Eli Willits Reportedly 'in the Mix' to Go No. 1 in MLB Draft amid Kade Anderson Rumors
Kade Anderson has emerged as the favorite to be selected No. 1 overall by the Washington Nationals in the 2025 MLB draft, but there is a possibility that high-school shortstop Eli Willits could sneak into that spot.
Per ESPN's Keith Law, Willits is considered to be "much more in the mix" for the Nationals with the top pick than originally believed.
Law noted "several teams" have the Fort Cobb-Broxton High School star ranked No. 1 in their draft models.
It's been difficult to pin down what direction Washington will go for several reasons. One of them is this draft class is built around having quality depth, as opposed to a a true superstar talent at the top.
Another reason is the Nationals' decision to fire general manager Mike Rizzo on July 6. The change may not dramatically impact what the organization and scouting staff want to do, but interim general manager Mike DeBartolo might push for a player Rizzo wouldn't have.
It's also possible the Nationals allow senior director of amateur scouting Brad Ciolek to make the call.
Willits would be the first high school player to go No. 1 overall since Jackson Holliday in 2022. Holliday, Carlos Correa (2012), Brady Aiken (2014; went unsigned), Mickey Moniak (2016) and Royce Lewis (2017) are the only high schoolers to be taken with the top pick since 2010.
Per MLB.com, Willits is the youngest player in the 2025 draft class. He doesn't turn 18 until Dec. 9 and could be the youngest No. 1 overall pick in history if the Nationals select him.
Anderson moved into the pole position for the top pick on the strength of a dominant 2025 season at LSU, capped off by winning Most Outstanding Player of the College World Series.
The Tigers left-hander posted a 3.18 ERA and 180 strikeouts in 119 innings. He allowed one run or fewer in three of his four starts in the NCAA tournament, including a complete-game shutout with 10 strikeouts against Coastal Carolina in Game 1 of the College World Series finals.
