REPORT: A’s 2025 MLB Draft Targets Revealed
With the 2025 MLB Draft approaching in under six months, it’s time for teams to start preparing and evaluating potential targets. The Oakland Athletics secured the 11th pick in the draft lottery, marking a slight deviation from their usual top picks in recent years, having had a high draft position in back-to-back seasons.
Although the A’s don’t hold a top pick this year, several intriguing players could still align with their needs.
Understanding the A’s drafting tendencies is crucial when looking at potential targets. Historically, they’ve shied away from selecting pitchers in the first round, relying instead on their scouting and development system to identify pitching talent in later rounds. In fact, the A’s haven’t chosen a pitcher in the first round since 2016, when they picked A.J. Puk from Florida.
Typically, the A’s favor college bats in the first round, though they’ve ventured into high school talent in recent years, with Tyler Soderstrom (2020) and Max Muncy (2021) being the most recent examples of high school draftees.
This year’s draft class is rich with both college and prep hitters, which fits the A’s profile for the types of players they’re likely to target in July.
Brendan Summerhill – Outfielder – Arizona | Bats: Left, Throws: Right
HT: 6’3 / WT: 205
Brendan Summerhill is a top draft target for the Oakland Athletics, as he fits the profile of players they typically look for. Summerhill, who played right field for Arizona last season, has also spent time in all three outfield positions. He posted an impressive .324 batting average and a .950 OPS, alongside 32 extra-base hits, showcasing his offensive potential.
While Summerhill has demonstrated solid plate discipline, with nearly as many walks as strikeouts, he’ll need to improve on reducing chase swings to take his offensive game to the next level. Defensively, he shows a strong glove and arm in the outfield, complemented by good speed and size. With another solid season at Arizona, Summerhill has the potential to be a high draft pick, and MLB Pipeline currently ranks him as the No. 10 prospect in the 2025 MLB Draft.
Xavier Neyens – Third Base – Mount Vernon (WA) | Bats: Left, Throws: Right
HT: 6’4 / WT: 200
Xavier Neyens is emerging as one of the top prep bats in the 2025 MLB Draft, trailing only Ethan Holiday, who is widely regarded as a consensus top-three pick. Neyens has displayed elite raw power from the left side of the plate and has the potential to develop into an elite hitter as he refines his game. In addition to his offensive prowess, Neyens boasts a very strong arm from third base and has even hit 95 mph off the mound, according to MLB.com.
While the A’s typically stay local when selecting prep talent, Neyens may be an exception to that trend. With the draft approaching, Neyens is projected to be a top-five pick, but he could also fall to the back half of the top ten or early teens, which is right around where the A’s are slated to pick. The A’s could certainly benefit from adding a player with Neyens’ skill set to their farm system, especially given their need for infield talent.
Luke Stevenson – Catcher – UNC | Bats: Left, Throws: Right
HT: 6’1 / WT: 200
Luke Stevenson is currently ranked as the top catcher in the 2025 MLB Draft by MLB.com, and he possesses an impressive skill set behind the plate. Stevenson has a strong arm and has made significant improvements in his framing and receiving. Offensively, his left-handed swing has serious pop, as he hit 24 extra-base hits, including 14 home runs, last season, posting a .535 slugging percentage.
While the A’s selected Daniel Susac in the first round of the 2022 draft, and he’s progressing well in the system with plans to start in Triple-A this season, the team’s overall catching depth remains a bit thin. With Shea Langeliers becoming arbitration-eligible next season and a free agent in 2029, the A’s may look to bolster their catching position for the long term. Investing in a talent like Stevenson could be a smart move to ensure stability at the position in the future. MLB Pipeline currently ranks him as the No. 13 prospect in the draft.
Max Belyeu – Outfielder – Texas | Bats: Left, Throws: Right
HT: 6’2 / WT: 210
Max Belyeu is a standout slugger who earned the 2024 Big 12 Player of the Year title after hitting 18 home runs with a .667 slugging percentage. He also posted a .329 batting average, 15 doubles, and a 1.090 OPS last season, showcasing his offensive dominance.
While Belyeu has a strong arm in the outfield, his speed and angles limit him from playing center field. He would be a great fit in one of the corner outfield spots, bringing both power and a strong arm to the table. MLB.com describes him as “one of the best all-around offensive players in the college crop,” which should certainly appeal to the A’s.
The A’s have already established a power-hitting identity, with their lineup being a constant threat to change the outcome of a game with one swing. After selecting power hitters like Nick Kurtz and Tommy White in last season’s draft, the A’s have an opportunity to further build on this identity with Belyeu, strengthening their power-hitting presence for the future.
Although the 2025 MLB Draft is still several months away, the A’s are in a position to select a prospect that could significantly alter the trajectory of their farm system. With a well-planned pick, the A’s could land a player with the potential to impact the team’s future for years to come, whether it’s through bolstering their lineup with power hitters like Max Belyeu or adding highly talented pitchers or field players. The right selection could accelerate the A’s rebuild and set the stage for sustained success in the coming seasons.