(Fredericksburg, VA) The chill in the air lingered Friday night at Virginia Credit Union Stadium, but just beyond the Fredericksburg Nationals' dugout, the mood was anything but cold. Laughter carried across the left-field line as Eli Willits, the Nationals' 2025 first overall pick and MLB's No. 10 overall prospect, shared a light moment with teammate Miguel Sime Jr. (another rising arm in Washington's system) and players from the Delmarva Shorebirds enjoying the night and after-game vibes.

During the game, Sime Jr. (No. 16 prospect) had overpowered hitters in yet another impressive outing, carving through the opposition with ease. He went an impressive 4.0 innings, giving up no hits, no runs, striking out nine a career high and the Fredericksburg Nationals’ season high walking one, facing 12 batters, and throwing 56 pitches with 34 of them strikes.

Nearby, Willits stood relaxed, soaking in the rhythm of a pro night, part performance, part presence, as the game slowed into memory. For Willits, it was another steady step in his first full professional season, finishing 1-for-0 with four walks and two runs scored. But beyond the box score, it was the ease, the confidence, and the connection with teammates that stood out the subtle signs of a young player growing into both the spotlight and the grind.

In an exclusive interview with The Nats Report, the 19-year-old shortstop opened up about his rapid adjustment to pro ball, the Fredericksburg clubhouse culture, and why he’s already feeling at home.

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During the game, Sime Jr. (No. 16 prospect) had overpowered hitters in yet another impressive outing, carving through the opposition with ease. He went an impressive 4.0 innings, giving up no hits, no runs, striking out nine a career high and the Fredericksburg Nationals’ season high walking one, facing 12 batters, and throwing 56 pitches with 34 of them strikes.

On the field, Willits feels most at home on defense. “I’d say defense is that when I get out there, I’m ready to roll,” he said. “I feel like it comes pretty natural to me. I’m ready to go out there, make plays, do whatever I can to help the team win for sure.”

Natural at Short, Smart on the Bases

On the field, Willits feels most at home on defense. “I’d say defense is that when I get out there, I’m ready to roll,” he said. “I feel like it comes pretty natural to me. I’m ready to go out there, make plays, do whatever I can to help the team win for sure.”

His base-running approach shows pro-level instincts. “Getting off first base, I try to create havoc from the first pitch,” Willits explained. “I’m over there. So whatever that is, is trying to create havoc and make the pitcher think I’m going... I’m just trying to feed fastballs to the hitter hitting behind me.”

Eli Willits

SS · Fredericksburg Nationals · #2

MLB No. 10 Overall Prospect

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No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft

Switch-hitter with elite speed and plus defense at shortstop

Ranked MLB's No. 10 overall prospect (MLB Pipeline)

Ranked MLB's No. 10 overall prospect (MLB Pipeline)

Currently playing for the Fredericksburg Nationals (A-ball)

19 years old one of the youngest players in his league

Spring Training to Season Success

Willits spent most of the offseason in West Palm Beach and thrived during spring training. “It was good,” he said. “I was down there for most of the offseason. I live down there now, so it was just a change of scenery. Get to meet every guy in the organization since I didn’t get to meet them all last year.”

The support system extends beyond the field. “I have a wife now, so she’s always there for me,” he added. “I have a great support system back home.”

Competing Without Fear

Facing older pitchers hasn’t fazed the young shortstop. “At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter,” Willits said. “Right now he’s 19 years old. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how old you are. You just got to go out there and play the game and play. Just have fun and compete your butt off.”

Defining Success

For Willits, a successful first full season comes down to simple principles. “Just going out there, having fun, playing hard, trying to be present in every pitch,” he said. “Just go out there, be the player I am. The numbers are going to take care of themselves. Just try and hit the ball hard. Take my walks when they get them to me and just go out there and try and win every game.”

Why Eli Willits Could Be Special

“That’s all that matters at the end of the day,” Willits concluded. “If you win every game, be a successful player and your team will be a successful winner this season.”

In just 20 games, Willits has already shown why the Nationals made him the No. 1 overall pick. His baseball IQ, natural tools, and unflappable demeanor suggest he’s not just surviving the grind he’s thriving in it.

With Fredericksburg’s hot start and a clubhouse he genuinely loves, the path from Virginia Credit Union Stadium to Nationals Park feels shorter every day. For now, though, you’ll find No. 10 exactly where he wants to be: right in the middle of it all.

Richard Wachtel and Ryan Shenker cover the Washington Nationals for The Nats Report. Follow the latest Nationals news, prospect updates, and analysis at thenatsreport.com.

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