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In a bold and somewhat unexpected move, the Washington Nationals selected high school shortstop Eli Willits as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. The 17-year-old standout from Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma is already being compared to baseball legends, not only for his potential but also for becoming the youngest No. 1 pick since Ken Griffey Jr. in 1987.
A New Generation of Talent
Willits, the son of former Los Angeles Angels outfielder and Yankees coach Reggie Willits, is a switch-hitter with advanced contact skills and promising power. Scouts and executives alike believe that under the Nationals’ development system, his raw abilities can blossom into elite-level performance.
“I believe I have strong hitability, and I’m confident I can take that to the next level,” Willits said after being drafted. “I’m excited to develop my power within a professional organization like the Nationals.”
Interim GM Mike DeBartolo noted that Willits was seen as the “best hitter and best fielder in the draft,” emphasizing his rare intangibles and leadership qualities. The Nationals’ selection came shortly after they parted ways with both GM Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez, adding unpredictability to this year’s draft decisions.
Record-Breaking Draft for Shortstops
This year’s draft made history as a record 17 shortstops were selected in the first round—more than any previous draft class. The previous high was 10, recorded in both 2021 and 2023.
The Los Angeles Angels followed the Nationals by picking right-handed pitcher Tyler Bremner, while Seattle grabbed LSU’s lefty Kade Anderson. The Colorado Rockies took Ethan Holliday, son of MLB veteran Matt Holliday, with the fourth pick—continuing the family’s strong baseball lineage.
Other First-Round Highlights
- Liam Doyle – LHP, picked No. 5 by St. Louis
- Seth Hernandez – RHP, picked No. 6 by Pittsburgh
- JoJo Parker – SS, picked No. 8 by Toronto
- Steele Hall – SS, picked No. 9 by Cincinnati
- Billy Carlson – SS, picked No. 10 by Chicago White Sox
Corona High School made headlines with three players selected in the first round, including Brady Ebel at No. 32 by the Milwaukee Brewers.
Orioles Double Down on Catchers
The Baltimore Orioles were the only team to draft two catchers in the first round: Ike Irish at No. 19 and Caden Bodine at No. 30. Arizona’s selection of high school shortstop Kayson Cunningham at No. 18 marked the 11th shortstop pick of the night.
Commissioner’s Remarks
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred addressed fans during the live draft held at the Roxy Theater in Atlanta, acknowledging the boos and reflecting on the importance of franchise-defining picks—like the Braves selecting Chipper Jones in 1990.
The first three rounds of the draft were completed Sunday night, with the remaining selections continuing Monday.
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News Source.: Associated Press
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