Eli Willits was the #1 overall pick in the 2025 Draft – a position the Nationals are no stranger to occupying, selecting Stephen Strasburg in 2009 and Bryce Harper in 2010. Like the two before him, Washington believes that Willits can be a franchise cornerstone. They’ve been right both times before, so the future is bright for the young man.

At just 18-years-old, there were some that were surprised that the Nats took Willits first overall, but others believe that he was the best player available. He went straight to full season Single-A Fredericksburg out of the draft and hit .300 in 15 games. He’s got makes consistent contact and has good plate vision for his age, keeping strikeouts low. He is a switch hitter who can drive the ball to all fields. He has below-average power, but many believe that he can develop average power over time. He uses his good speed to take the extra base in game action and brings a ton of energy to the diamond.

Willits has the tools to be a plus defensive shortstop by the time he reaches the Majors, so the Nationals have a decision to make when it comes to CJ Abrams by the time Willits arrives, currently projected for 2028.

I see a few things when I look at Willits. I see his ceiling at a Dustin Pedroia level. Not physically imposing, high motor, good feel for the barrel. A guy who flat out produces. Some see his comp as Bobby Witt Jr. if the power comes, but I think those expectations are a bit too lofty. His floor is a Jed Lowrie. Switch hitter, high baseball IQ, solid tools, but no true standout. Steady hitter, 10-15 homer range. Willits has less raw power than Pedroia, but more speed than Lowrie, but the comps make sense. As an alternative, his cleanest most realistic comp may be Tommy Edman. Athletic, versatile, plus instincts, game speed, intrinsic value. I made similar comps when breaking down JJ Wetherholt.

However it is that you view Eli Willits, he’s a ballplayer. He isn’t built like a superstar — he’s built like a player who sticks in the league for 10+ years because he does everything well. I don’t think an MVP is in Willits’ future, but he could be an all-round contributor for more than a decade at the Major League level.