It was just revealed that we will be seeing Eli Willits start his professional career this season. The number one overall pick is headed to the Low-A Fredericksburg Nationals to start his pro career. With Willits being just 17 years old, this is a bit of a surprise, but it shows that the organization feels he is ready for the challenge.
Just over a month ago, the Washington Nationals made Willits the youngest first overall pick in draft history. With more famous names like Ethan Holliday and Kade Anderson, the pick was a bit of a surprise. However, with the underslot deal the Nats got Willits to sign, they were able to make a lot of other big splashes in the draft.
It would be a disservice to just think of Willits as a money saver. He is a great prospect in his own right. The Nationals thought he was on the same tier as Holliday. He has a polished game that is well beyond his years. Willits is a switch hitter with a natural feel to hit from both sides of the plate. He is also a good runner and a very good defensive shortstop.
However, this is still a big challenge for the youngster. Willits will be one of the youngest players in full season ball facing pitchers that are much older and more physically mature than him. However, Willits is used to this. He was meant to be in the 2026 high school class but reclassified to this year. Eli Willits has always been the youngest guy on the team.
Since coming into the organization, Willits has gotten some big praise. Second round pick and former South Carolina star Ethan Petry called Willits one of the best shortstops he had ever played with. Petry has played with plenty of shortstops who are a lot older and more mature than Willits, so that is big praise.
Coming from a baseball family and having skills that pay the bills, the Nats feel like Willits is ready for a big challenge. This is unusual for them to do with a high school player. They normally wait until the next season for them to play pro ball. However, Mike DeBartolo and company clearly feel like Willits is ready both physically and mentally.
That mental side is the key for me. They need to know that Willits is wired the right way and is able to respond if he fails. This is a big step up from Oklahoma high school baseball, so there is a chance he stumbles out of the gate. He is a boy who will be playing against grown men.
Even if he has some teething problems, this assignment makes me very excited. It shows me that the people who have seen him in the Nationals organization are liking what they are seeing. They feel like the 17 year old has the talent and maturity to be given a huge challenge.
It would have been easy to just wait until next year before giving him this assignment. However, they have gone for it now. That shows me that the Nationals think Eli Willits is both super talented and mature beyond his years. This is an exciting day for Nationals fans.
