As the Washington Nationals look to wrap up their first half of the 2026 season with a record above .500 on Sunday against the New York Yankees, the organization will be very busy elsewhere. Of course, the team will be wrapping up their 2026 draft class, with 11th overall pick Chris Hacopian leading the haul there, but the organization will be starting All-Star break festivities early with the Futures Game on Sunday.
Although the Futures Game features young prospects from all over the league, the Nationals are one of the teams that has the distinction of having multiple prospects selected to the game. In fact, the Nationals even have one of the top prospects in all of baseball starting the game as well.
Eli Willits, Miguel Sime Jr. playing in 2026 Futures Game
About a year after being taken with the #1 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, Eli Willits is now both playing and starting in the 2026 All-Star Futures Game, and even has the honor of leading off for the National League team. He will be starting at second base, and he should get a chance to get at least a couple of plate appearances under his belt in the game.
Willits has completely lived up to the hype in his first full professional season, and might have a case to become the top prospect in baseball by next season. He earned his first promotion to High-A Wilmington, and went on a power-hitting streak as soon as he got the call. Willits has cooled off slightly since then, but he has still walked more than he has struck out for the Blue Rocks, and has an .875 OPS for the Blue Rocks.
Joining him at the game will be fellow 2025 draft class member and Blue Rocks teammate Miguel Sime Jr. The flamethrowing righty is just 19-years-old, but has showcased some truly elite stuff that has fans wondering just how high his ceiling could possibly be once he harnesses his control. Across 45.2 innings for both Wilmington and Low-A Fredericksburg, Sime Jr. has struck out an absurd 84 batters, yet has also issued 45 walks.
The fact that the Nationals were able to land 2 future stars in Sunday's showcase is a huge deal, and it will give the casual fans an opportunity to become more familiar with 2 of the most talented players in all of the minor leagues. To catch the game yourself, make sure to tune in on NBC or stream it live on Peacock at 12:00 PM EST today.
How do you think Eli Willits and Miguel Sime Jr. will fare in today's Futures Game? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.
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