Prime Highlights
- The Washington Nationals drafted shortstop “Eli Willits,” 17, with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft.
- Willits is the youngest top draft choice since 1987 and starts a new era for the franchise.
Key Fact
- “Eli Willits” is a switch-hitting shortstop who hit .516 with nine homers and 48 steals in the previous season.
- The Nationals may sign him under slot value, leaving budget space to sign more draft picks.
Key Background
The 2025 MLB Draft was news when Washington Nationals surprise No. 1 overall selection was 17-year-old shortstop “Eli Willits.” The Oklahoma-born Fort Cobb-Broxton High Schooler reclassed in the 2026 draft class and became the youngest No. 1 overall pick in almost four decades. The pick was an unexpected change of strategy for the Nationals, who are experiencing an era of transition amid in-house rebuilding.
Will was shows upper-level athleticism and flexibility as a high school player. Switch-hitting bat with refined plate intelligence and defensive ability to complement, he batted .516 his senior season, tacking on six home runs and 48 stolen bases to the mix. Rare combination of speed, contact, and baseball IQ, and he has a high ceiling even as a teenager. Nicknamed “El Jefe” at top national events. Scouts and analysts ranked him one of the best-tipped prep players in recent memory, irresistibly set to make the jump to the pros with ease. Willits’ signing with the Nationals is in the aftermath of a colossal shake-up in the team. Experienced GM Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez both lost their positions just days from the draft after several years of underwhelming performances. Replacing interim GM Mike DeBartolo and scouting director Danny Haas, it was the hard-charging draft pick that chose Willits for his maturity, leadership skills, and all-around tool set. The selection is a sign of a youth-based rebuild and long-term construction.
Financially, the No. 1 selection holds a slot value of over $11 million, but Washington is not signing Willits to a full slot contract.
That would leave money in reserve to invest on other costly prospects in future rounds. The approach also comes on what is shaping up to be a record-breaking draft season, with 17 shortstops taken in the opening round. Willits is at the forefront of a concerted effort by the Nationals to bulk up for the long term and become contenders again.
