Willits is the rare player to be selected first overall by an interim general manager. The Nationals fired GM Mike Rizzo, as well as manager Dave Martinez, last Sunday and had Mike DeBartolo, previously Rizzo's assistant general manager, take over as interim GM.

The 17-year-old shortstop Eli Willits is the youngest player taken No. 1 overall in the MLB draft since Ken Griffey Jr. with Seattle in 1987.

MLB Draft is here. The two-day, 20-round event began Sunday evening at Truist Park in Atlanta, home of the All-Star Game. The Nationals won the draft lottery and held the No. 1 pick for the third time in franchise history.