Eli Willits Signs Nationals Contract, $8.2M Bonus Sets MLB Draft Record for HS Player

Eli Willits, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, signed his contract with the Washington Nationals on Saturday.

According to MLB.com's Jim Callis, Willits signed for $8.2 million and set a new record for a high school draftee. His deal was worth roughly $3 million below the bonus slot amount of just over $11 million, though.

Willits still broke Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday's record for the highest signing bonus for a high school player, as Holliday signed for $8.19 million following the 2022 draft (via Callis).

The Nationals bet on Willits' potential when selecting him with the top choice, as the 17-year-old was the youngest prospect in the entire 2025 draft class.

The shortstop starred at Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Fort Cobb, Oklahoma, before he heard his name called on draft night. He's also the son of former Los Angeles Angels outfielder Reggie Willits.

While the younger Willits may not have the same power at the plate as other top prospects, his all-around repertoire of skills makes him an intriguing piece of Washington's future.

"I feel like I have good hittability and I'm going to take that to the next level," Willits said after he was drafted, per ESPN's Alden Gonzalez. "And I feel like my power is up-and-coming, but I needed to get into an organization like the Nationals that can help develop that and take that to the next level."

Willits was listed as the No. 27 overall prospect in the majors as part of the latest rankings from Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter.

As he prepares to join the Nationals, he made history with his signing bonus on Saturday.