Context:

Eli Willits, a 17-year-old high school shortstop from Oklahoma, was selected by the Washington Nationals as the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB amateur draft, making him the youngest top pick since Ken Griffey Jr. in 1987. Willits, known for his switch-hitting ability and promising potential for power, aims to develop further with the Nationals. He is the son of former major leaguer Reggie Willits and had an impressive high school career, batting .473 with an OPS of .912. The Nationals' selection of Willits followed the firing of their manager and general manager, yet interim GM Mike DeBartolo endorsed Willits as the best hitter and fielder in the draft. DeBartolo praised his work ethic and intangibles, aligning with the scouts and analysts' assessments of Willits' abilities.

Dive Deeper:

• Eli Willits, at 17 years old, was chosen as the No. 1 overall pick by the Washington Nationals, marking him as the youngest top pick since Ken Griffey Jr. in 1987. His father, Reggie Willits, also has a background in major league baseball, previously playing for the Los Angeles Angels and coaching for the New York Yankees.

• Willits played high school baseball at Fort Cobb-Broxton in Oklahoma and is known for being a switch-hitting shortstop. He is expected to enhance his power as he matures, aiming to leverage the development resources available within the Nationals organization.

• In his final year of high school, Willits achieved a batting average of .473 and an OPS of .912, highlighting his prowess at the plate. His selection came amidst organizational changes in the Nationals, including the firing of their manager and general manager.

• Interim general manager Mike DeBartolo expressed confidence in Willits as the top draft choice, noting that both scouts and analysts unanimously agreed on his superior hitting and fielding skills, as well as his strong work ethic and valuable intangibles.

• Willits' selection is part of the Nationals' strategic moves to rebuild and strengthen their roster following recent leadership changes. His potential to contribute to the team's future success is seen as a key factor in his selection as the top draft pick.