Washington Nationals Select Eli Willits as First Overall MLB Draft Pick

Washington Nationals Make Surprising Top Pick in MLB Draft

The 2025 MLB Draft kicked off this Sunday, and the Washington Nationals wasted no time making waves, selecting high school shortstop Eli Willits with the first overall pick. At just 17, Willits, an ambidextrous batter from Fort Cobb-Broxton High School, becomes the youngest player ever to go number one globally. The choice has raised eyebrows, with many seeing it as a surprise in what’s anticipated to be a highly unpredictable draft.

Willits brings a notable baseball pedigree to the Nationals. He is the son of Reggie Willits, a former six-season player for the los Angeles Angels and a former coach with the New York Yankees. This adds an captivating layer to his selection, following the recent seismic shifts within the Nationals organization, including the departures of long-time General Manager Mike Rizzo and Manager Dave Martinez just a week prior.

The intrigue continued with the second pick, as the Los Angeles Angels opted for UC-Santa Barbara right-handed pitcher Tyler Bremner. Following them, the Seattle Mariners selected LSU left-hander Kade Anderson.

Another familiar name entered the draft spotlight when the Colorado Rockies picked shortstop Ethan holliday at number four. Ethan, the son of baseball veteran Matt holliday, was considered a strong contender for the top overall selection.Had he been chosen first, he and his brother, Jackson Holliday (taken first overall by baltimore in 2022), would have made history as the first brothers to be selected with the top pick in consecutive years.

The initial three rounds of the draft took place on Sunday evening, with the remainder of the selections scheduled to be made on Monday.

what is the predicted range for eli Willits’ signing bonus?

Who is Eli Willits? A Deep Dive into the Nationals’ top Pick

The Washington Nationals have made their selection in the 2025 MLB Draft, choosing high school shortstop Eli Willits with the first overall pick.This marks a critically important moment for the franchise and a potentially franchise-altering decision. But who is Eli Willits, and what makes him worthy of being the top prospect in this year’s draft class?

Willits, hailing from Carlsbad, California, is a highly touted prospect known for his remarkable athleticism, powerful hitting, and defensive prowess. Scouts consistently rank him among the best high school players in the nation, projecting him as a future star at the shortstop position. His commitment to Oregon State was ultimately overridden by the Nationals’ offer.

Key Scouting Reports & Player Profile

Here’s a breakdown of what scouts are saying about Eli Willits:

Hitting: Possesses exceptional bat speed and raw power. Projected to develop into a 20+ home run threat in the majors. Displays a mature approach at the plate for a high school hitter.

Defense: A smooth and agile defender with excellent range and a strong arm. Expected to remain at shortstop long-term.

Running: Above-average speed, adding another dimension to his game. A potential threat to steal bases.

Overall: Considered a five-tool prospect – hitting for average, hitting for power, running, fielding, and throwing – a rare combination.

The Nationals’ Draft Strategy & Willits’ fit

The Nationals, currently in a rebuilding phase, are prioritizing acquiring young, high-potential talent. Selecting Willits aligns perfectly with this strategy.The team has been actively developing its farm system, and adding a player of Willits’ caliber promptly elevates their prospect rankings.

Why Shortstop? the Importance of the Position

Shortstop is arguably the most premium position in baseball, demanding both offensive and defensive excellence. Securing a future cornerstone at the position is crucial for long-term success. Willits’ ability to excel on both sides of the ball makes him an ideal fit for the Nationals’ needs. The Nationals currently have CJ Abrams at shortstop, but Willits provides long-term adaptability and potential trade value down the line.

Contract Negotiations & Expected Timeline

Negotiating a contract with the first overall pick can be a complex process. The Nationals will need to agree on a signing bonus with Willits and his representatives.

Signing Bonus Expectations: Experts predict a signing bonus in the range of $8-10 million, potentially exceeding the slot value assigned to the first overall pick.

Development Path: Willits is expected to begin his professional career in the Nationals’ minor league system. His development timeline will depend on his performance and progress, but a potential major league debut within 3-5 years is realistic.

* Minor League Affiliates: He will likely start with the Nationals’ Single-A affiliate, the Fredericksburg Nationals, before progressing through the system.

Comparing Willits to Recent Top MLB Draft Picks

Looking at recent first overall picks provides context for the Nationals’ selection:

| Year | Team | Player | Position | Current Status |

|—|—|—|—|—|

| 2024 | Oakland Athletics | Jackson Holliday | Shortstop | MLB (Baltimore Orioles) |

| 2023 | Colorado Rockies | Rhett Lowder | Pitcher | Minor Leagues |

| 2022 | Arizona diamondbacks | Druw Jones | Outfielder | MLB |

Willits is being compared to players like Holliday and Jones, both of whom have quickly risen through the ranks and are making an impact at the major league level. The pressure will be on for Willits to live up to these expectations.

Impact on the Washington Nationals’ Future

The selection of Eli willits represents a significant step forward for the Washington Nationals. He has the potential to become a cornerstone player and a fan favorite for years to come. His arrival injects excitement into a rebuilding franchise and offers hope for a brighter future. The Nationals’ success will depend on his development, but the initial signs are incredibly promising.