FUTURE STAR: Eli Willits Has Set Himself Up To Make His Washington Nationals Debut By 2027!

0:00This is the Lockdown Podcast Network celebrating 10 years of your team every day. Today's episode is brought to you by the Dell XPS. I'm Wes Goldberg from Lockdown NBA Daily and Lockdown Heat. So what does it feel like to have a better laptop like the Dell XPS powered by Intel Core? With a premium design that's thin and light, it feels smooth. With a responsive touch screen, it feels fast and precise. And with long lasting battery life, it feels like non-stop energy with a laptop that can keep up. Built for those who want better, the Dell XPS. Built for you. Eli Will it to set himself up to potentially make his major league debut by next season? You are Lockdown Nationals. Your Daily Washington Nationals Podcast.

1:02Part of the Lockdown Podcast Network, your team every day. The number one overall pick in the 2025 draft has climbed through three different levels

2:06already in his first full season. Crushing single A this season in Fredrick's bird finishing the year with 47 games batting 300 with a 500 slug in a 918 OPS. Pretty dang good if you ask me. And then in high A Wilmington, he finished the year batting 230 with an 813 OPS. But if you look at the underlying metrics of what Eli Willits did this year, he is like putting himself in special territory. Number one, he's 18 years old now at the AA level. And I think you will find pretty good success at that AA level as well. Eli Willits is not just a blue chip prospect. He is one of the best prospects in baseball today. And I truly do believe in that. What he's been able to do this season and put himself in a spot to where you are now just two call ups away from getting your major league debut under your belt. Eli Willits is putting himself in special, special territory.

3:10And I think that the numbers in Wilmington may be a little bit deceiving because you look at the numbers and what he did, and it's not like overwhelmingly impressive. I think a lot of people may get carried away in just what he does offensively, but you also have to kind of take everything under the umbrella with Eli Willits. Right now, he is like a complete player. He can hit for average. He gets on base. He steals a bunch of bases. He plays great defense at shortstop. And he's just an overall smart high IQ kind of player. This is what a winning baseball player looks like in the year of 2026. And I think that in 2027, at just 19 years old, it's not that far fetched to think that Willits could make his debut. And here's the path towards that. I think he clearly starts here in double a next year. And after he has what the next week or two in double a, he's going to start the next

4:15season in double a, and who knows maybe even triple a depending on what happens in spring training. But he will certainly start the season down in the minors. And I think that if he can continue to play the way that he has been this season, then he gets off to a hot start at the double a level, then you'll quickly probably see him move up the triple a probably in like a two month time period. And then after that, he has just one step away from the major leagues. And he is absolutely ready to do that. The nationals have not been in years past, at least recently. They have not been like ultra aggressive with calling up their prospects. Now that was under microzo. But even then, if you look when the nationals were competing, Wonsoto made his debut at 19 years old. Victor Robles made his debut at a very young age. Price Harper made his debut at a very young age as well. I think that the nationals will absolutely call up Eli Willitz at some point next season.

5:18Do I think it happens early on in the summer? No. Do I think it happens later on in the summer? Yes. I think the trajectory that he is on today has very much so put himself in a spot to where the nationals will have to call him up at some point next season. Especially considering this, what will they do with CJ Abram? Now that's a conversation for a different day. But if they do in fact trade CJ, this off season, which I think a lot of people expect the nationals to do at this point, that opens up a spot for Eli Willitz to compete for that short stop job at some point next season. And I'll tell you this right now, just what he does alone defensively gives him that spot like today. I think that a lot of people, and again, I'm not calling you out. I'm not doing that. But I think a lot of people kind of sleep of just how good of a prospect that Eli Willitz

6:19is, that how special he has become for the Washington nationals. This is a legitimate top five prospect in baseball. And I think that right now, if someone were to tell me this is going to be the number one prospect in the sport by next summer, I would believe in that. I think he will definitely be a top three prospect at some point, maybe even before this season, 2027. That's kind of how special that he is. Having an elite club defensively, having the elite IQ of being able to walk nearly in a third of your at bats. Now it's obviously an exaggeration there. But this season, having 94 walks to 111 strikeouts in your first full minor league season, that is incredible. And where he stands right now at the high level, according to prospects of on his walk rate is in the 91st percentile. And another metric that this group really looks at.

7:19I think it's pretty evident is the chase rate. His chase rate is in the 90 second percentile as far as high a goes. This is not some one off kind of prospect. This is not just this kid running into some luck here. He is a legit special talent that the nationals have in their system. And while he didn't crush the baseball at Wilmington, I think that he will have a lot better luck in double a Harrisburg because the story around Wilmington has always been that it's a picture friendly ballpark, not really a hitter friendly one. It's never really been that way. It's never played that way. But Harrisburg is a little bit more hitter friendly. And I think that you will see a lot better numbers, especially from the power side of things. Because Eli Willitz over the last two months has only hit one home run. Like his power is kind of died off a little bit after having that power surge in Fred expert where he was just crushing low a pitching.

8:20But he gets up the high a the power at first is really there. And you're like, okay, well, this is someone who's going to continue on this role. But it just was not the case. And you know, I think that where things are with Eli Willitz, we were not expecting him to have like a power surge. He'll still be a contact in any elite one at best there for the Nets. And that was kind of supposed to be his game. But his power this season has actually been relatively surprising for I think a lot of people, including myself. If he can continue on this power stroke and if he can continue to put up good at bats and draw walks and steal bases and continue to play elite defense. This is one of the best prospects in baseball. And to think that the nationals number one, have him in this organization that will I think someday be a six war kind of player who plays really good defense, a potential

9:21gold glove maybe someday and who knows maybe could win a silver slugger. We're talking about a special special talent here that the nationals have under their organization. To think that Eli Willitz last year when the nationals drafted him number one overall, I don't think a lot of people expected like, oh, yeah, he's going to have a fast climb to the majors. I don't think many people expected that. But I think right now in the way that he started this season in his first full year professional baseball. I think it's more likely than not to have him make his MLB debut by next season. And it's not that crazy, by the way, at 19 years old, because he's just 18 right now, at 19 years old to make that jump to the majors, I think you could definitely see that. And he has put himself in that situation today of being that elite elite prospect that the nationals have to have the face of the organization type of guy.

10:25And he's doing this at just 18 years old. So seeing that Eli Willitz gets the promotion of double A number one, it's not surprising. And number two, he has put himself in legit contention to be a major league or by next season. And I think the lockout obviously kind of throws a wrench at a lot of different plans. But right now, I feel pretty good about Eli Willitz making his debut in 2027. What says you can let me know, tweet at me at Ryan Clare 11 or drop a comment down in the YouTube section. Eli Willitz, a major league or by 2027. Let me know what you think about that. But next, the nationals just set an MLB record and it's not a good one. So congratulations, nationals. Let's talk about that right after this. Nothing like watching a nationals game and it's even better when you get to watch it live. The excitement, the fans and of course, the only problem is getting tickets can feel like

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12:30app. Create an account and use code locked on for $20 off your first purchase terms you apply. Again, create an account and redeem code, LLC KED, O N for $20 off. Download the game time app to day. And now let me tell you about our friends over on CalShi. And of course, make baseball season more this year on CalShi America's number one prediction market platform. You can trade on every single game. And if you're looking at the nationals and the Padres tonight, the nationals are training at a 38% probability to beat the Padres. I hate to say it. I'm going to take the Padres in this game. And the best part about a prediction market with CalShi is that there is no house. So of course, on CalShi, your training against peers and a live market, meaning that there is no house. And as the probability changes, you can buy in and out of your position on CalShi. So download the CalShi app and use code locked on to get $10 when you trade $10 KALSH

13:32eye, CalShi, trade on anything. 18 plus only restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract training involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. CalShi products are not available in all jurisdictions, prices, values, and available markets made different from those mentioned. For more information, see CalShi.com slash regulatory. The nationals did it. They set an MLB record, but one that they did not want to own. The nationals just blew their 38th save of the season, meaning that they now hold the record for the most blown saves in the regular season. And this came with the heels of an Eric Tolman, a blown save who has actually looked really good this season since getting called up one of the better stories for the nationals this season. And they unfortunately blew a four to one lead in that eighth inning last night against the Padres. And my gosh, was it just an epic blow up for the nationals?

14:38They still have 15 games left in the season to add on to their already MLB record of blown saves. And I talked about it last week that the nationals do actually have a bullpen pipeline. Like I know it's hard to believe and it's hard to even say that like what are you talking about? But they actually do have some talented guys, especially down in the minor leagues. And even then I think Yvonne Cruz yesterday, after walking his first guy, then blowing the doors open and you know, having a really good outing yesterday, it felt like a confidence boost for Yvonne Cruz yesterday against the Padres. You've got some younger talent, but that does not excuse the fact that this is the worst nationals bullpen I have ever seen. And it feels like right now the nationals, when was the last time they had a good competitive bullpen? I feel like I say it every single year in my bold predictions, which I said it again this

15:41year. I said, I think this nationals bullpen will be pretty good. I truly did believe in that. I thought that this bullpen would be decent. I didn't say it'd be good or elite. I thought it would be decent. This is the worst bullpen in baseball. And this more importantly is the worst nationals bullpen I have ever seen. The nationals were 55 and 58 at this year's trade deadline. And if you look at the standings now, cover your eyes real quick because the nationals are now at 67 and 80 on the season. And they are in last place in the NLEs for the first time since April 11 as the Nets have now jumped the Washington nationals. And it's not because of the offense. It's not because of the starting pitching. It's because of this dang bullpen. And there's still 15 games left.

16:42This bullpen is a disaster. They need to address this this off season. Like when you asked Paul Tbony in the postseason press conference, what are you going to do this off season? The first answer will be address this bullpen. Now I've been the one saying that I do think they have a lot of talent that will help them absolutely by opening day next season. I think they have a couple of different guys. Joe Glassy being one of them. I think that maybe even a DJ hers comes in out of the bullpen. Maybe a Jackson Kent potentially goes and moves to the bullpen. You've got some different options. Andrew Alvarez, I think is someone that could potentially help you out of the bullpen. But you have to address this massive need for this organization. And that's what it is at this point. You have got this awful situation where the nationals could legitimately be a postseason contender still today if they just had a slightly below average bullpen.

17:46And we have seen the nationals in years past kind of throw band-aids. And I think that's something that Mike Rizzle was really good at at deadlines. Like listen, the 2019 national team was a bad bullpen. They trade for Daniel Hudson and that's the guy that carried you through the postseason. That was kind of a band-aid fix you could say. He found someone for chief and he took advantage of that opportunity and Daniel Hudson turned out to be the savior for the nationals. We don't win the World Series without Daniel Hudson. But this group right now, it's way too early to say that, oh yeah, Poltimoni cannot figure out this bullpen. It's been what? I mean, you do the math. What is it? 147 games this season? It's way too early to write the book on them at this point. And even the coaching staff as well. Like you can't say right now, definitively, definitively say, that's where it is crossing me up right now. You cannot say right now that this coaching staff can't develop talent at the bullpen level.

18:52You just can't say that. Number one, they don't have the talent to work with. And number two, they've done pretty well as far as the starting pitching staff goes. Not great, but you have seen some development being that Kate Kavali looks like an ace out there. This is going to be the long game with this bullpen and really with this pitching staff as well. You have got to preach a little bit of patience when it comes to developing arms. And again, I do think like hand up, I promise you I'm as frustrated as you are. I get it. It is a terrible situation to have the most blown saves in the regular season with 15 games left, by the way. Like they have got a lot more baseball to be played. And I guarantee you, they're going to get to 40 blown saves by the end of the season. And that is going to be an almost impressive feat by this bullpen. But we all saw this coming by June. We saw this coming, everyone saw it coming.

19:53This is not a surprise that this nationals bullpen did this this early on. We expected it by June. And even then the nationals were still able to compete and contend for a bulk of this season. The wheels have obviously fallen off the nationals in every facet at this point. But if you were to take, let's say a fourth of these blown saves away, the nationals would like, I know you might be tired of it, but they would be in contention. And it's not that far fetched to think that they would even have it above 500 record if they had a couple of more guys in this bullpen. Now the problem is they don't. And the problem is you still have the most blown saves ever and someone has to be held accountable for that. And who is that in your mind? Some people may think that's a front office. Some people may think it's a coaching staff. It's just the talent that they have.

20:55If you look at this bullpen now, I think Yvonne Cruz is very talented. I think Eric Tolman, who blew his first save and unfortunately was the record breaker for the nationals last night. I think he's pretty talented. I think the nationals have got some really talented guys in this bullpen. And yes, it is an absolute need that the nationals have to address this bullpen. But here's the good news. It can only get better. And that's truly where this organization is at. So as this bullpen is frustrating as you know what? This is a group that I still think with Paul Taboni, Oni Kalambi, Blake Biterra, Simon Matthews, the pitching coach. No one should be losing their job over the bullpen. No one. I think they've done a pretty bang up job trying to patch this thing together. And if you look at everything as a whole outside of the bullpen, you have seen some development. Let's give it a year too.

21:57And see where this bullpen is at. And see where the starting pitching staff is at. Then we can have a discussion regarding firing pitching coaches. I just think it's premature to talk about that at this point in time. Let me know what you think about that. Sure, some people may not be happy with it, but let me know what you think. You can tweet at me at Ryan Claria 11. But next, let's talk about this, the nationals being in last place in the NL, just an epic letdown, right? Right? Yes, certainly is. Let's talk about that out for this. Support for today's episode comes from indeed sponsored jobs. And when workplace chaos hits and you need the right hire, indeed sponsored jobs helps connect employers with candidates who match specific needs like skills, certifications and locations. So less time gets spent searching and more time gets spent finding the right fit. And people are finding quality hires on indeed right now. And in the minute that I've been talking to you, companies like yours have made 27 hires

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24:01Indeed.com slash podcast terms and conditions apply. We need to hire this say job for indeed, sponsored jobs. And now let me tell you about our friends over at dose. And of course, can we talk about one of the most underrated organs in your body or liver? It's your body's filter processing everything you consume and performing more than 500 functions every day. It's involved in things like energy production, digestion, fat metabolism, and vitamin storage. So it's doing a lot of work behind the scenes. And that's why giving your liver daily support can be an important part of building healthy habits. Those for your liver is a clinically backs liver health supplement designed to support daily liver function. And unlike another capsule or powder, those comes in a liquid two ounce daily shot that tastes like fresh squeeze orange juice. It's zero sugar and zero calories, making an easy addition to your daily routine. And that is what I do because I've realized that after vacation, especially I need to add to my daily routine. I need to get my liver help back up to 100%.

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26:04I'd like to think over these next 15 plus games. And my win total this year for the nationals was 63 and 99. So they've already eclipsed my expectations. They've already gone north of what big is expected. Then I believe the nationals were around 63 and a half wins for the season. And they have obviously gone over that. I think that they will probably get to like that 71 win mark yet again, by the way. They finished back to back seasons and 23 and 24 at that 71 win mark took a step back in 25. And this season has definitely taken a step up from at least last year. And I think overall this team is in a much better position than what it was in 23 and 24. And certainly the help this organization is in a much better position today. But is it frustrating? Absolutely. Does it suck to see the New York Mets climb up against the nationals? Absolutely. But the Mets have been a hot team as of late and they're kind of doing what the Mets do

27:04where they have that summer swoon where they lose like every other game basically. And they blow games in just epic fashion. And the nationals are kind of having what their classic is, which is a fall swim or a late summer swoon where you trade at the deadline and you sell at the deadline and the nationals kind of take a step back. You've seen it with CJ Abrams. He has not been great as a late. James Wood has been injured this for the bulk of this summer here over the last month or so. You've seen guys taking steps back and you've been missing some key guys. That's kind of what happens to teams, especially when you sell at the deadline. And I do think there is a little bit more of an issue at play here that we'll probably get into in tomorrow show. So stay tuned for that. But this is a group that again, it's not that surprising to see the Mets catch up to them because number one, the Mets are the more talented team. They've got the star power. The nationals, they've got some stars too.

28:05Don't get it twisted CJ Abrams and James Wood. I still think they are absolute stars for the nationals. I think James Wood is a superstar for the nationals. One of the games top talents in the sport. But also it's frustrating. And I think watching this team get jumped by the Mets is definitely not the best feeling. If you're the nationals, the fans, for anyone in the clubhouse or in the organization, you would like to see them finish a little bit stronger than what they have. But when you lose seven of your last 10 games and the Mets are winning seven of their past 10, that's what's going to happen. And I think that this is not just going to end here. Like I would not be surprised with the nationals, but it's four games out of that force play spot with the Mets. That's just the way that things have gone. Here is a recent for the nationals. But on tomorrow's show, we'll talk more about the impact of Eli Willitz and maybe what it does with CJ Abrams. Because I think that is a very interesting part for what the nationals could be doing.

29:07Who knows what happens this all season. I think everything is at play for the Washington national. So I will catch you on the flip side. Have a good one. Go nats. On Kowshi, you're trading against peers in a live market, meaning there's no house. And as the probability changes, you can buy in and out of your position for a limited time. Download the Kowshi app and use code locked on to get $10 when you trade 10 KALS H.I. Kowshi. Trade on anything. Just only restrictions and eligibility requirements apply event contract trading involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices, values and available markets may differ from those mentioned. For more information, see kowshi.com slash regulatory. Thank you for making locked on your first listen every day. For your second listen, find the all night locked on MLB game night. Every game every night until a world series champion is crowned. Find local analysis on a national scale.

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