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2025 MLB Draft: Nationals Pick Eli Willits First Overall in Historic Class
In a bold and headline-grabbing decision, the Washington Nationals used the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft to select 17-year-old shortstop Eli Willits from Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma. The move raised eyebrows across the baseball world, as Willits, a standout switch-hitter, became one of the youngest players ever taken first overall.
At just 17 years and 216 days old, Willits is the youngest top pick since Ken Griffey Jr. in 1987 and only the third youngest ever, joining Griffey and Tim Foli (1968). MLB Pipeline had him ranked as the fifth-best prospect in this year’s class, but his elite skills and upside were enough for Washington to invest in his future.
Willits, the son of former MLB outfielder and Yankees coach Reggie Willits, reclassified from the class of 2026 to become draft-eligible this year. He impressed scouts with his balanced hitting, emerging power, and defensive versatility. “I’ve always believed in my bat, and now I’m ready to develop that power at the pro level,” Willits said. “Joining an organization like the Nationals is the next step I need.”
The Nationals’ pick set the tone for a historic draft night. A record-breaking 11 shortstops were taken within the first 18 selections, breaking the previous record of 10 from both 2021 and 2023.
Following Willits, the Los Angeles Angels selected right-handed pitcher Bremner at No. 2. His strong changeup and mound presence made him a solid pick, but it also cleared the path for the Seattle Mariners to grab LSU’s Chase Anderson at No. 3—a move seen as a major win.
Anderson, named the 2025 College World Series Most Outstanding Player, had a stellar college career despite missing his freshman season due to Tommy John surgery. In 2025, he posted a 12-1 record with a 3.18 ERA across 19 starts. Over two college seasons, he tallied a 16-3 record in 37 appearances and earned First-Team All-American and National Pitcher of the Year honors from Baseball America.
The Colorado Rockies then made a sentimental pick at No. 4, choosing Ethan Holliday, son of franchise legend Matt Holliday. Ethan, who put up a jaw-dropping .611 average with 19 homers and 64 RBIs in 33 high school games, follows in the footsteps of his brother Jackson, the 2022 first overall pick.
The first round took place in an intimate concert venue next to Truist Park, home of the 2025 MLB All-Star festivities. While fans packed the house, no draftees attended in person due to strategic advice from agents prioritizing negotiation leverage.
With youthful talent like Willits and Holliday headlining the class, and pitchers like Anderson already college-proven, the 2025 MLB Draft signals an exciting new era of baseball on the horizon.
