In getting an overarching view of this 2025 MLB Draft class at the 80+ man USA 18U Trials, the initial thought is this: the class appears very similar to that of 2024. There was talent all over the diamond with a multitude of future 7-figure bonuses, but similar to last year’s group, there appears to be less slam dunk Top 15-type picks. Instead, this platform provides a chance to get each prospect into a “lane” which will serve as a foundational spot for each of them to improve and move up from over the next 12 months.

Most difficult in this piece, which stems from a narrow look, is not including every player from the event as they each hold considerable MLB Draft potential and upside.

Nevertheless, below is a look at some initial tiering statements made, prospects set to capture summer helium, and a slew of talented players who trended up throughout the week.


**CLICK FOR PITCHING STANDOUTS***

TIER 1 Statements:

1️⃣1️⃣1️⃣ mph off the bat 👀

‘25 Ethan Holliday (OK) delivers a thunderous barrel to this one for a missile single.

Wow. Some real loud stuff from the top player in the class.

👍👍👍#MLBDraft || @PBR_DraftHQ pic.twitter.com/hTPncRX9x6

— Shooter Hunt (@ShooterHunt) July 18, 2024

+ SS Ethan Holliday (OK, Oklahoma State recruit)
Beyond the pristine tools, Holliday’s major league mindset is refreshing to see. He carries himself with a maturity rarely seen at this level, and while there is a calmness to his demeanor on the diamond, it should not be mistaken for lack of intensity for the 2025 class’ top prospect is a fierce competitor. Built with durable athleticism on an impressive 6-foot-4, 210-pound, Holliday’s ability to slow the game down is unmatched right now in the class, and he patiently waits out pitches, sometimes between multiple at-bats, for the right one the same way a surfer might sit out on the water a full day for the perfect wave. However, that sweet, well-connected, left-handed stroke is capable of pouncing in an instance as was on full display with a 111 mph thunderous line drive on Day 2 of trials. Hanging the leg early on in counts as the hands slowly separate into a power position before igniting electric bat speed, Holliday is equally adept in shortening the stride when behind, and appears gifted in matching planes against different vertical approach angles. Potentially challenged by a select few with regards to the top raw power in the class, it really is not all that close when considering how easy the loft and operation work from the Oklahoma native.

‘25 Seth Hernandez (CA) looking the part of the top arm in the class to close things out.

FB: 95-98 (2600)
SL: 85-87
CB: 80

Quick, effortless appearance w/ ultra low pulse. Touches the glove with ease. Premium athlete. 👍👍#MLBDraft || @PBR_DraftHQ pic.twitter.com/Smix2TuGhl

— Shooter Hunt (@ShooterHunt) July 18, 2024

+ RHP Seth Hernandez (CA, Vanderbilt recruit)
The fact that Hernandez threw just one inning at the event speaks volumes to just how good he is and how much separation there is between him and the next group of right-handed arms. Spending the majority of his time galloping around the outfield and in the batter’s box, the ultra-athletic two-way player still cemented himself as the top pitching prospect of the past two classes in a quick, one-inning stint (even after working tandems in pregame out in right field). His explosive, plus-fastball was up to 98 mph with pinpoint command, and while there was hardly a glimpse at the secondary pitches in this look, his floor should be impressively high heading into next spring thanks to the athleticism and ease of operation. At 6-foot-4, 190-pounds, it is scary to think that Hernandez still holds considerable projection, but his masterful understanding of movement patterns is innate and something that it takes older arms many years to fully understand. In the end, the spring performance and the grading of the secondary offerings will dictate if Hernandez holds Jackson Jobe-esq upside as a prep right-handed top-5 pick, but at this point, it most certainly deserves contemplation.

Likely to give off third base vibes because of the big frame, and though the bat would clearly still hold value there, Holliday continues to portray a similar look to that of 2023 1st round pick, Aidan Miller, whose more physical frame caused some biases, but ultimately the plus-hands and arm strength of both have (and will) provide more than enough reason to stick at shortstop early on, even without a lightning quick first step.

Whereas going into the summer Holliday appeared to have more company from his peers in Tier 1, the summer has, thus far, provided for more separation, and he currently stands alone at the top of the class.