2025 MLB Draft Grades: Nationals Score A with Surprising No 1 Pick Eli Willits
An in-depth breakdown of the 2025 MLB Draft highlighting the Washington Nationals bold choice of Eli Willits at No 1 and detailed grades for every first round pick .
A Surprise at the Top: Nationals Land Eli Willits Grade A
In a stunning move the Washington Nationals selected 17 year old switch hitting shortstop Eli Willits from Fort Cobb Broxton High School OK with the No 1 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft Though most expected LSU left hander Kade Anderson or other polished college arms to lead Washington pivoted toward youth and upside earning them a strong A grade from analysts across the board .
Willits now the youngest No 1 pick in MLB history at just 17 years and 7 months is praised for his mature approach at the plate plus defense and elite instincts While his power remains in question his profile draws comparisons to Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe with expectations of 15+ home runs and high OBP potential .
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Context & Background
The Nationals vaulted into the top draft spot thanks to December 2024’s lottery surpassing long struggling franchises This selection came amid franchise transition with longtime GM Mike Rizzo departing in July and interim GM Mike DeBartolo taking the helm alongside scouting director Danny Haas .
Willits who reclassified from the 2026 class opted out of college ball at Oklahoma and committed to going pro Scouts and team officials praised his poise analytical upside and long term value with the Nationals hoping for a major league debut before he turns 21 .
Full First Round Grades: Quick Recap
Top 7 picks and their grades
- Nationals – Eli Willits SS A
- Angels – Tyler Bremner RHP C
- Mariners – Kade Anderson LHP A
- Rockies – Ethan Holliday SS A
- Cardinals – Liam Doyle LHP A
- Pirates – Seth Hernandez RHP B
- Marlins – Aiva Arquette SS B
Analysts praised teams like the Mariners and Rockies for high upside picks while the Angels’ conservative strategy drew criticism .
Why the Grade A Nationals Betting on Youth & Analytics
Willits impressed both traditional scouts and analytics departments His plate discipline switch hitting ability and elite defensive tools made him a standout in every evaluation model DeBartolo labeled him the best hitter and best defender in the class a rare blend at the top of the draft .
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What Comes Next Signing & the Farm System
Willits is expected to sign below the $1108 million slot value giving Washington financial flexibility to target high upside prospects later in the draft With James Wood and Dylan Crews already promoted the Nationals aim to restock a thin farm system .
Final Take
The Nationals bold bet on Willits marks a pivotal moment in their rebuild By targeting youth polish and long term value they earned one of the highest grades of the draft and set a strong foundation for the future .