WASHINGTON (AP) — Eli Willits is off to an exciting start. The 17-year-old shortstop quickly signed his first professional contract with the Washington Nationals for a whopping $8.2 million. This deal comes just six days after he was chosen as the first pick in the MLB amateur draft, setting a record for the highest signing bonus for a high school player, slightly topping Jackson Holliday’s $8.19 million from three years ago.
“I want to make it to the big leagues by 20—that’s my goal,” Willits said at his introductory press conference at Nationals Park. “I’m eager to start this journey and play well in the coming years.”
Willits hails from Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma and comes from a baseball family. His father, Reggie Willits, played in the MLB for six seasons and also coached for the New York Yankees.
With his contract signed, Willits will head to the Nationals’ spring training complex in West Palm Beach, Florida. There, he’ll start workouts with the team’s development staff.
Mike DeBartolo, the Nationals’ interim general manager, expressed excitement about Willits, noting his strong motivation and work ethic. “He’s really focused, and that’s something that attracted us,” DeBartolo said. While there are no timelines for Willits’ rise, the team is committed to supporting his growth.
Reflecting on his journey, Willits has fond memories of watching Aaron Judge hit during batting practice when his dad was with the Yankees. Current Nationals interim manager Miguel Cairo chuckled when he recalled the young Eli eagerly watching from the stands nearly a decade ago.
It’s worth noting that Willits joins the ranks of Stephen Strasburg (2009) and Bryce Harper (2010) as the only players picked first overall by the Nationals. “I’m grateful for this opportunity. Not everyone gets to be the No. 1 pick,” he added, showcasing his appreciation for the chance to play at the highest level.
Today’s MLB landscape shows a trend of young talent making significant impacts, with stats revealing that players under 25 are increasingly breaking records. In 2022, a study showed that players of this age group contributed to over 30% of team wins, underscoring their importance in the game.
As Eli Willits embarks on this new chapter, the baseball community will be watching closely. His journey might inspire other young athletes aiming for greatness, reflecting a new era where ambition and talent can catapult talent to stardom.
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