Who is Eli Willits, the Washington Nationals’ surprise No. 1 pick in the 2025 MLB Draft?

The Washington Nationals stunned many fans and analysts alike by selecting high school shortstop Eli Willits with the first overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft—despite most projections placing him at No. 5 on draft boards.

Willits, a standout from Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma, wasn’t expected to go first overall, especially with top-tier prospects like Ethan Holliday and Kade Anderson still on the board. But the Nationals clearly saw something special in the 17-year-old, whose baseball pedigree runs deep—his father, Reggie Willits, played six seasons in the majors with the Los Angeles Angels.

Who is Eli Willits? Player profile

• Age: 17
• Position: Shortstop
• Height/Weight: 6’1”, 180 lbs
• Bats/Throws: Switch-hitter / Right-handed
• High School: Fort Cobb-Broxton (OK)
• Slot Value for No. 1 Pick: $11.08 million

What makes Willits special?

• Elite tools: Scouts grade his hitting and speed at 60 on the 20-80 scale, a strong indicator of his all-around offensive potential.
• High baseball IQ: Coaches praise his instincts and maturity on the field, rare traits for a high school player.
• Polished switch-hitter: While he’s comfortable from both sides of the plate, he’s particularly dangerous from the left.
• MLB comps: Some evaluators see shades of Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe in Willits’ game—thanks to his defensive reliability, leadership skills, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

Willits’ selection may have raised eyebrows, but Washington clearly believes he has the tools—and the makeup—to become a cornerstone of their future.

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