Day 1 of the 2025 MLB Draft brought significant talent to Southern League teams, promising an exciting future for fans, especially those of the Knoxville Smokies. The Chicago Cubs selected Ethan Conrad with the 17th pick, a powerful outfielder whose .372 batting average and 27 RBIs last season have fans eagerly anticipating his arrival. Other notable picks included Tate Southisene by the Atlanta Braves, who earned recognition for his stellar high school performance, and Billy Carlson, a versatile talent drafted by the Chicago White Sox. The talent pool this year suggests a competitive landscape in Double-A baseball.

Among the picks, Steele Hall by the Cincinnati Reds stands out, with his impressive speed and power making him a player to watch. The Los Angeles Angels focused on pitching, selecting Tyler Bremner and Nate Snead, both of whom showed potential in college. The Miami Marlins also made a splash by drafting shortstop Aiva Arquette. This year's draft indicates a bright future for the Smokies, as many of these players could soon don their uniform.