The Washington Nationals have taken shortstop Eli Willits from Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma as the first overall pick of the 2025 MLB Draft.
17-year-old Willits was initially committed to the University of Oklahoma, and played with Team USA in 2024, recording a .345 on-base percentage with four RBIs in eight games. Willits is marketed as a switch-hitter with solid plate consistency, per MLB.com. MLB.com compares Willits to a more developed Anthony Volpe, with good fielding instincts and speed.
Willits was considered a top-five selection by numerous mock drafts, though it was hard to predict him being selected as first overall. Shortstop Ethan Holliday was widely expected to be the Nats’ selection, with footage of him attending games when former Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo was still with the team back in June. While Willits is still projected to be a solid talent for Washington, it is speculated that this selection was an under-slot pick, leaving the Nats with more money for future draftees.
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