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Eli Willits Surprise No. 1 Pick Caps High School Resurgence in MLB Draft

Rounds 1–3 wrapped up with surprise No. 1 pick Eli Willits followed by a record 15 shortstops in the first 32 selections, setting the stage for rounds 4–20.

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In his final collegiate start, LSU Tigers pitcher Kade Anderson tossed a three-hit shutout against Coastal Carolina in the 2025 College World Series. It could springboard him to become the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB draft.
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Overview

  • The Nationals opened the draft’s first night by selecting 17-year-old high school shortstop Eli Willits with the No. 1 overall pick after dismissing GM Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez.
  • The Los Angeles Angels, Seattle Mariners, Colorado Rockies and St. Louis Cardinals used picks 2–5 on Tyler Bremner, Kade Anderson, Ethan Holliday and Liam Doyle, respectively, deviating from pre-draft projections.
  • Prep prospects accounted for six of the top ten selections as teams prioritized young talent within MLB’s slot-value and bonus-pool structures.
  • Fifteen of the first 32 draftees were announced as shortstops, breaking the record for premium infield positions in opening rounds.
  • Clubs now turn to rounds 4–20 with bonus-pool management top of mind as they seek to sign under-the-radar talents and balance financial constraints.