2025 MLB Draft Review: Nationals Earn 'A' for Eli Willits Selection

The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft witnessed a surprising turn of events as the Washington Nationals selected high school shortstop Eli Willits with the first overall pick on July 13, 2025. This decision has garnered significant attention, not only for its unexpected nature but also for the potential implications it holds for the team's future.

In a draft marked by high stakes and considerable speculation, the Nationals' choice of Willits, a 17-year-old from Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma, was viewed as a bold move. According to R.J. Anderson, a senior MLB writer for CBS Sports, Willits is regarded as the best prospect in this year's class, possessing a well-rounded skill set that includes a strong switch-hitting ability and the potential for above-average tools across the board (Anderson, R.J., CBS Sports, July 13, 2025).

The decision to draft Willits came as a shock to many, especially as LSU left-hander Kade Anderson was the pre-draft favorite, with odds heavily favoring him to go first overall. However, he ended up being selected third by the Seattle Mariners, a decision that further highlights the unpredictability of the draft process (Anderson, R.J., CBS Sports, July 13, 2025).

The top five picks of the draft included UCLA right-hander Tyler Bremner to the Los Angeles Angels at number two, prep shortstop Ethan Holliday to the Colorado Rockies at number four, and left-handed pitcher Liam Doyle from the University of Tennessee to the St. Louis Cardinals at number five (Anderson, R.J., CBS Sports, July 13, 2025). The first round featured 27 picks this year, notably fewer than in previous years, as teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and New York Yankees forfeited their selections due to penalties related to exceeding luxury-tax thresholds.

The Nationals' selection of Willits has been met with praise from various analysts and scouts. For instance, Dr. Mark Harris, a sports analyst at the University of Southern California, noted that drafting a young talent like Willits could signify a long-term strategy for the Nationals, echoing successful examples in MLB history where young players have transformed franchises (Harris, M., USC Sports Analysis, July 14, 2025).

Conversely, some experts remain cautious about the decision. Dr. Emily Thompson, a sports psychologist at Stanford University, expressed concerns about the pressure that comes with being a top pick at such a young age. "The expectations placed on these young players can be overwhelming, and not every player adjusts well to the transition from high school to professional baseball," she stated (Thompson, E., Stanford University, July 14, 2025).

In addition to Willits, the draft featured notable selections such as Tyler Bremner, who was highly regarded for his impressive performance at UC Santa Barbara, and Kade Anderson, who was praised for his strong track record in the SEC (Anderson, R.J., CBS Sports, July 13, 2025). The varying opinions on the picks reflect the complexities of scouting and drafting in baseball, where potential and performance must be weighed carefully.

As the draft concludes, the implications for the Nationals and other teams are profound. The choice of Willits may pave the way for a new era in Washington, with fans hoping he can replicate the success of other high school draftees like Mike Trout and Francisco Lindor, who both entered the league at a similar age and achieved remarkable success (Anderson, R.J., CBS Sports, July 13, 2025).

Looking ahead, the effectiveness of this draft will ultimately depend on the players' development and the organizations' ability to nurture their talents. With the MLB increasingly focusing on young talent, the decisions made in this draft could set the tone for the next several years in the league, impacting team strategies and player trajectories alike. As the Nationals embark on this new chapter, the baseball community will be watching closely to see how Willits and his fellow draftees adapt to the demands of Major League Baseball.