Why the Nationals Went All-In on Eli Willits: Inside MLB’s Most Shocking No. 1 Pick

The Talk Nats Podcast w/Dan Holmi

The Washington Nationals stunned the baseball world by selecting 17-year-old Oklahoma shortstop Eli Willits with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. While the outside consensus favored prospects like Ethan Holliday or Kade Anderson, Nationals brass described the decision as "unanimous," citing Willits’ elite contact ability, speed, defensive tools, and makeup. His lack of Scott Boras representation likely contributed to the team’s ability to sign him under-slot and redirect bonus pool money toward other high-upside picks like flamethrower Landon Harmon.

This draft marked a strategic departure from the Mike Rizzo era. Under interim GM Mike DeBartolo and scouting head Danny Haas, Washington focused on ceiling and character, drafting 11 hitters and 9 pitchers—many from college but also high-risk, high-reward high schoolers. With Willits compared to Ken Griffey Jr. in youth, the Nationals have placed a major bet on projection and long-term development, one that could define the franchise's rebuild for years to come.

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