Recently, they caught a significant break when they won the first overall pick in the 2025 MLB draft. With Day 1 taking place on July 13, the Nationals surprised many when they picked Eli Willits at No. 1 over presumed position player option Ethan Holliday and pitcher Kade Anderson.

Major League Baseball's amateur draft began its two-day, 20-plus-round sprint on Sunday night, when the Washington Nationals selected Oklahoma prep shortstop Eli Willits with the No. 1 pick. Willits,

Team leans into college experience while adding 11 hitters and nine pitchers. Top pick Eli Willits expected to sign below slot value.