Overview

• The Nationals secured the No. 1 overall pick through MLB’s lottery system, designed to discourage prolonged losing by randomizing top selection order.
• Mock drafts had widely projected LSU pitcher Kade Anderson or prep standout Ethan Holliday as the likely top choice, making the Willits pick one of the draft’s biggest surprises.
• Eli Willits reclassified into the 2025 class from Oklahoma’s Fort Cobb-Broxton High School and became the youngest player ever selected first overall at 17.
• The draft’s opening three rounds were held Sunday at the Coca-Cola Roxy in Cumberland, Georgia, with teams set to complete the remaining 17 rounds on Monday morning.
• Teams leaned heavily on high-school position players early in the draft, valuing their athleticism, defensive skills and signing appeal.