As the countdown to spring training ticks down-just 19 days until pitchers and catchers report-the early wave of preseason prospect rankings is rolling in, and Nationals fans have reason to take notice. The spotlight is already shining on Eli Willits, Washington’s top pick from last summer’s draft, and the buzz around the 18-year-old shortstop is building fast.
Willits lands at No. 31 on Baseball America’s 2026 Top 100 Prospects list, a notable debut considering his age and limited pro experience. It’s easy to see that number and wonder why the first overall pick isn’t higher, but context matters here.
Willits just turned 18 and has logged only 15 games in the minors so far. What he’s shown in that short time, though, is more than enough to justify the hype.
In his brief stint with Single-A Fredericksburg, Willits slashed .300/.397/.757-a small sample size, yes, but an eye-opening one. His combination of contact, patience, and pop at the plate already looks advanced for someone fresh out of high school.
Baseball America notes that he possesses the potential for five average or better tools, which is prospect lingo for “this guy can do it all.” There’s no glaring hole in his game, and that kind of all-around profile is exactly what teams dream about when they draft a franchise cornerstone.
Shortstop is arguably the deepest position in the minor leagues right now, and Willits is right in the thick of that elite group. He ranks eighth among shortstop prospects according to MLB Pipeline, despite finishing the 2025 season as their No. 15 overall prospect. That tells you just how stacked the position is-but also how highly evaluators think of Willits even in that crowded field.
One comparison that stands out: Willits is ranked ahead of Ethan Holliday, another Oklahoma shortstop and fellow 2025 first-rounder. Holliday comes in at No. 10 among shortstops on MLB Pipeline’s list and sits at No. 80 overall on Baseball America’s Top 100. That’s not a knock on Holliday-it’s a testament to just how polished and promising Willits already looks.
The Nationals have more than just Willits to be excited about. Two other names made Baseball America’s Top 100: right-hander Jarlin Susana (No. 68) and recently acquired catcher Harry Ford (No. 99).
Susana remains one of the most electric arms in the minors. His fastball routinely touches triple digits, and when he’s on, the stuff is overpowering.
But health is a real concern. The 21-year-old underwent surgery last season to repair a torn lat muscle and won’t be ready for Opening Day.
There are also questions about his command-he’s had trouble consistently finding the strike zone-but the upside remains sky-high if he can stay on the mound.
Ford, meanwhile, is a new face in the Nationals’ system. Acquired from Seattle in December in the first move made by new president of baseball operations Paul Toboni, the 22-year-old brings intriguing upside behind the plate. He’s known for his strong on-base skills and athleticism-a rare combo for a catcher-and ranks as the ninth-best catching prospect according to both Baseball America and MLB Pipeline.
Between Willits’ all-around game, Susana’s flamethrowing potential, and Ford’s versatile skill set, the Nationals’ farm system is showing signs of real life. It’s still early, and prospect rankings aren’t guarantees-but they are snapshots of where things stand right now. And right now, Washington has a trio of young talents worth watching closely as the new season approaches.