Willits is the third No. 1 pick in Nationals franchise history. Washington chose atop the draft in both 2009 and 2010, selecting ace Stephen Strasburg and outfielder Bryce Harper. He's also the youngest No. 1 overall pick in MLB Draft history and the youngest player in the draft overall.

Willits, 17, is the son of former Angels outfielder Reggie and is the youngest No. 1 pick since Ken Griffey Jr. in 1987.

The Washington Nationals selected Oklahoma high school shortstop Eli Willits with the No. 1 pick in Major League Baseball’s amateur draft in a selection seen by some as a surprise.