The countdown to the 2025 MLB Draft is officially on, and the drama is already swirling like a hanging curveball under the Atlanta lights. The Washington Nationals hold the coveted first overall pick—but according to insiders, they may still be deciding between three polar-opposite choices mere hours before the announcement.

At the heart of this year’s uncertainty? A mix of elite talent, draft-day economics, and a curious twist involving a top prospect’s skipped physical.

Sources confirm the Nationals are deliberating between:

• Kade Anderson, a polished left-handed pitcher from Louisiana State University (LSU)
• Ethan Holliday, a high-upside prep shortstop from Oklahoma
• Eli Willits, another Oklahoma-based shortstop making waves—not for his bat or glove, but for the discount deal he’s reportedly shopping around

What’s the Big Deal with Willits?

Here’s where things get interesting. According to multiple team sources, Willits has been offering a below-slot signing deal in hopes of being selected higher than projected. The catch? He skipped the MLB Draft Combine, meaning he didn’t complete the pre-Draft physical exam—a key decision with financial consequences.

Under MLB rules, only players who participate in the Combine are guaranteed 75% of their draft slot’s bonus value. So, by declining the physical, Willits may be betting on charm over certainty. Some clubs are intrigued, while others see it as a red flag.

It’s an unusual move that could either pay off big or backfire dramatically,” one front-office executive told Daily Global Diary.

Kade Anderson: The Safe Bet with a Quick Path to the Show

Most mock drafts—including final predictions from MLB Pipeline experts Jonathan Mayo and Jim Callis—have the Nationals leaning toward Kade Anderson, citing his advanced pitching arsenal, poise, and likelihood to reach the majors quickly.

With the recent firing of GM Mike Rizzo, however, some believe the front office might lean toward a long-term upside pick like Holliday or Willits to reset the franchise identity.

Still, Anderson remains the front-runner. As Callis put it:

Anderson has a higher floor than either prep shortstop and brings immediate organizational stability. Holliday has the ceiling, but Anderson brings the certainty.

Ethan Holliday: A Familiar Name with Superstar Potential

Yes, the surname is no coincidence—Ethan Holliday is the son of former MLB All-Star Matt Holliday, and his skillset is already drawing comparisons to early-career Carlos Correa. He didn’t take a physical either, but his expected signing bonus demand remains high, signaling confidence in his draft stock.

Scouts have described him as electric explosive and a potential face-of-the-franchise type player”—but he’s still raw, and might take years to develop.

Draft Day Details You Should Know

• Event: 2025 MLB Draft, presented by Nike
• Day 1 (Rounds 1-3): Sunday, July 13 at 6 p.m. ET on MLB Network / MLB.com / ESPN
• Day 2 (Rounds 4-20): Monday, July 14 at 11:30 a.m. ET on MLB.com
• Top Prospects: Explore MLB’s full Top 250 Draft Prospects

Bonus Pools, Pick Values, and the Business Behind the Drama

The bonus pool system, introduced in 2012, has transformed how teams draft, often prioritizing signability over pure talent. Willits’ rumored discount may tempt clubs with multiple top-50 picks to stretch their budget across more talent.

Still, skipping the Combine remains risky. Without that baseline physical, some front offices might simply pass to avoid potential medical surprises.