News Summary
The Washington Nationals have made a significant move by signing high school shortstop Eli Willits for a record-breaking $8.2 million as the first overall pick. This remarkable bonus is the largest ever awarded to a high school player, highlighting expectations for Willits, known for his impressive skills on the field. The draft saw a total of 43 players selected in the first two rounds, while the Nationals aim to integrate Willits into their system, emphasizing infield talent and strategic moves for future success.
Washington, D.C. – The Washington Nationals made headlines in the baseball world by signing high school shortstop Eli Willits for a groundbreaking $8.2 million as the first overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. This monumental signing not only marks the largest bonus ever awarded to a high school player but also sets expectations high for Willits, who is lauded for his impressive skills on the field.
As the draft unfolded, a total of 43 players were selected in the first two rounds. The deadline for teams to finalize contracts with their selections is set for 5 p.m. ET on July 28. Players who exhaust their collegiate eligibility can sign at any time until one week before the next year’s draft.
Willits, hailing from Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma, is noted for his exceptional bat-to-ball skills, speed, and solid defensive capabilities at shortstop. His selection was somewhat unexpected, with many analysts projecting other players for the prestigious top pick. However, the Nationals have shown confidence in Willits’ potential, which is underscored by his signing bonus, surpassing the previous record of $8.19 million, awarded to Jackson Holliday in 2022.
The second overall pick in the draft was Tyler Bremner, a right-handed pitcher from UC Santa Barbara, who was selected by the Los Angeles Angels with a pick value of $10,252,700. Following him, the Seattle Mariners picked Kade Anderson, a left-handed pitcher from Louisiana State, as the third overall pick, with a pick value of $9,504,400. The Colorado Rockies and St. Louis Cardinals filled the next two spots, drafting Ethan Holliday and Liam Doyle, respectively, with pick values of $8,770,900 and $8,134,800.
Interestingly, while Willits’ signing bonus was significant, it was 75% of the expected slot value for the first overall pick. This strategy allows the Nationals to save funds and potentially offer above-slot bonuses to other promising selections in the later rounds.
The atmosphere surrounding the draft experienced notable challenges this year, primarily marked by low player attendance. In 2025, no players attended the event, largely due to agents advising against it amid ongoing contract negotiations. This absence highlights a growing concern within the MLB draft framework, prompting discussions about how to improve future drafts.
Despite 863,000 viewers tuning in via ESPN and MLB Network during the event, this number still falls short compared to the viewership rates seen during NFL and NBA drafts. Some agents have proposed various solutions to enhance attendance, which could include providing financial incentives for players to attend and establishing clearer communication boundaries between teams and agents during the draft.
Other notable first-round selections include Seth Hernandez (Pittsburgh Pirates), Aiva Arquette (Miami Marlins), and several shortstops in high demand, showing a trend toward focusing on infield talent in this year’s picks. Drafting shortstops is seen as a strategic move, considering their importance for building a solid defense and providing offensive power.
As the Nationals prepare to integrate Eli Willits into their system, the pressure is on him to develop into a standout player. With the largest high school signing bonus recorded, expectations are set high for Willits as he embarks on what many hope will be a bright career in Major League Baseball.
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Baltimore Orioles Shine in MLB Draft with Record Bonus Pool
Additional Resources
- CBS Sports: Nationals Sign Eli Willits
- ESPN: 2025 MLB Draft Attendance Issues
- Detroit Free Press: Tigers Sign Top Draft Picks
- Wikipedia: 2025 MLB Draft
- Baseball America: 2025 MLB Draft Reviews
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