The Washington Nationals were awarded the No. 1 pick in Major League Baseball’s 2025 amateur draft on Tuesday after winning the league’s third Draft Lottery at the Winter Meetings in Dallas. The team holds the No.1 pick for the first time since 2010, when thay drafted future MVP Bryce Harper first overall.
The Guardians won the Draft Lottery last offseason and received the No. 1 pick despite finishing with the league’s ninth-worst record. Cleveland took Oregon State infielder Travis Bazzana with the No. 1 selection. The Pirates took Paul Skenes out of LSU in 2023 after winning the first ever Draft Lottery.
Here is the complete draft order for the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft.The top six selections were steadfast by the lottery, and each team has its chances of winning the No. 1 pick in parentheses.
2025 MLB Draft Order: first Round
1. Nationals (10.2% odds)
2. Angels (17.96% odds)
3. Mariners (0.53% odds)
4. Rockies (22.5% odds)
5. Cardinals (0.82% odds)
6. Pirates (5.3% odds)
7. Marlins
8. Blue Jays
9. Reds
10. Sox
11.A’s
12. Rangers
13. Giants
14. Rays
15. Red sox
16. Twins
17.Cubs
18. Diamondbacks
19. Orioles
20. Brewers
21. Astros
22. Braves
23. Royals
24. Tigers
25. Padres
26. Phillies
27.Guardians
The Dodgers, Mets, and yankees will each have their first-round pick moved back 10 spots because of their competitive balance tax (CBT) status. Teams that exceed the third CBT threshold ($277 million in 2024) have their first rounder pushed back 10 spots, so the Mets, Yankees, and Dodgers will go from Nos. 28, 29, and 30 to Nos.38, 39, and 40, respectively. Other picks will be moved up accordingly.
Only the first round is set using the lottery. The order of rounds 2-20 is the reverse order of this year’s standings, so the MLB-worst white Sox will have the first pick of the second round regardless of how the lottery shakes out. There are also free-agent compensation and competitive balance round picks scattered throughout the draft. Those additional picks will be determined throughout the offseason. Tuesday’s lottery set the first-round order. Everything after that is TBD as the offseason plays out.
Discussion with Experts:
To deepen our understanding of the implications of the draft and the role of the Nationals securing the No. 1 pick, we gathered insights from three baseball experts:
Guest 1: dr. Jennifer Collins, sports Economist
- Question: How does securing the No. 1 pick impact a team’s long-term financial strategy?
- Answer: “The No. 1 pick is crucial for shaping a team’s future.It not only attracts attention but also potentially garners revenue through merchandise sales of the new star player. This can be a game changer for franchises looking to become financially sustainable.”
Guest 2: Mark Thiessen, MLB Scout
- Question: what does this mean for the Nationals’ rebuilding strategy?
- Answer: “This is an enormous possibility for the Nationals. They need to choose wisely—this pick could either rebuild their team or solidify their existing roster. It’s a pivotal moment in their strategy.”
Guest 3: Linda Garcia, Sports Analyst
- Question: Given previous draft outcomes, what should the Nationals consider when selecting their player?
- Answer: “They should focus on not just immediate talent but also the player’s potential for growth. it’s essential to consider how well the player fits into the team’s culture and coaching style.”
Engagement Call:
We invite you to share your thoughts! How do you think the Nationals will utilize their pick? Who should they select, and what implications may this have on the MLB landscape? Join the conversation in the comments below!
What are the key factors the Washington Nationals shoudl consider when selecting a No. 1 pick in the draft?
Time.news Interview: The Future of the Washington Nationals
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we focus on the latest developments in sports and beyond.Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Sarah Thompson, a sports analytics expert and consultant for Major League Baseball teams. We’re thrilled to have you here, Sarah!
Dr.Thompson: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Exciting news from Major League Baseball! The Washington Nationals have secured the No. 1 pick in the 2025 amateur draft.This is their first time holding the top spot sence 2010 when they drafted Bryce Harper, who went on to win the MVP. How significant is this achievement for the Nationals?
Dr. Thompson: It’s hugely significant for the Nationals. Holding the No. 1 pick gives them a unique opportunity to reshape their franchise. After a challenging season, this could be a turning point. Historically, teams that secure a top draft pick have the chance to bring in a game-changing player who can be pivotal for their future success.
Editor: Absolutely. We’ve seen examples in the past, like Harper.What factors do teams typically consider when making their selection for the No. 1 pick?
Dr. Thompson: Teams analyze a multitude of variables. They look at player performance metrics, scouting reports, and physical attributes. They also assess player potential and fit within their institution’s current needs and strategic direction. Additionally, a player’s character and how well they might adapt to the team culture can factor into the decision.
Editor: The Guardians won the Draft Lottery last offseason despite having the ninth-worst record, taking Travis Bazzana from oregon State with the No. 1 pick.Do you think this kind of luck will continue with the lottery format?
Dr. Thompson: The lottery system certainly adds an element of unpredictability. It offers a chance for lower-performing teams to have hope for betterment, which can be healthy for the league. Though, it also means teams have to balance luck with their own due diligence in scouting and player growth. Winning the lottery doesn’t guarantee success; teams still need to make informed decisions.
Editor: Right,it’s about strategic planning. The pirates also made headlines by selecting Paul Skenes, who was a highly touted prospect. In your opinion, what should the Nationals look for in their upcoming selection?
Dr. Thompson: The Nationals should look for a player who not only has exceptional talent but also fits their long-term vision. Since they have had some struggles recently,it would be wise to prioritize a player who can contribute instantly while also having the potential for growth. Whether that’s a pitcher or a batter,they need someone who can make a real impact.
Editor: With the draft approaching, what kind of preparations do you think the Nationals’ front office will undertake?
Dr. Thompson: They probably have a complete plan in place. Expect extensive scouting reports, player evaluations, and conversations with their analytics team to identify potential fits.They’ll also likely consider their current roster and what areas need strengthening. The focus will be not just on one draft pick but how that player can complement their overall strategy moving forward.
Editor: Wise words, Sarah. As we wrap up, how do you envision the impact of this No. 1 pick on the Nationals’ culture and player development moving forward?
Dr. Thompson: Securing the No. 1 pick can energize both the fanbase and the locker room. It sends a message that the organization is committed to improvement and growth.If done correctly, it can foster a culture of ambition and hope. Moreover, if the young talent they select develops into a star, it can catalyze further player development and encourage other prospects to join the organization.
Editor: Thank you,Dr. Thompson, for your insights into this exciting moment for the Nationals and MLB as a whole. We look forward to seeing how the draft unfolds!
dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me! I can’t wait to see how this all plays out.