MLB Draft: Why the Washington Nationals took Eli Willits first overall

In a year where the race for the number one pick always felt wide open, the Washington Nationals threw in one last curveball at the end. They selected the other Oklahoma high school shortstop with a big league dad, not Ethan Holliday, but Eli Willits. The Nationals made him the youngest number one pick ever.

At 17 years and 7 months old, Eli Willits is the youngest player to ever be drafted first overall in MLB history pic.twitter.com/r2mZltvS0t

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 13, 2025 Despite his tender age, Willits is known more for his polish than anything. He does so many things at a high level on the baseball field. Many considered him the most well rounded prospect in the…