
2025 AL West Draft Highlights: Collegiate Pitching Takes Center Stage
2025-07-17
Author: Ying
The 2025 MLB Draft has wrapped up, and it's time to dissect the standout performances from the American League West teams. The focus here is on the first 10 rounds, as these selections significantly impact each team's bonus pool. The players drafted beyond the 10th round can only receive minimal bonuses without affecting the pool, making late-round gems less likely to sign.
Evaluating draft classes can be tricky, so instead of grading teams with letters, I'll assess their effectiveness based on the talent available at their picks. Let's dive into how each team fared!
Oakland Athletics: A Strong Start with Jamie Arnold
The A's made a smart move by drafting lefty Jamie Arnold (1) at 11th overall. Known for being the top college left-handed pitcher, Arnold may even rank as the best pitcher in the draft. While his velocity saw a dip, he showcased his ability to dominate hitters with movement on his pitches. His unique delivery adds to the intrigue.
Outfielder Devin Taylor (2) from Indiana hit an impressive .374 this past season but showed vulnerabilities against elite pitching. Oregon State's Gavin Turley (4) follows suit with above-average power, though he struggles with non-fastballs. Right-hander Zane Taylor (5) dazzled with a 1.98 ERA and struck out nearly a third of batters faced. Other notable picks include catcher Logan Sauve (7) and third baseman Daniel Bucciero (9), setting the A's up for potential success.
Houston Astros: Bet on Youth with Xavier Neyens
The Astros aimed high with high school infielder Xavier Neyens (1), banking on his raw power and potential. His swing is explosive, projecting to bring significant power to the infield. LSU’s Ethan Frey (3) surprised with his .331 average and 62 games as a designated hitter, showcasing solid power despite some concerns at the plate.
Southern Miss's Nick Monistere (4) brings 21 homers and strong athleticism to second base, while Wichita State's right-hander Nick Potter (5) offers a hard-throwing option out of the pen.
Los Angeles Angels: The Shock of Tyler Bremner
The Angels stunned many by selecting righty Tyler Bremner (1) second overall. Initially projected to be a top pick, his late surge, including 10 strikeouts in several outings, proved his resilience. His mother’s battle with cancer adds a personal narrative to his draft story.
Other key picks include closer Chase Shores (2) from LSU, who can touch 100 mph, and high school left-hander Johnny Slawinski (3), offering substantial projection.
Seattle Mariners: Kade Anderson, a Standout Arm
The Mariners snagged the top collegiate pitcher in Kade Anderson (1), a pivotal part of LSU's success. He offers a diverse pitching arsenal, including a changeup considered the best in the draft. His fastball is consistently in the 91-95 mph range.
UNC's Luke Stevenson (1A), despite an off year statistically, possesses the skills to thrive, including power potential behind the plate. Right-hander Nick Becker (2) rounds out the picks for Seattle, showing promise with high upside if his swing mechanics can be reset.
Texas Rangers: Top Talent and Future Prospects
The Rangers had a promising draft, highlighted by shortstop Gavin Fien (1), believed to be one of the best prep hitters available. Despite a challenging spring, his skills suggest he could transition successfully to the professional level.
Right-hander AJ Russell (2) provides additional firepower, hitting 97 after recovering from Tommy John Surgery. Josh Owens (3) adds to the high school talent pool, demonstrating a good approach and instincts.
As the dust settles from the draft, each team in the AL West is poised for future success, with collegiate pitching emerging as the standout strength in this year’s selections. Stay tuned as these prospects develop and make their marks in the MLB!