The Washington Nationals threw everyone a curveball to kick off Sunday’s MLB Draft.
Washington surprisingly used their No. 1 overall draft pick on high school shortstop Eli Willits. The switch-hitting Willits is still only 17 years old and now becomes the youngest top overall pick in MLB history.
The Nationals have their guy
— MLB (@MLB) July 13, 2025
With the Number 1 pick in the 2025 #MLBDraft, the @Nationals select SS Eli Willits from Fort Cobb-Broxton (OK) High School. pic.twitter.com/mHPUOi0WBR
Hailing from Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Fort Cobb, Okla., Willits was largely projected to be a top-five pick. However, almost no one had Willits as a candidate for No. 1 overall, where LSU pitcher Kade Anderson was expected to go instead.
In fact, Willits was not even seen as the consensus best shortstop available in the draft. Stillwater High School product Ethan Holliday, the son of former MLB All-Star Matt Holliday and the younger brother of Baltimore Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday, was in the mix to be the first shortstop off the board as well.
When it comes to his own resume, Willits clearly has the talent. Having reclassified from the class of 2026, Willits was The Oklahoman’s 2025 All-State Player of the Year. As a senior last season, Willits clubbed a ridiculous .516 with nine home runs, 33 RBIs, and 49 stolen bases.
Willits is viewed as a prospect with five-tool upside, and his switch-hitting ability gives him an even higher ceiling. The Nationals just made some major changes to their organization earlier this month, and now their new regime is happy to roll the dice on a phenom like Willits with the No. 1 overall draft pick.
