The Washington Nationals signed first overall draft pick Eli Willits to an $8.2 million bonus on Saturday.
The bonus amount is a record for a high-school player. The old mark was the $8.19 million Jackson Holliday received from the Baltimore Orioles in 2022.
Willits, a shortstop who doesn’t turn 18 until December, doesn’t plan on it taking long to reach the majors.
“I’ve set a goal to be in the big leagues by the time I’m 20, and that’s something I’m really excited to do,” Willits said during a news conference. “Hopefully, I get out there and start playing well and that can be something I can accomplish in the next few years.”
Willits took batting practice prior to the Nationals’ Saturday game against the San Diego Padres. He will travel to West Palm Beach, Fla., on Sunday to begin workouts. No decision has been made on which level he will begin his pro career.
The switch-hitter batted .473 with eight homers, 34 RBIs and 47 steals this season for Fort Cobb-Broxton High in Oklahoma.
Willits is the son of Reggie Willits, who batted .258 with 58 RBIs in 414 games with the Los Angeles Angels from 2006-11.
Willits is the third player to be the No. 1 overall pick for the Nationals since the franchise moved to Washington for the 2005 season. The others were Stephen Strasburg (2009) and Bryce Harper (2010).
–Field Level Media
