Kevin’s latest 2025 First-Year Player Draft (FYPD) rankings spot the class as unusually top‑heavy on prep bats, with a clear bias against prep pitchers due to their higher risk profile. He emphasizes age-to-level production and landing spot as key drivers for fantasy value, and he’s prepared to adjust quickly as minor league assignments unfold post-draft. The top 12 feature a blend of advanced hit tools, above‑average speed, and multi‑position flexibility, with Willits at No. 1 thanks to a mature approach, athleticism, and the likelihood of a fast track to pro ball.

The rankings put a premium on hitters who can translate amateur success into pro success quickly, especially those who can sprint through the minors. JoJo Parker sits close to Willits thanks to power and a mature plate approach, while Ethan Holliday carries a high upside floor if his hit tool develops despite questions about his raw power. Kade Anderson, Steele Hall, and Gavin Fien round out a robust big‑league pathway for fantasy relevance, each bringing a distinct mix of pitcher upside, defensive value, and raw power. The article also notes the risk of prep pitching and highlights how the Pirates, Cubs, Reds, and other orgs could accelerate development for their draftees. Overall, it’s a forward‑looking framework built on scouts’ language, translating projections into fantasy outcomes, with the expectation that rankings will evolve as players prove themselves in the professional ranks.

Beyond the top dozen, the piece acknowledges the class’s depth and the potential for movement as players reach full‑season duty and health permits. Willits’ youth and age-to-level upside propel him as a potential top‑five asset in July, while the piece warns that even strong college bats may stall if hit tools don’t mature as hoped. The final takeaway: this is a living list, designed to adjust quickly to real‑world development and performance in the minors, with prep hitters favored and pitchers treated as higher‑risk bets for fantasy impact.

The 2024 MLB amateur draft concluded with the Washington Nationals selecting Oklahoma prep shortstop Eli Willits with the third overall pick, marking a significant moment for the franchise. Willits, who won’t turn 18 until December, showcases tremendous potential but won't be the first to reach the majors. The draft saw various other notable picks, with players like Tyler Bremner and Jamie Arnold highlighted for their abilities and likely quick ascensions to MLB.

Bremner, selected second by the Los Angeles Angels, is known for his changeup and improving fastball, while Arnold, taken 11th by the Athletics, has the tools to become an above-average big-league starter. Gage Wood, the wild card at 26 to the Phillies, is viewed as potentially the best pitcher in the class, but injury concerns linger. Kade Anderson, the third pick by the Mariners, possesses a full arsenal of pitches, suggesting he might not need extensive minor league time. Lastly, Liam Doyle stands out as a fastball-heavy prospect for the Cardinals, although he might face a slower development path.

The St. Louis Cardinals made a significant move in the MLB Draft by selecting Liam Doyle, a 21-year-old left-handed pitcher from the University of Tennessee, with the fifth overall pick. Doyle, a first-team All-American and Perfect Game’s Pitcher of the Year, is already drawing comparisons to established MLB stars. Notably, he has been likened to Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, due to his mid-90s fastball and similar pitching style.

In 2025, Skubal boasts an impressive 10-3 record, a 2.23 ERA, and a 0.83 WHIP, making him a favorite to win the Cy Young again. Doyle’s fastball can reach up to 100 mph, akin to Skubal's, while he is still refining his breaking pitches, mirroring Skubal’s successful repertoire. The Cardinals hope Doyle can develop into a cornerstone of their pitching staff, especially considering comparisons to former Cy Young winner Robbie Ray and Cardinals Hall of Famer Al Hrabosky.

The St. Louis Cardinals made a significant move in the 2025 MLB Draft by selecting Tennessee Volunteers pitcher Liam Doyle with the fifth overall pick. Doyle, who boasted a 10-4 record with a 3.20 ERA and 164 strikeouts in 95.2 innings, has drawn comparisons to Atlanta Braves ace Spencer Strider, particularly due to his fastball that has reached up to 100 mph. As he transitions from college to the pros, Doyle is touted for his ability to throw strikes and his repertoire that includes a splitter and slider.

Strider, who recently returned from Tommy John surgery, has experienced ups and downs but is noted for his command and stamina. If Doyle can replicate Strider's success while addressing concerns about his command, he could potentially become a dominant force in the MLB. The Cardinals are looking for a franchise cornerstone, and Doyle might just be the answer.

The St. Louis Cardinals have made strategic moves in the 2025 MLB Draft, starting with their first pick, Liam Doyle, a pitcher from Tennessee, selected 5th overall. Following Doyle, the Cardinals continued to lean on talent from Tennessee, adding Ryan Mitchell from Houston High School and Tanner Franklin, a fellow pitcher, showcasing a clear focus on strengthening their pitching lineup.

The draft spans over 20 rounds, with a total of 21 selections for the Cardinals, indicating a robust approach to enhancing their farm system. Players like Cade Crossland and Ethan Young will also play vital roles in the Cardinals' future, potentially impacting their High-A affiliate, the Peoria Chiefs.