Overview

• At 17 years and 216 days old, high school shortstop Eli Willits became the youngest player ever selected first overall in an MLB draft, earning praise for his bat-to-ball skills and defensive instincts.
• With the No. 2 pick the Angels drafted UC Santa Barbara right-hander Tyler Bremner—their highest first-round choice since 1997—and the Seattle Mariners then added LSU lefty Kade Anderson at No. 3.
• A record 15 of the first 32 selections were announced as shortstops, underscoring a league-wide premium on athletic, cost-controlled infield talent.
• Prep players filled six of the top ten slots, reversing last year’s college-pitcher–heavy class as teams sought young prospects who could be signed within slot-value limits.
• The Nationals made their surprise No. 1 choice after dismissing GM Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez one week earlier, signaling a new organizational emphasis on long-term rebuilding.