Canadians continued to make their mark in Major League Baseball, with several hearing their names called during the 2025 MLB Draft.
This year’s draft saw a new group of Canadian talents embark on their professional baseball journeys, following in the footsteps of those who have recently graduated to the big leagues — and the 16 Canucks selected in last year’s MLB Draft.
Tyler Bremner, a 21-year-old right-handed pitcher, was the highest Canadian selected, going second overall to the Los Angeles Angels. Born in San Diego, California, Bremner’s strong Canadian ties come from his parents, Jason of Mississauga, ON., and Jennifer of Queensville, ON.
Bremner, who stands six-foot-two, had an impressive season with UC Santa Barbara, starting 14 games and recording a 3.49 ERA and a 1.022 WHIP. He was ranked 18th on MLB.com’s prospect list. Known for his devastating changeup and a fastball that can reach 98 mph, Bremner is also UC Santa Barbara’s all-time strikeout leader and demonstrated exceptional control, walking only 6.1 per cent of batters faced in 2025.
He has expressed a desire to honour his late mother by playing for Canada in the World Baseball Classic. The Angels, who finished last in the American League West with a 63-99 record last season, earned the second overall pick.
Other notable Canadian selections
Slater de Brun, an 18-year-old outfielder, was selected 37th overall by the Baltimore Orioles. Despite growing up in Bend, Oregon, de Brun holds a Canadian passport thanks to his mother, Julie, who attended McGill University and worked in Toronto. The five-foot-nine speedster, ranked 24th on MLB.com’s prospect list, is a top-ranked prep outfielder. He projects as a leadoff centre-fielder, utilizing his keen eye at the plate and excellent bat-to-ball skills to leverage his speed. Beyond baseball, de Brun is also an aspiring music producer under the nickname Lil Slayyy.
The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Charles Davalan, a 21-year-old outfielder from St. Bruno de Montarville, Quebec, with the 31st overall pick. Born in Waterloo, Ontario, and raised in Quebec, the five-foot-nine Davalan had a standout sophomore campaign for the University of Arkansas.
As the Razorbacks’ leadoff hitter in 2025, he posted a .433 OBP, walking more than he struck out, stealing 10 bases, and hitting 14 homers in 65 games with 93 hits and 60 RBIs. Davalan, ranked 54th on MLB.com’s prospect list, primarily played left field for Arkansas but also has college experience at the other two outfield spots and second base.
The Dodgers also drafted Cam Leiter, a 21-year-old right-handed pitcher, 65th overall out of Florida State University. Leiter, a dual citizen of Canada and the United States, lived in British Columbia for nearly a decade, and his mother hails from Maple Ridge, B.C. His uncle, Al Leiter, was a member of the 1992 and 1993 Blue Jays and a two-time all-star. Ranked 114th on MLB.com’s prospect list, Leiter missed the entire 2025 season due to shoulder surgery.
When healthy, the six-foot-five righty is known for his explosive 99 mph fastball, along with a curveball, slider, and changeup. In 2024, after transferring to Florida State, he struck out 56 hitters in 35.0 innings with a 4.63 ERA, going 5-1 in seven games.
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The Cleveland Guardians picked Will Hynes, an 18-year-old right-handed pitcher from Toronto, Ontario, 70th overall. Hynes, who pitched for Lorne Park Secondary School in Mississauga, Ontario, has long been considered one of Canada’s top pitching prospects in the 2025 class and has been a consistent member of the Canadian Junior National Team. Ranked 163rd overall on MLB.com’s prospect list, Hynes throws a mid-90s fastball, a high-spin slider, and a changeup, an arsenal that helped him commit to Wake Forest. He joins a growing contingent of Canadians within the Guardians’ organization.
Canadians continue to be a significant presence in the MLB Draft, showcasing the ongoing development of baseball talent across the country.
Which of these prospects are you most excited to follow in their professional careers?