Los Angeles Shocks MLB Draft by Selecting Star Arkansas Teammates With First Two Picks, Betting Big on Chemistry and Upside
The Los Angeles Dodgers made headlines during the 2025 MLB Draft, not just for who they selected, but for how they did it. In an unexpected yet calculated move, the Dodgers used their first two picks to take a pair of highly regarded prospects from the same college program: the Arkansas Razorbacks. Shortstop Peyton Stovall and right-handed pitcher Hagen Smith, teammates in Fayetteville and cornerstones of one of the most dominant SEC teams in recent memory, are now set to begin their professional journeys together—only this time in Dodger blue.
This move sent a buzz throughout the baseball world. Drafting college teammates in back-to-back picks, especially within the top rounds, is extremely rare in MLB history. The decision by Los Angeles’ front office has been interpreted as both a vote of confidence in the Arkansas program and a strategic attempt to accelerate development by investing in players already familiar with each other’s styles, work ethics, and competitive drive.
For the Dodgers, who are never shy about making bold moves, the decision reflects a balance between analytics and instinct. The numbers back up both players’ talent, but there’s also a deeper layer here—one that hints at the importance of cohesion, chemistry, and character in shaping the next generation of big-league stars.
Peyton Stovall, the Dodgers’ first selection, had been a standout infielder for the Razorbacks. Known for his smooth glove, intelligent baseball IQ, and gap-to-gap power, Stovall rose quickly on draft boards throughout his junior season. Scouts have praised his plate discipline, ability to hit in the clutch, and defensive versatility. He’s seen as a player who can stick at shortstop long-term, but could also move to second or third if needed.
More importantly, Stovall brings leadership and maturity—qualities that the Dodgers clearly valued. “He’s a winner,” one team scout said. “He doesn’t just play the game well—he plays it the right way. He leads by example, and people follow him naturally. That’s the kind of culture we want in our organization.”
Hagen Smith, taken just a few picks later, was the ace of Arkansas’ staff and arguably the most dominant left-handed starter in the country over the past year. His fastball routinely hits the upper 90s, and he complements it with a wicked slider and a deceptive changeup. Smith posted eye-popping strikeout numbers during the SEC schedule, regularly mowing down hitters from some of the nation’s top programs. He was named a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award and helped Arkansas secure a top national seed heading into the NCAA Tournament.
While some scouts questioned Smith’s mechanics early in his college career, his progression over the last two seasons silenced most critics. Under the Razorbacks’ pitching coach, Smith refined his delivery, improved command, and developed into a true workhorse. The Dodgers saw a lefty with frontline potential, the type of arm that could be anchoring their rotation in a few years.
What makes this draft strategy so compelling is how well it fits the Dodgers’ player development philosophy. L.A. has built its reputation not just on finding elite talent, but on maximizing it. From stars like Walker Buehler and Will Smith to mid-round gems who blossomed into contributors, the Dodgers have consistently developed prospects into pros by giving them the right environment, resources, and guidance.
Bringing in two players who already have a deep connection could prove to be a masterstroke. Stovall and Smith have spent countless hours practicing, traveling, and competing together. They’ve faced adversity, celebrated wins, and shared the unique pressure that comes with playing for a premier college program. That kind of bond is not easily replicated, and it could ease their transition into the often isolating world of pro baseball.
Their chemistry on and off the field is well-documented. During interviews after their selections, both players spoke glowingly of each other. “I wouldn’t want to start this journey with anyone else,” Stovall said. “We’ve been through it all together at Arkansas, and now we get to take the next step side by side. It’s surreal.”
Smith echoed that sentiment. “I trust Peyton with everything. He’s one of the best players I’ve ever shared the field with, and more importantly, he’s one of the best people I know. Being drafted by the same team—it’s a dream come true.”
The Arkansas program, under head coach Dave Van Horn, has become a factory for major league talent. Known for its intense practices, attention to detail, and winning culture, Arkansas has prepared dozens of players for the next level. That reputation likely factored into the Dodgers’ decision. Selecting two of the program’s leaders shows a trust in the coaching staff’s development process and a belief that these players are ready for the mental and physical grind of professional baseball.
MLB analysts had mixed but mostly positive reactions to the Dodgers’ unusual approach. Some praised the move as “forward-thinking” and “culture-driven,” while others questioned whether the team might have passed on higher-upside options by focusing on familiarity and synergy.
But one thing everyone agreed on: this move tells a story. It’s not just about tools and stats—it’s about vision. The Dodgers didn’t just draft players. They drafted a package deal, two competitors who’ve already proven they can thrive under pressure together.
This approach could have ripple effects around the league. In a draft landscape that often values individual metrics above all else, the idea of pairing teammates with complementary skill sets and built-in chemistry could become a more common trend. For years, teams have talked about “fit” and “intangibles,” but the Dodgers may have taken that concept to a new level by making it their draft headline.
From a fan perspective, the picks were met with intrigue and excitement. Dodgers supporters are known for keeping close tabs on top prospects, and the idea of following two college stars—already proven on the same field—as they rise through the minor league system has obvious appeal.
Within the organization, early signs suggest that the front office and development staff are fully invested in maximizing the duo’s potential. Both players are expected to report to the Dodgers’ Arizona complex within the week, where they’ll undergo physicals, meet with development coaches, and begin the adjustment to pro routines. Initial assignments will likely place them in High-A or Double-A, depending on their readiness and performance in pre-season workouts.
The Dodgers know that development takes time. But with Stovall’s advanced bat and defensive instincts, and Smith’s elite strikeout ability and competitive fire, there’s genuine belief that both could fast-track their way through the system.
The broader impact of the Dodgers’ 2025 draft class will take years to fully assess. But selecting Peyton Stovall and Hagen Smith with their top two picks sent a clear message: this franchise isn’t just building a team. It’s building a culture—one that values chemistry as much as talent, leadership as much as velocity, and trust as much as trajectory.
As Smith said with a smile during his introductory Zoom call, “We’ve won together before. Now it’s time to win in Los Angeles.”
If that chemistry carries over to the next level, the Dodgers may have done more than just strengthen their farm system—they may have laid the foundation for the next era of Dodger dominance.
