Particle.news
Download on the App Store
92 ARTICLES
·
55m ago

Nationals Defy Consensus to Draft 17-Year-Old Eli Willits No. 1 Overall

The move underscores the team’s shift toward younger, cost-effective prospects under interim management

Image
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.
Image

Overview

  • Eli Willits became the youngest No. 1 overall pick in MLB draft history at 17 years old when Washington selected him July 13
  • The Nationals surprised experts by passing on favored prospects Ethan Holliday and LSU pitcher Kade Anderson to take the high school shortstop
  • This selection marks Washington’s first major draft decision since firing GM Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez a week earlier
  • Willits, a polished switch-hitter, said he intends to work on adding power as he enters the Nationals’ minor-league system
  • The pick highlights a broader league trend of teams choosing high-school talent for upside and bonus-pool flexibility