News Summary
The Washington Nationals made a significant move in the MLB Draft by signing Eli Willits, a shortstop from Oklahoma, as the first overall pick for a record-setting signing bonus of $8.2 million. This amount not only surpasses the previous record for a high school player but also allows the team to maintain flexibility for future contracts. The 2025 MLB Draft featured 43 players selected in the first two rounds, highlighting the importance of developing new talent. The Nationals’ strategic decision is a key part of their rebuilding efforts.
Washington, D.C.
The Washington Nationals made headlines at the 2025 MLB Draft by signing Eli Willits as the No. 1 overall pick for a record-setting $8.2 million signing bonus. This amount marks the largest signing bonus ever awarded to a high school player, surpassing Jackson Holliday’s previous record of $8.19 million in 2022. The Nationals selected Willits, a shortstop from Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma, whose overall contract value is estimated at $11,075,900.
While Willits was considered a surprise pick at the top spot, he is recognized for his impressive skills including exceptional bat-to-ball technique, speed, high baseball IQ, and solid defensive abilities at shortstop. The Nationals, who are seeking to rebuild, have made this significant investment as they aim to strengthen their roster with promising young talent.
In total, the 2025 MLB Draft saw 43 players selected during the first two rounds, with teams required to finalize contracts with their selections by 5 p.m. ET on July 28. Players have the option to sign at any time until one week before the next year’s draft if they have exhausted their collegiate eligibility.
Top Picks Overview
The Los Angeles Angels followed the Nationals by selecting Tyler Bremner, a right-handed pitcher from UC Santa Barbara, as the second overall pick with a contract value of $10,252,700. The Seattle Mariners secured Kade Anderson, a left-handed pitcher from Louisiana State, as the third overall pick at $9,504,400.
Other notable selections include:
- 4th Overall Pick: Ethan Holliday, shortstop from Stillwater High School (OK) – Contract value of $8,770,900.
- 5th Overall Pick: Liam Doyle, left-handed pitcher from Tennessee – Contract value of $8,134,800, with a signing bonus of $7,250,000. Doyle is recognized as the reigning NCAA Division I strikeout leader, boasting a fastball that reaches up to 100 mph.
- 6th Overall Pick: Seth Hernandez, right-handed pitcher from Corona High School (CA) – Contract value of $7,558,600.
- 7th Overall Pick: Aiva Arquette, shortstop from Oregon State – Contract value and signing bonus of $7,149,900, known for his power potential.
The lower than expected signing bonus for Willits, at 75% of the projected slot value, allows the Nationals some financial flexibility to offer above-slot bonuses to players selected later in the draft.
Attendance and Broadcasting Trends
Despite the excitement around the draft, 2025 saw a sharp decline in player attendance, with no players present during the event. This is largely attributed to agents advising against attendance due to the complexities of contract negotiations. Broadcast numbers showed an audience of 863,000 across ESPN and MLB Network, a modest improvement, but still significantly lower than the viewer counts seen for NFL and NBA drafts.
In light of these challenges, agents are calling for potential improvements such as offering financial compensation for attending the draft and enforcing restrictions on communication between teams and agents during the event, seeking to enhance the experience for players and stakeholders alike.
The Nationals’ bold move in selecting Willits and the concurrent developments surrounding the 2025 MLB Draft set the stage for an exciting future as teams look to cultivate fresh talent and navigate the evolving landscape of Major League Baseball.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Baltimore Orioles Achieve Record Performance in MLB Draft
Additional Resources
- CBS Sports: Nationals Sign Eli Willits
- ESPN: 2025 MLB Draft Attendance Issues
- Detroit Free Press: Tigers Sign Top Draft Picks
- Wikipedia: 2025 MLB Draft
- Baseball America: 2025 MLB Draft Reviews
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
