Well, that was quick! The Washington Nationals have signed their first overall pick Eli Willits to an $8.2 million deal. This sets the record for the largest bonus given to a high school player, at least until Ethan Holliday signs. However, the Nationals also got some serious savings on the pick.
No. 1 overall pick Eli Willits signs w/@Nationals for $8.2 million (slot value = $11,075,900). Breaks @MLBDraft record for a HS player ($8.19 mil, Josh Holliday). Oklahoma prep SS, quality bat-to-ball skills,
ADplus speed, solid defender, high baseball IQ. Son of ex-big lgr Reggie. pic.twitter.com/fMowpfNb26
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) July 19, 2025
The 17 year old signed for nearly $3 million under the recommended slot which was just over $11 million. Now why would he do this? Well, a lot of mocks had Willits in the 5th overall range. The slot value for the fifth pick is $8.13 million. By playing ball with the Nats, he got more than the slot for that fifth pick, a place he could have fallen to.
Regardless, this is a major coup for the Nats. It allows them to sign the other high upside prep players in their class. They already signed Miguel Sime Jr. to an over-slot deal that payed him $2 million. The Nats are also poised to give over-slot deals to the likes of Landon Harmon and Coy James.
Also with these massive savings, there is an outside chance they have enough money to sign 19th rounder Mason Pike. Pike was seen as a 2nd to 3rd round talent, but his strong commitment to Oregon State caused him to fall. He is still likely to go to school and play on both sides of the ball. However, maybe the Nats could have enough money to pull it off.
Now they absolutely have enough money to sign Harmon, James and the rest of their class. This under-slot maneuver is not a way of being cheap, rather it is a move to spread the bonus money around, rather than throwing it all at one player. It might not pay off, but it is easy to see the strategy.
Willits is being introduced this afternoon and has been in town doing some sightseeing. With his tender age, he probably will be held back from playing this season, but he is an advanced player, so he might get a few games with the Fred Nats.
Eli Willits and Mike DeBartolo pic.twitter.com/0DKjqLR5Dz
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) July 19, 2025
This draft class could be a franchise defining bunch. There are a lot of high upside players that could be the future of this organization. However, they need a strong development infrastructure around them. Hopefully the new GM, whether that is Mike DeBartolo or someone else can modernize the player development system.
It is an exciting day to be a Nats fan. While the current big league squad is a tough watch, we are getting a sneak peek at the future. Eli Willits does not turn 18 until December, but is advanced beyond his years. Now he is officially a member of the Washington Nationals organization.
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