MLB: Washington Nationals Make History Drafting 17-Year-Old Eli Willits No. 1 Overall

A New Foundation: Nationals Bet the Franchise on 17-Year-Old Phenom Eli Willits with No. 1 Pick

WASHINGTON – In a move that signals a dramatic and decisive turn toward the future, the Washington Nationals have staked their revival on the shoulders of a teenager. With the first overall selection in the Major League Baseball draft on Sunday, the club selected Eli Willits, a supremely gifted 17-year-old shortstop from the tiny town of Fort Cobb, Oklahoma, making him the youngest player taken with the top pick since a kid named Ken Griffey Jr. in 1987.

For a franchise navigating the turbulent waters of a full-scale rebuild, this wasn't just a pick; it was a proclamation. Willits, a switch-hitting prodigy with baseball in his DNA as the son of former major leaguer and coach Reggie Willits, represents the first foundational stone in a new era of Nationals baseball—one that officially moves on from the ghosts of its recent past.

The selection comes at a time of significant upheaval within the organization, following the recent departures of longtime General Manager Mike Rizzo and Manager Dave Martinez. But for interim GM Mike DeBartolo, the choice was clear and unanimous.

"When you have the chance to select a player with this combination of talent, makeup, and pedigree, you don't overthink it," DeBartolo said shortly after making the pick official. "We see a potential franchise-altering player. We see a young man with the work ethic and character to be a leader in our clubhouse for a long, long time. This was a consensus decision from top to bottom."

Scouts have long been enamored with Willits' complete package. His glove work is preternaturally smooth, his instincts are advanced well beyond his years, and his swing from both sides of the plate projects for both high average and developing power. While his senior year statistics at Fort Cobb-Broxton High—.473 average and a .912 OPS—are impressive, it’s the unquantifiable upside that has the industry buzzing.

Of course, the chasm between high school dominance and major league success is littered with can't-miss prospects who missed. The pressure on a 17-year-old anointed as a savior is immense, and the road through the minor leagues will be arduous. The Nationals are betting not just on the talent, but on the person—a player raised in big-league clubhouses who understands the commitment required.

The work for Willits is just beginning. He will transition from facing Oklahoma high school pitching to seasoned professionals in the Nationals' farm system, where every facet of his game will be polished and tested.

For Washington's long-suffering fans, however, this is a moment of pure, unadulterated hope. It’s the first tangible sign of a new direction. The Nationals didn't just draft a player; they drafted an identity. In Eli Willits, they see not just a shortstop, but a cornerstone for the next decade and a reason to believe that winning baseball will one day return to the nation's capital. The journey will be long, but for the first time in a while, there’s a clear path forward.

🗣️ Editor’s Take

Drafting a 17-year-old with the top pick is a bold move packed with promise — and of course pressure. Eli Willits brings pedigree and talent, but it’s his grit and dedication that will determine if he can rise to the challenge. For the Nationals, it’s a clear message: the rebuild starts here, with youth, passion, and a vision for the future. If you're a Nationals fan it's time to Buckle up — this is the beginning of a thrilling ride for Washington baseball fans.