Kade

Anderson

MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis reports Anderson will receive an $8.8 million signing bonus, which is significantly under-slot ($9.5 million) for the third-overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. The 21-year-old strikeout machine figures to ascend to the majors quickly following a stellar collegiate career at perennial powerhouse LSU. His ability to miss bats, thanks to a mid-90’s heater and three plus secondary offerings, give him a shot at immediate fantasy relevance. He’s a surefire top-50 dynasty prospect as he kicks off his professional debut.

Anderson saw his stock soar in 2025 after helping LSU win the College World Series while leading the NCAA with 180 strikeouts over 119 innings with a 3.15 ERA. The 21-year-old southpaw sits in the mid 90s with a fastball with a good amount of movement, and then offers three secondary pitches that get plus grades along with well above-average command. Anderson doesn’t project to be an ace along the lines of a Paul Skenes or even a Chase Burns, but he has top-of-the-rotation stuff, and could enter the majors by the end of 2026.

With just a few hours remaining before Washington officially goes on the clock, the consensus industry-wide is that Holliday, Anderson and Willits will likely be the top picks in the 2025 MLB Draft. Holliday — the younger brother of Orioles standout Jackson Holliday and son of former big-league star Matt Holliday — has been universally-regarded as the likely top pick for months. The 18-year-old prep shortstop out of Oklahoma is bigger than his brother and packs some serious power upside. Anderson, a collegiate southpaw from LSU, would likely reach the majors at some point next year, if that’s the most important variable to the Nationals. Meanwhile, Willits — the son of former major-leaguer Reggie Willits — is only 17 years old and might end up being the best player in the entire class if he continues on his current trajectory.