Nationals' Eli Willits Top Pick as 2025 MLB Draft Kicks Off in Atlanta

Atlanta, USA - The 2025 MLB Draft kicked off with excitement on July 13-14, 2025, in Atlanta, capturing the attention of baseball fans nationwide. The event, showcasing the future stars of Major League Baseball, started off with the first three rounds on Sunday night. This year’s draft saw some intriguing choices, starting with the Washington Nationals opting for Eli Willits, a promising shortstop hailing from an Oklahoma high school, as the first overall pick. With this selection, the Nationals are clearly banking on secured talent to bolster their roster for years to come. According to Yahoo Sports, the excitement didn’t stop there, with other notable teams also making their mark in the early rounds.

Following Willits, the Los Angeles Angels selected Tyler Bremner, a right-handed pitcher from UC Santa Barbara, with the second pick. The Seattle Mariners weren’t far behind, choosing left-handed pitcher Kade Anderson from LSU at third overall. The Colorado Rockies rounded out the top four picks, opting for shortstop Ethan Holliday from Stillwater High School in Oklahoma. Baseball Prospect Journal highlights that the draft prominently featured a focus on college pitching and high school shortstops, underscoring the strategic investments teams are making in the upcoming generation of players.

Top Picks and Heavyweight Contenders

The full list of picks from the first three rounds reflected the depth of talent available this year. Here’s a quick look at some key selections:

With such a lineup, it’s clear that teams are putting a great deal of effort into shaping their futures. The Baltimore Orioles are expected to make waves too, holding an impressive seven of the first 93 picks and boasting the largest signing bonus pool at over $19 million, as noted by Baseball Prospect Journal. This gives them a significant advantage to scoop up top talent. With eyes on players like Gage Wood, who recently had a standout performance with a no-hitter, the pressure is certainly on.

Looking Ahead

As the draft rolls on, anticipation builds for rounds 4 through 20, scheduled for Monday. Fans and teams alike are eager to see how the remaining slots fill out as more rising talents showcase their skills. Baseball America has kept updates rolling in, ensuring all players receive reports reflecting their spring seasons before draft day. Their focus on feedback means we can expect some surprises as organizations finalize their selections, adding to the thrill of the moment.

The buzz surrounding this year’s draft isn’t just about past performances; it’s about what’s to come. With the information provided in the extensive coverage from Baseball Prospect Journal and the detailed rankings from Baseball America, fans and analysts are ready to dissect every move. What are your thoughts on who might emerge as the next big star from this draft? The excitement is palpable, and the next few days will undoubtedly be pivotal for many young athletes. Let’s keep our eyes peeled for the great talent still waiting to be picked!