As the 2025 MLB Draft clock ticks down, the drama at the top has reached fever pitch. With ESPN set to broadcast the event live at 6 p.m. ET, insiders say teams are still locked in heated debates over who to select—and even the No. 1 pick remains uncertain.

Following the sudden firing of longtime GM Mike Rizzo, the Washington Nationals now hold the most volatile first overall pick in recent memory. Without a clear-cut top prospect, the team faces a decision that could define the franchise for a decade.

Ethan Holliday vs. Kade Anderson: A Franchise-Defining Choice?

Ethan Holliday—yes, the son of MLB great Matt Holliday—is widely considered the most gifted prep bat in the draft. But with a high asking price and a powerful agent in Scott Boras, the Nationals are reportedly hesitating.

Instead, momentum is building behind Kade Anderson, the polished LSU left-hander who dominated late in the college season. “He’s a known quantity, big-game ready, and could move fast,” said one AL scout.

Bonus Battles and Underslot Strategies at Play

Adding to the chaos: whispers of Eli Willits and Aiva Arquette—two players who may come at lower signing bonuses—being floated as cost-saving alternatives for the No. 1 slot. Boras’s presence complicates matters, and a source close to the Nationals admitted, “Even if we picked in 15 minutes, I don’t think we’d be sure.

There Are Wars Happening in Those Rooms

In a chilling quote that encapsulates the tension across war rooms, a scouting director of a top-10 team told Kiley McDaniel of ESPN:

Don’t feel confident about anything in the top three picks… there are wars happening in those rooms right now.

Another exec confirmed: Yeah, we’re hearing the same thing.

What Comes Next? How the Top 5 Could Shake Out

Here’s a look at the projected top picks as of now:

1Washington Nationals — Kade Anderson, LHP, LSU
The safe choice if Holliday’s price proves too high. Anderson brings high-floor potential and fits a team seeking rapid pitching development.

2Los Angeles Angels — Liam Doyle, LHP, Tennessee
The Angels have shown a pattern: college players who rise quickly. Doyle fits the mold and could take less than slot value, giving the front office flexibility in later rounds.

3Seattle Mariners — Bryce Hernandez or Tyler Bremner (both RHP)
Seattle would love for Anderson to fall here (there’s still a 20-30% chance), but if he doesn’t, this pick could come down to bonus pricing games between Bremner, Hernandez, and possibly Ike Irish.

Colorado Rockies — Ethan Holliday, 3B, Stillwater HS (OK)
The Rockies have scouted Holliday extensively and would be thrilled if he falls here. Questions remain over whether they’ll meet his overslot demands, but a year of consistent buzz suggests they’re willing.

5. Oakland Athletics — Jamie Arnold, LHP, Florida State
One of the most polished arms available, Arnold is seen as a top-5 lock. Oakland may consider other options like Kyson Witherspoon, but Arnold’s control and experience likely seal the deal.

Watch the Fireworks Unfold

The MLB Draft kicks off Sunday, 6 p.m. ET on ESPN, and if rumors hold true, we’re in for a wild night of surprises, trades, and perhaps one blockbuster mistake. With over a dozen players linked to the top five picks, the only certainty is uncertainty.