Washington, D.C. The Washington Nationals have secured one of the most outstanding young prospects in American amateur baseball, selecting shortstop Eli Willits with the first overall pick of the 2025 MLB Draft. Willits, at just 17 years and 216 days old, comes from Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma. This achievement makes him the third youngest player to be selected with the first overall pick in history, surpassed only by Tim Foli in 1968 and Ken Griffey Jr. in 1987. According to MLB Pipeline, Willits is considered the number 5 prospect in the Draft. This switch-hitter stands out for his excellent discipline, advanced contact skills, and remarkable speed. In addition, his defensive instincts profile him as a high-level shortstop or a potential center fielder.
Although his power at the plate is still developing, experts project that he could hit between 10 and 15 home runs per season in the Major Leagues. Many compare him to Anthony Volpe, the Yankees’ shortstop, but in a younger version and with greater physical potential.
I am excited and grateful to the Nationals organization for giving me this opportunity. I want to thank God for everything. But at the end of the day, I’m just ready to go out and get to work.
Eli WillitsWillits comes from a family with a great baseball tradition. His father, Reggie Willits, played in the Major Leagues and is currently a coach at the University of Oklahoma, where Eli had signed a commitment. His older brother, Jaxon, also plays in the same program. Willits has already proven his worth internationally. He was part of the 18U team from the United States in 2024, where he recorded a batting average of .345 and drove in four runs in eight games, showing his ability to perform under pressure.
