Nationals Sign Top Prospect Eli Willits $8.2M Record Bonus

Eli Willits, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 MLB draft, has signed with the Washington Nationals for an $8.2 million bonus, the highest ever for a drafted high school player. At 17, Willits is the youngest No. 1 overall pick since Ken Griffey Jr. in 1987 and has set a personal goal to reach the major leagues by age 20. Despite some expectations favoring Travis Sykora as the Nationals' top prospect, Baseball America ranked Willits as the organization’s best prospect due to his well-rounded skills and youth. Willits is a refined switch-hitter with strong bat-to-ball skills and potential for average power, while the Nationals see him as a key part of their rebuilding process amid recent front office changes. Interim GM Mike DeBartolo praised Willits' motivation and work ethic, though he emphasized the need for patience as Willits starts his professional career and begins workouts with the Nationals' player development staff in Florida. The Nationals also used a strategic signing approach by saving money on Willits' deal to allocate more funds to other draft picks like Miguel Sime Jr., reinforcing their long-term organizational strategy.