Nats round out Day 1 picks with college OF, high school righty

ATLANTA – The Nationals selected two high school players – including the No. 1 overall pick – on Day 1 of the 2025 MLB Draft.

After selecting 17-year old Fort Cobb-Broxton High School (Okla.) shortstop Eli Willits first on the board, the Nats chose South Carolina outfielder Ethan Petry, 21, at No. 49 and East Union High School (Miss.) right-hander Landon Harmon, 18, at No. 80.

Read all about Willits here and learn more about Petry and Harmon below.

OF Ethan Petry (No. 59 Draft prospect)

• Bats/throws: R/R
• School: South Carolina
• Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 60 | Run: 30 | Arm: 55 | Field: 30 | Overall: 50
• Calling Card: Listed at 6-foot-4, 235 pounds, Petry is lauded by MLB Pipeline for generating "plus-plus raw power with massive strength and leverage.” Petry slashed .336/.462/.661 with a 1.123 OPS, 54 home runs and 162 RBIs in three seasons at South Carolina. He drew 110 walks to 165 strikeouts in that span. Last season, he was limited to 44 games because of a sprained left shoulder joint. In the outfield, Petry has limited range in right field but strong arm strength as a former high school pitcher.
• Quote: “We felt like he was solid this year in right field. His accomplishment jacket is outstanding. In the spring, in the summer with wood bats, he has power that plays in games to all fields. He manages ABs well, and he’s had some very good success against high-profile pitchers.” – vice president, amateur scouting Danny Haas

RHP Landon Harmon (No. 48 Draft prospect)

• Bats/throws: R/R
• School: East Union Attendance Center High School (Miss.)
• Scouting grades: Fastball: 65 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50
• Calling Card: Harmon, listed at 6-foot-5 and 190 pounds, recorded a 1.09 ERA with 131 strikeouts (66 1/3 innings) this season. His fastball sits at 93-96 mph and can reach 99 mph. He also can manipulate his slider from a low-80s sweeper to an upper-80s cutter. MLB Pipeline projects if Harmon continues to grow his secondary pitches, he could develop into a frontline starter. He was named MHSAA’s Class 2A Mr. Baseball for the second consecutive year and an All-State First-Team honoree.
• Quote: “He’s got a great arm. He already flashes a very good breaking ball and a feel for a changeup with reasonable strikes for his level. He’ll continue to get more consistent and add strength.” – Haas