"The Nationals' first overall pick of the 2025 MLB Draft made his professional baseball debut with the Class-A Fredericksburg Nationals on Thursday. At 17 years, 8 months, and 13 days of age, Willits--not yet old enough to vote--entered play over 13% younger than the average batter in the Carolina League and got straight to work, knocking in a run on a forceout to second in his first plate appearance in the second inning and stealing second base soon after."
"Two innings later, Willits shot his first professional hit the other way past the shortstop, though a lackadaisical pickup by the left fielder spurred him to try for an extra base and he was cut down by the throw soon after. Eli delivered a firm line drive to the pull side for another hit and another run batted in when he came up in the sixth,"
Eli Willits, the Nationals' first overall pick in 2025, made his professional debut with the Class-A Fredericksburg Nationals at 17 years, 8 months, and 13 days old. He reached base four times in his first game, knocking in a run on a forceout, recording his first professional hit, stealing a base, and scoring once as Fredericksburg beat Fayetteville 10-6. Willits followed with multiple defensive highlights, including two excellent stops and throws to first, and reached base three more times the next game, scoring twice. He added another hit and an RBI in his third game. Fredericksburg sits 28-21 in the second half, holding a narrow half-game lead in the Carolina League North Division.
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