Willits Debut at Double-A | Washington Nationals News

0:00It's September 9th. This is Washington Nationals News Today, AI-powered updates on your team. I'm Cory with the story. Washington Nationals infield prospect Eli Willitz, the number one overall pick in the 2025 MLB draft, just got the call up to AA Harrisburg. This 18-year-old is considered MLB pipelines number four overall prospect for 2026, and he made his debut Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays. While AA affiliate, the New Hampshire Fisher Kats, in that debut, Willitz went over four at the plate with two walks in an RBI, facing off against Johnny King, the Blue Jays number three prospect. King, a lefty who was also recently promoted to double A, gave up four runs in 313 innings, which was more than he'd allowed in any previous start. For the Fisher Kats, even though Willitz had a tough night offensively, striking out against King and grounding into a double play, his team still won big 11-1.

1:00It's a significant step up for the young infielder who's been working his way through the minors. This season, Willitz has been solid overall, hitting 260 with a 403 on-base percentage and an 855 OPS. He's also shown off his speed with 60 stolen bases and shipped in 13 home runs and 71 RBI's across single A and high A. With the high A season wrapped up, it's a smart move for the nationals to see how their future shortstop handles the double A level before the year is. Out. He won't turn 19 until December, so watching his development at this higher level will be key.