The Washington Nationals pulled what many regarded as a stunner in the 2025 MLB Draft, but there may have been an explanation for their strategy.
The Nats on Sunday selected Eli Willits with the No. 1 overall pick. Willits is a shortstop out of Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Fort Cobb, Okla. He is the son of former MLB player Reggie Willits, and batted .516 with nine home runs, 33 RBIs, and 49 stolen bases as a senior last season.
Some view Ethan Holliday, the son of former MLB All-Star Matt Holliday, as a better high school shortstop. Former LSU pitcher Kade Anderson was also viewed as a player with great upside, making him a potential No. 1 pick. The interesting note about both players is that they are represented by agent Scott Boras.
Because people have asked about whether or not the top Nats draft considerations are Boras advised —
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) July 13, 2025
Both Ethan Holliday and Kade Anderson are repped by Boras. Willits is not. Boras also has fellow Top-5 hopeful Aiva Arquette among high-end clients in the 2025 draft class.
The Nationals may not have taken the best player at No. 1, but rather went with a player they found to have better value, and who might be a better long-term solution for the team. Boras often advises his clients to test the free agent market rather than sign extensions with their original team. The Nationals offered extensions to Boras clients Bryce Harper and Juan Soto, who both declined to sign. Harper ended up leaving for the Phillies, while the Nats traded Soto to the Padres.
What’s interesting is that a week ago, the team fired longtime executive Mike Rizzo, who has an extensive history of working with Boras.
Can't be overstated how involved Mike Rizzo was in the Nationals scouting process. A scout at heart. Long, decorated career in scouting.
— Joe Doyle (@JoeDoyleMiLB) July 6, 2025
Many have long felt Rizzo and Scott Boras have a very strong relationship. Ethan Holliday and Kade Anderson are both Boras clients. https://t.co/X24zLaYNlI
It’s possible that those in charge decided to veer from the Rizzo-Boras path, leading to the pick of Willits.
