Eli Willits' & Paul Toboni: Why The Washington Nationals Would Have Still Picked Willits 1st Overall

EPISODE RECORDED BEFORE HIRING BLAKE BUTERA.... CURRENTLY AT THE DENTIST

Ryan Clary examines whether new GM Paul Toboni would have selected Eli Willits first overall in the 2025 MLB Draft. He breaks down Willits' defensive prowess, switch-hitting ability, and development potential, arguing the pick aligns with Toboni's scouting philosophy favoring high-ceiling high school shortstops. The episode explores critical Rule 5 Draft decisions facing the Nationals, particularly protecting left-handed pitcher Jake Bennett, who's dominating the Arizona Fall League after Tommy John recovery. Clary also discusses outfield prospect Christian Franklin's uncertain roster status and the surprising managerial interview with Portland Sea Dogs' Chad Epperson, suggesting it reflects Toboni's character-driven approach to building the organization.

EPISODE RECORDED BEFORE HIRING BLAKE BUTERA.... CURRENTLY AT THE DENTIST

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts...

Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More
🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/...



Follow on Twitter:   / ryanclary11  
Follow the show on Twitter:   / lo_nationals  
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
PrizePicks — Run Your Game.
Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LO...

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
#Nationals #WashingtonNationals #MLB

1:40 Why Eli Willits was the right pick

4:12 Paul Toboni's drafting philosophy and player types

7:15 Eli Willits' power potential and development upside

10:21 How Toboni will handle Willits' development path

12:54 Jake Bennett must be protected from Rule 5

16:29 Bennett's dominance in Arizona Fall League

19:01 Christian Franklin's Rule 5 eligibility dilemma

23:07 Nationals interview Double A manager Chad Epperson

25:39 Outside the box approach to managerial search