The Washington Nationals' 2025 MLB draft focused on high-upside players, including their top pick Eli Willits, a 17-year-old high school shortstop from Oklahoma, who is expected to sign below slot value. The team also added 11 hitters and nine pitchers, leveraging their draft position to maximize talent acquisition, with the overall success hinging on Willits' performance.
In the 2025 MLB draft, the Nationals unexpectedly selected high school shortstop Eli Willits as their first pick, passing over more highly ranked prospects, while the Angels made a surprising choice of college pitcher Tyler Bremner at No. 2, reflecting different team strategies. The draft also featured other notable picks, including LSU pitcher Kade Anderson and Ethan Holliday, with rounds four through 20 scheduled for the following day.
The Washington Nationals selected 17-year-old high school shortstop Eli Willits, son of ex-MLB player Reggie Willits, as the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB draft, marking the youngest player ever chosen first overall amid a notably unpredictable draft following recent team management changes.
The Washington Nationals selected 17-year-old high school shortstop Eli Willits as the first overall pick in the 2025 amateur draft, making him the youngest first overall pick in draft history, with the decision reportedly made independently of recent management changes.
The 2025 MLB Draft's first round took place with 27 picks, including notable selections like Eli Willits at No. 1 by the Nationals and Kade Anderson at No. 3 by the Mariners, with grades highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each pick, and the draft featuring some surprises and strategic choices.