Eli Willits makes history as youngest No. 1 draft pick in MLB

In a surprising turn during the 2025 Major League Baseball Draft held in Atlanta, Eli Willits, a 17-year-old shortstop from Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma, was selected as the first overall pick by the Washington Nationals. This decision marked a historic moment, as Willits became the youngest player ever to be chosen first overall, surpassing the record previously held by Ken Griffey Jr. since 1987. The Nationals' choice was unexpected, especially considering that Ethan Holliday, a highly regarded shortstop and the son of former MLB star Matt Holliday, was anticipated to be the top pick. The Nationals had recently undergone significant management changes, firing both their general manager and manager just prior to the draft. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the franchise, interim general manager Mike DeBartolo asserted that Willits was the top player available, highlighting his hitting and fielding abilities along with his strong work ethic. Eli Willits, at 17 years and 216 days old, not only reflects impressive potential but also comes from a baseball lineage as the son of retired major leaguer Reggie Willits, who played six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels and served as a coach with the New York Yankees. Throughout his high school career, Eli displayed remarkable talent, finishing with an excellent batting average of .473 and an OPS of .912. Scouts have taken notice of his ability to make quality contact and project considerable growth as he transitions into professional baseball. The Nationals' decision to select Willits has intrigued baseball analysts, who see a player with the keen ability to develop further, particularly in adding power to his swing. The 2025 draft was characterized as one of the most unpredictable in recent history, not only due to the surprise of Willits' selection but also with other notable players like Ethan Holliday slipping down the draft board. Originally projected as a front-runner for the No. 1 pick, Holliday eventually landed with the Colorado Rockies at fourth overall, which left some observers questioning the decision-making processes of various teams. The draft commenced a week after the substantial shakeup within the Nationals organization, creating speculation about their strategic direction. Nonetheless, DeBartolo emphasized that their scouting team had recognized Willits as the best available player, showing faith in his training and development potential within the Nationals' resources. As the draft continues, expectations build around Willits' future in the league. Analysts predict that he may require some time for development before making a significant impact at the major league level. However, the Nationals are hopeful that with proper guidance and training, Willits will become a crucial piece of their long-term success strategy moving forward. His youth combined with his skill base offers the Nationals an exciting prospect as they look to redefine their roster and make meaningful strides in coming seasons.