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17-Year-Old Eli Willits, No. 1 Overall Pick in MLB Draft, Signs with Nationals
WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES, JUL 19 – Eli Willits received a record $8.2 million bonus, the highest ever for a high school player, as the Nationals focus on rebuilding with top young talent.
- The Washington Nationals reached a contract agreement with shortstop Eli Willits, signing him last Saturday, six days after the 2025 MLB Draft.
- With the team firing GM Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez days before the draft, the Nationals promoted Mike DeBartolo and signed first overall pick Eli Willits, signaling a franchise overhaul.
- With an $8.2 million bonus, MLB Pipeline reports Willits signed for a record for a high school player, saving $2,878,900 in bonus pool savings.
- Following the signing, Mike DeBartolo said workouts will start at West Palm Beach in Florida, and Willits told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer he would sign the next day.
- Looking ahead, Eli Willits said, `I’ve set a goal to be in the big leagues by age 20`, reflecting the Nationals' rebuild ambitions with his rapid development plan.
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Washington Nationals sign No. 1 pick Eli Willits - West Hawaii Today
The Washington Nationals have signed No. 1 pick Eli Willits, the team announced Saturday. He has signed for $8.2 million, according to MLB Pipeline, which is the record for a high school draftee but under the bonus slot amount of $11,075,900.
17-year-old Willits, No. 1 overall pick in MLB Draft, signs with Nationals
Eli Willits didn’t want to waste time before signing his first pro contract. The 17-year-old shortstop is on a tight schedule. Willits agreed to terms with the Washington Nationals on Saturday, only six days after the club selected him No.…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources28
Leaning Left10Leaning Right2Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Left
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources lean Left
56% Left
L 56%
C 33%
11%
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