Nationals Surprise with the Number One Pick of the MLB Draft
In an unexpected turn, the Washington Nationals selected high school shortstop Eli Willits as the first overall pick in the MLB draft. This decision surprised many, given that they were expected to select Ethan Holliday or Kade Anderson.
The Nationals, who have undergone significant changes in their organization, opted for Willits, son of former Major League outfielder Reggie Willits. Willits led Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma to their third consecutive title and had previously committed to the University of Oklahoma. This 6-foot-1 switch-hitter is known for his ability to make contact with the ball and his plate discipline, as well as being considered a strong defender at shortstop.
The value of the number one selection this year is $11,075,900, setting a new record.
The week before this election, the Nationals fired general manager Mike Rizzo and manager Davey Martinez.The Los Angeles Angels selected Tyler Bremner, a right-handed pitcher from UC Santa Barbara, with the second overall pick. Bremner, who is 6 feet 2 inches tall, has a fastball that reaches between 93 and 96 mph, in addition to a changeup and a slider. This season, he recorded an ERA of 3.49 with 111 strikeouts, leading the Big West in 77 1/3 innings.
Kade Anderson was selected by the Seattle Mariners with the third pick. Anderson was named Most Outstanding Player in this year’s College World Series, achieving a 2-0 record with a 0.56 ERA in two starts in Omaha.
Ethan Holliday, son of former outfielder Matt Holliday and brother of Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday, was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the fourth position. Holliday, Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year, hit .611 with 19 home runs, a slugging percentage of 1.295 and an OPS of 2.038 in his senior year at Stillwater High School in Oklahoma. Holliday is expected to play shortstop or third base.
The draft extends for 20 rounds for the fifth consecutive time this year, with rounds 1 to 3, representing the first 105 selections, taking place on Monday.
