18-year-old Eli Willits selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Washington Nationals in the 2025 MLB Draft.
Eli Willits, an 18-year-old high school shortstop from Oklahoma, has been selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft by the Washington Nationals. The announcement was made on July 14 during the first round of the draft.
Willits was widely expected to go early in the draft due to his performance in the high school circuit, where he maintained a batting average of .462, hit 19 home runs, and had 41 RBIs during the final season. He also stole 24 bases, showcasing elite speed and two-way athleticism.
The Nationals’ front office described him as a “complete athlete” with strong leadership qualities and long-term franchise potential. Scouts have compared his field presence to that of Derek Jeter and Francisco Lindor, citing his consistent defensive skills and mature game sense.
Willits is also known for his advanced plate discipline and high baseball IQ. His fast hands and strong arm strength allow him to cover deep infield territory with ease, making him one of the top shortstop prospects in years.
Prior to the draft, Willits had committed to play college baseball at LSU, but it’s expected he will now sign directly with Washington, given the significance of being a No. 1 overall pick. His signing bonus is estimated to be in the range of $8.5 million to $9 million, subject to negotiation within the MLB slot system.
The Nationals, who finished last in the National League East during the 2024 season, are banking on Willits as part of a long-term rebuilding strategy alongside recent picks and international signings.
Eli Willits becomes the first high school position player to be drafted at No. 1 since Brady Aiken in 2014 and the first-ever Oklahoma native to be picked first overall in MLB history.
