Recently, they caught a significant break when they won the first overall pick in the 2025 MLB draft. With Day 1 taking place on July 13, the Nationals surprised many when they picked Eli Willits at No. 1 over presumed position player option Ethan Holliday and pitcher Kade Anderson.

The Nationals select shortstop Eli Willits with the first overall pick of the 2025 MLB draft.

The draft kicked off Sunday night as the Washington Nationals took high school shortstop Eli Willits with the first of 615 picks that were made by Monday evening.