Eli Willits, the first pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. The young shortstop from Oklahoma stands out for his athletic and complete profile on both sides of the diamond
After weeks of speculation and multiple names on the radar, the Washington Nationals selected Eli Willits with the first overall pick in the 2025 Major League Baseball Draft
Who is Eli Willits, the new Washington Nationals draftee?
- Coming from Fort Cobb Broxton High School in Oklahoma, Willits is considered one of the most complete talents of his generation.
- Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 175 pounds, Willits combines offensive and defensive tools that make him a high-impact prospect
- He is a switch hitter, with a compact, short swing from both sides of the plate. His ability to hit line drives from side to side, along with a remarkable reading of pitches, positions him as a refined contact player on the field.
Eli Willits: An offensive profile in development for the Washington Nationals
Reggie Willits and Eli Willits: Baseball Instinct and Heritage
Baseball runs in Eli’s blood. His father, Reggie Willits, played seven seasons in MLB with the Angels and is currently associate head coach at the University of Oklahoma. In addition, his brother Jaxon Willits, the Sooners starting shortstop, is considered a potential top-100 prospect for next year’s Draft.
A future bet for the Washington Nationals
With this selection, the Washington Nationals reinforce their commitment to youth and long-term development. Although Willits will likely spend time in the minor leagues, his combination of technical skills, instinct and maturity make him a figure to watch closely.
The Washington Nationals, who are going through a rebuilding process after their years of prominence in the National League, are placing their trust in a prospect who could become a cornerstone of their infield in the coming seasons.
Read the full article here