The Nationals shocked the draft world by selecting 17-year-old Oklahoma high school shortstop Eli Willits with the No. 1 pick — bypassing consensus favorites like LSU ace Kade Anderson and top-ranked prep infielder Ethan Holliday. In a chaotic week that saw GM Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez fired, interim GM Mike DeBartolo claimed the pick was backed by both scouting and analytics. Still, the timing and strategy raise eyebrows.
Willits, the youngest No. 1 overall pick in MLB history, has plus speed and glove but limited power projection, making him a high-risk bet in a system desperate for proven offensive upside. The Nationals may save money on his underslot deal, but passing on more polished talent at the top for bonus pool maneuvering feels like a gamble from a franchise in transition — one that could define the next decade, for better or worse.
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