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Fredericksburg Today
By the People, for the People
Nationals' Eli Willits Earns Glowing Prospect Praise
Top-15 MLB prospect could become "franchise-altering star" for Washington
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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Washington Nationals' 2025 first overall draft pick Eli Willits has been ranked the 15th-best prospect in baseball by FanGraphs. The 18-year-old shortstop impressed with his advanced hitting and elite defensive skills during his first 15 games in the minors, leading scouts to project him as a potential five-tool player if he can develop more power at the plate.
Why it matters
The Nationals have struggled to find a long-term answer at shortstop, and Willits' defensive prowess at the position could solve that issue. If he can also develop into a power hitter, he has the potential to become one of the best all-around players in the majors, which would be a major boost for the Nationals as they look to return to contender status.
The details
In 15 games with Single-A Fredericksburg, Willits slashed .300/.397/.360 with a double, triple and five RBIs. FanGraphs gave him a Future Value of 55 out of 80, praising his advanced hit tool, elite defense, and projectable frame that could lead to more power production. While his current raw and game power were graded at 45 out of 80, the scouting report indicates he has the potential to develop into a true five-tool player.
- Willits was the Washington Nationals' first overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft.
- He made his professional debut with Single-A Fredericksburg in 2026.
The players
Eli Willits
An 18-year-old shortstop prospect in the Washington Nationals' farm system, ranked the 15th-best prospect in baseball by FanGraphs.
CJ Abrams
The Nationals' current starting shortstop, who could eventually be moved off the position if Willits develops as projected.
What they’re saying
“Willits' youth makes it easier to project that he'll add relevant strength to his medium frame over the course of the next several years, and if that comes to fruition, we're talking about a true five-tool player. His track record as an amateur hitter was outstanding and he's a great shortstop defender — power is arguably the only piece of his prospect puzzle that's currently missing.”
— FanGraphs (FanGraphs)
“... we don't want Willits to get too big, because excellent shortstop defense is a big part of his star-level forecast. He's a plus infield athlete with great range and body control, and he made some sensational plays in the hole to his right after the draft, adjusting well to the speed of the pro game.”
— FanGraphs (FanGraphs)
“Willits' defense gives him a relatively high floor, and his feel for contact makes him a good bet to be an everyday shortstop eventually, but his profile's X-factor is his power, which could make him a franchise-altering star with sufficient growth.”
— FanGraphs (FanGraphs)
What’s next
Willits will look to continue his development as he climbs the Nationals' minor league system, with the goal of eventually becoming the team's long-term solution at shortstop.
The takeaway
The Nationals' selection of Eli Willits with the first overall pick in 2025 is looking like a potential franchise-changing move, as the young shortstop has the tools to develop into an elite all-around player if he can add more power to his already advanced hitting and elite defensive skills.
