Eli Willits Makes History as Youngest No. 1 Pick Since Griffey Jr.
What a night for baseball fans—especially those who’ve been following the rising star Eli Willits. The 2025 MLB Draft is officially underway, and the Washington Nationals made headlines by selecting Willits as the first overall pick. At just 17 years and 216 days old, Willits isn’t just the youngest player in this year’s draft class—he’s the third-youngest ever to go No. 1, and the youngest since none other than Ken Griffey Jr. back in 1987.
It’s not just the age that’s turning heads. Willits, a shortstop from Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma, brings a rare blend of baseball IQ, elite defensive skills, and athletic versatility. He’s the son of former MLB player Reggie Willits, so you could say baseball is in his blood. Scouts have been raving about his instincts on the field, his smooth glove work at short, and his ability to cover ground in center field if needed. He’s the kind of player who could shape a franchise’s future, and the Nationals clearly believe he’s that guy.
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What makes this pick even more interesting is how it all unfolded. There was a lot of buzz building behind the scenes in the Nationals’ draft room in the final hours before the pick was announced. Willits had started climbing up draft boards quickly, and by the time Washington was on the clock, he was the clear favorite. Some insiders believe this could be a steal when we look back in five or ten years.
And here’s the kicker: the Nationals will likely sign Willits for below the $11 million slot value tied to the top pick, giving them flexibility for the rest of their draft strategy. But make no mistake—this pick was all about talent and upside. Willits is that rare high school player who already looks polished, yet still has so much room to grow.
So while Day 1 of the draft had its share of memorable moments—multiple high schoolers from the same school going top-10, twin brothers getting picked, and eight Tennessee Volunteers hearing their names called—it’s Eli Willits who stands out as the face of this year’s class. Young, skilled, and hungry to prove himself on the big stage, he just might be the next great story in Major League Baseball.
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