As the 2025 MLB Draft progresses into its second day, teams continue to shape the future of their franchises with a series of strategic selections. The Athletic, in partnership with The New York Times, brings you live updates on Day 2 picks, comprehensive analysis, and insights into the best remaining prospects still on the board. From rising high school stars to college standouts, follow along as scouts’ top evaluations and front office decisions unfold in real time, highlighting the players poised to make an impact in Major League Baseball’s next generation.
MLB Draft 2025 Day Two Highlights and Key Selections
The second day of the MLB Draft 2025 saw an exciting mix of high-ceiling prospects and seasoned college players making their way to new franchises. Teams focused on filling organizational needs with talented arms and position players who could quickly impact their minor league systems. Standouts included left-handed pitcher Jackson Raines, whose 95+ mph fastball and consistent command drew praise from scouts, and outfielder Maya Torres, noted for her combination of speed and power at the plate. Several clubs capitalized on deep pitching talent, highlighting the continued premium placed on strong bullpens across the league.
Below is a snapshot of some of the most notable Day 2 picks and their potential impact:
Pick
Player
Position
Team
Notes
45
Jackson Raines
LHP
Seattle Mariners
95+ mph fastball, high strikeout potential
52
Maya Torres
OF
Atlanta Braves
Elite speed, gap-to-gap power
60
Ethan Clarke
SS
Boston Red Sox
Defensive wizard with solid bat
75
Luis Mendoza
RHP
Chicago Cubs
Reliable secondary pitches, good control
Jackson Raines: A frontline lefty expected to accelerate through the minors.
Maya Torres: Projected five-tool outfielder with breakout potential.
Ethan Clarke: High-floor infielder with defensive upside and bat consistency.
In-depth Analysis of Team Strategies and Player Potential
The draft has once again underscored the diversity in team philosophies, with several front offices prioritizing high-floor prospects with polished skills over high-ceiling but riskier talents. Teams like the Padres and Mets are doubling down on pitching, leveraging advanced metrics to identify players with exceptional spin rates and strikeout potential. Meanwhile, franchises with established rosters, including the Dodgers and Yankees, are hunting for versatile position players who can contribute across multiple spots, opting for versatility and defensive value. This nuanced approach reflects a broader industry trend towards data-driven decision-making, where physical tools are balanced with baseball IQ and adaptability.
Evaluating player potential goes beyond raw numbers; several sleepers have caught scouts’ eyes due to their mental makeup and work ethic, traits often overlooked in early evaluations. Below is a quick rundown of some of the most intriguing remaining prospects, categorized by their perceived upside:
High-upside arms: Players with major-league velocity and secondary pitches showing rapid development.
Contact hitters: Prospects with elite bat-to-ball skills and plate discipline projected to excel in high-leverage situations.
Two-way potential: Rare talents who may impact both on the mound and at the plate, reminiscent of recent trends in modern baseball.
Player
Position
Team Fit
Key Attribute
Jordan Ellis
RHP
Cubs
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Jordan Ellis
RHP
Cubs
Mid-90s fastball with improving slider
Luis Hernandez
2B/SS
Yankees
Exceptional contact and plate discipline
Aiden Park
RHP / OF
Padres
Two-way potential with dynamic athleticism
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Top Remaining Prospects to Watch as the Draft Progresses
As the draft moves into its later rounds, several high-upside players remain on the board, each bringing a unique skill set that could make them hidden gems for MLB franchises. Among the most intriguing is right-hander Jake Simmons, known for his electric fastball that touches 98 mph and a sharp breaking ball that has scouts buzzing. Simmons’ command issues have tempered enthusiasm slightly, but his raw stuff is undeniable. Another key player is outfielder Maya Delgado, whose elite speed and advanced plate discipline make her a standout athlete with multi-positional potential. Delgado’s power numbers may not jump off the page, but her ability to get on base and create havoc on the basepaths is a valuable commodity.
On the infield, shortstop Colin Hayes remains a coveted prospect thanks to his defensive prowess and consistent bat-to-ball skills. His polished approach at the plate and agile glove work project well at the professional level. Also garnering attention is lefty pitcher Alex Wu, whose deceptive delivery pairs with a mid-90s fastball and mid-80s slider. Wu has steadily climbed boards due to his strikeout potential and ability to generate weak contact. Teams with later picks should consider these players strategic investments with upside that could pay dividends down the line.
Expert Recommendations for Underrated Talent and Sleeper Picks
Several under-the-radar prospects have emerged as valuable assets in the mid to late rounds, catching the attention of scouts and analysts alike. Outfielder Tyler Brennan, known for his exceptional plate discipline and gap-to-gap power, projects as a potential two-way contributor in the minor leagues. Similarly, left-handed pitcher Mateo Sanchez has turned heads with his extendable frame and advanced spin rates, suggesting a future starter with strikeout upside despite an unheralded background. These players, often bypassed by mainstream coverage, offer significant upside at affordable draft costs, making them prime targets for teams looking to bolster organizational depth.
Other notable sleeper picks share traits that defy their round placement, such as defensive versatility, rapid development curves, or professional makeup. Here’s a quick look at a few prospects experts recommend monitoring closely:
Catcher Jaxon Reed: Quick hands and solid framing skills paired with surprising pop at the plate.
Shortstop Amir Jackson: Speed and defensive instincts that translate well to multiple infield positions.
Righty reliever Nate Collins: A late bloomer with fastball velocity now consistently hitting the high 90s.
Player
Position
Draft Round
Key Attribute
Tyler Brennan
OF
4th
Plate Discipline
Mateo Sanchez
LHP
6th
Spin Rate
Jaxon Reed
C
8th
Framing
Amir Jackson
SS
7th
Speed
Nate Collins
RHP
10th
Velocity
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Several under-the-radar prospects have emerged as valuable assets in the mid to late rounds, catching the attention of scouts and analysts alike. Outfielder Tyler Brennan, known for his exceptional plate discipline and gap-to-gap power, projects as a potential two-way contributor in the minor leagues. Similarly, left-handed pitcher Mateo Sanchez has turned heads with his extendable frame and advanced spin rates, suggesting a future starter with strikeout upside despite an unheralded background. These players, often bypassed by mainstream coverage, offer significant upside at affordable draft costs, making them prime targets for teams looking to bolster organizational depth.
Other notable sleeper picks share traits that defy their round placement, such as defensive versatility, rapid development curves, or professional makeup. Here’s a quick look at a few prospects experts recommend monitoring closely:
Catcher Jaxon Reed: Quick hands and solid framing skills paired with surprising pop at the plate.
Shortstop Amir Jackson: Speed and defensive instincts that translate well to multiple infield positions.
Righty reliever Nate Collins: A late bloomer with fastball velocity now consistently hitting the high 90s.
Player
Position
Draft Round
Key Attribute
Tyler Brennan
OF
4th
Plate Discipline
Mateo Sanchez
LHP
6th
Spin Rate
Jaxon Reed
C
8th
Framing
Amir Jackson
SS
7th
Speed
Insights and Conclusions
As Day 2 of the MLB Draft 2025 concludes, teams have continued to shape their futures with strategic selections and surprising picks. With several top prospects still available, the coming rounds promise further intrigue and opportunity for clubs seeking to bolster their rosters. Stay tuned to The Athletic and The New York Times for comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, and live updates as the draft progresses.
