The switch-hitter from Oklahoma's Fort Cobb-Broxton High School became the youngest-ever number one overall selection in the MLB Draft at 17 years, 7 months old.
"I'm just excited and thankful for the Nationals organization for giving me this chance," Willits said. "I'm just ready to get out there and get to work."
Willits is now the Nats' third-ever No. 1 overall selection, with the previous picks at the top spot being eight-time All-Star Bryce Harper (2010) and former World Series MVP starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (2009).
The move came only a week after the Nationals, who have not made the playoffs since winning the 2019 World Series, fired general manager Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez. Assistant general manager Mike DeBartolo was named the interim general manager while bench coach Miguel Cairo was promoted to interim manager.
Willits, whose father Reggie played parts of six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels from 2006-11, was the youngest prospect in the draft at 17 years, seven months.
The Nationals' other picks from the first three rounds on Sunday night included Ethan Petry (OF, South Carolina) and Landon Harmon (P, East Union Attendance Center High School).
Click here for the full 2025 MLB Draft recap for the first three rounds.