14. These two selections can pay dividends for the Rays in the future.
