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.