2025 MLB Draft: Eli Willits contract details revealed for Washington Nationals first-round pick

No. 1 overall pick Eli Willits and the Washington Nationals have agreed to a deal, officially signing with the club. While the now-former Oklahoma shortstop took well below slot value, he still made some history along the way. Willits signed for $8.2 million, just under $3 million less than what the top selection was slotted to make.

“The #Nats signed No. 1 overall pick Eli Willits for $8,200,000 (slot value: $11,075,900),@jimcallisMLB confirms,” MLB Pipeline said via X. “That surpasses Jackson Holliday’s 2022 record for a high school player ($8.19 million).”

Willits was maybe a surprise selection for the Nationals. Many believed they would wind up taking a college pitcher, specifically Kade Anderson out of LSU. However, taking somebody such as Willits does two things for them. First, an incredible shortstop prospect is now in the organization. And then, with Willits taking under slot money, they can be a little more aggressive in other parts of the draft.

As mentioned, Oklahoma was where Willits would have played his college baseball. Attending Fort Cobb-Broxton in the Sooner State, Willits committed to his hometown program. One Skip Johnson will, unfortunately, not be able to get to Norman.

Instead, Willits will begin his professional career. A new payday is coming his way as well after breaking the high school record for a signing bonus.

What MLB Draft analysts are saying about Eli Willits

Before the draft, MLB Pipeline produced a scouting report on Willits. There is a lot for the Nationals to like about their new prospect, both offensively and defensively. Shortstop does appear to be the long-term answer on the field.

“A switch-hitter who’s more proficient from the left side, Willits is exceedingly polished at the plate for his age,” the scouting report said. “He has outstanding bat-to-ball skills, making consistent line-drive contact while rarely straying from the strike zone. He may never have more than average raw power, but his hitting ability should enable him to tap into most of it and provide 15 homers per season.

“Willits has the nonstop motor and instincts to get the most out of his physical tools. He plays quicker than his plus speed and earns solid grades for his arm strength and defensive play at shortstop, and scouts won’t be shocked if those both become pluses once he’s fully developed. There’s no reason he shouldn’t stay at shortstop but he’d also profile well in center field.”