Eli Willits, SS, Fort Cobb-Broxton (OK): Rising Star Shortstop Makes Waves in Oklahoma High School Baseball
At just 17 years old, Eli Willits has established himself as one of the most intriguing shortstop prospects in the 2025 MLB Draft class. The Fort Cobb-Broxton (OK) standout brings a rare combination of physical projection and present skills that have scouts buzzing.
Willits stands 6-1 with a 175-pound frame. He possesses the kind of long, athletic build that professional organizations covet at premium positions, with plenty of room to add strength as he matures.
Baseball runs in Willits’ blood. He’s the son of former major leaguer Reggie Willits and brother of Jaxon Willits, giving him valuable perspective on the game’s demands. Born in December 2007, Eli will likely be one of the youngest draft-eligible prospects in next year’s class, making his advanced skill set all the more impressive.
His high school performance has put him firmly in first-round consideration, with evaluators particularly drawn to his smooth defensive actions and developing hit tool.
What separates Willits from his peers isn’t just raw talent but his baseball instincts and approach to the game. The Oklahoma native displays exceptional field awareness and a maturity beyond his years when patrolling shortstop.
While still developing physically, his projection videos show a player with fluid movements and natural baseball intuition. College programs have pursued him heavily, though his rising draft stock may have him weighing professional options sooner rather than later.
Contents
Background and Early Life
Eli Willits emerges from Fort Cobb, Oklahoma as one of baseball’s most intriguing young prospects. His development has been shaped by both athletic genes and a small-town upbringing that fostered his exceptional baseball IQ.
High School Career at Fort Cobb-Broxton
At Fort Cobb-Broxton High School, Willits has established himself as a standout shortstop with impressive physical tools. Standing 6-1 with a 175-pound frame, he possesses the long, slender build scouts covet, with plenty of room to add muscle as he matures.
What separates Willits from his peers isn’t just his glove work or bat speed, but his baseball pedigree. He’s the son of Reggie Willits and brother of Jaxon Willits, giving him a natural understanding of the game’s nuances.
Born December 9, 2007, in Lawton, Oklahoma, Willits will be just 17 years and 7 months old at the time of the 2025 MLB Draft, making him one of the youngest draft-eligible prospects in his class.
| Measurables | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’1″ |
| Weight | 175 lbs |
| Bats/Throws | Right/Right |
| Position | SS/IF |
| Born | 12/09/2007 |
Academic Achievements
While Willits’ baseball prowess generates headlines, his academic discipline has proven equally impressive. Balancing rigorous training with schoolwork, he’s maintained strong grades at Fort Cobb-Broxton, a school known for its emphasis on student-athlete development.
This academic focus has enhanced his draft stock, as MLB organizations increasingly value prospects who demonstrate classroom discipline. Several top programs have shown interest in Willits, though he remains uncommitted as of spring 2025.
The young shortstop’s intellectual approach to baseball is evident in his game. Watching his high-speed swing mechanics, you can see the calculated adjustments that separate prospects from projects.
For a player from a school with reportedly some of the smallest crowds in Oklahoma high school baseball, Willits has certainly attracted plenty of attention from MLB scouts and college recruiters alike.
Athletic Profile
Eli Willits showcases a rare blend of athletic gifts that have scouts buzzing ahead of the 2025 MLB Draft. His switch-hitting ability combined with defensive versatility makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in his class.
Position and Playing Style
Willits has established himself as a natural shortstop with the versatility to handle second base when needed. His defensive instincts stand out immediately – he reads the ball exceptionally well off the bat and takes efficient routes.
The Fort Cobb-Broxton standout possesses the rare combination of smooth actions and explosive first-step quickness. His baseball IQ manifests in his positioning, always seeming to be in the right place at the right time.
What separates Willits from other middle infield prospects is his ability to make the spectacular play look routine. His transfer and release are lightning-quick, allowing him to turn difficult double plays with apparent ease.
| Attribute | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bats/Throws | Switch/Right |
| Position | SS/2B |
| Defensive Range | Plus |
| Arm Strength | Above Average |
Physical Attributes
At 6’1″ and 175 pounds, Willits possesses a “long and slender young build with lots of physical projection” according to evaluators. His frame suggests significant room for added strength as he matures.
Despite his youth – born in December 2007 – Willits already displays impressive bat speed from both sides of the plate. His raw power remains developing but shows flashes of potential, particularly from his natural side.
What makes scouts particularly excited is Willits’ age-to-skill ratio. At just 17 years and 7 months old, he’ll be among the youngest draft-eligible prospects in 2025, giving him tremendous runway for development.
His athleticism isn’t limited to baseball skills – Willits shows excellent body control, coordination, and quick-twitch muscle fiber that translates across multiple facets of the game.
Scouting Report
Eli Willits stands out as one of the top shortstop prospects in the 2025 MLB Draft class with his impressive all-around skill set. His switch-hitting ability combined with outstanding defensive instincts make him a potential early-round selection.
Offensive Capabilities
Willits brings a dynamic offensive profile to the plate as a legitimate switch-hitter. His smooth, repeatable swing produces consistent hard contact from both sides. At the plate, he displays advanced pitch recognition and discipline beyond his years.
What impresses scouts most is his exit velocity numbers, which have steadily improved as he’s added strength to his 6-1, 175-pound frame. Willits isn’t just a slap hitter – he’s developing real pop that could translate to 15-20 home run potential at the next level.
His bat speed is exceptional, allowing him to catch up to high-velocity pitching while still maintaining control of the strike zone. Though not yet a finished product, his hit tool projects as above-average at the professional level.
| Batting | Height | Weight | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switch | 6’1″ | 175 lbs | SS/2B |
Defensive Skills
Defensively, Willits’ actions at shortstop are fluid and natural, showing the kind of defensive instincts that can’t be taught. He processes information quickly, positioning himself effectively before the pitch.
His arm strength rates as plus, with accuracy that allows him to make plays deep in the hole. What stands out most is his body control – Willits can throw accurately from multiple arm angles and while off-balance.
His hands are soft and quick, helping him excel on both routine plays and challenging ones. Scouts believe he has the tools to stick at shortstop long-term, though his versatility could allow him to handle second base or third base if needed at higher levels.
Speed and Agility
Willits’ athleticism translates well on the basepaths and in the field. He’s not a burner, but his speed grades as above-average with good acceleration that helps him take extra bases.
His first step quickness gives him excellent range at shortstop, allowing him to reach balls that many prospects at his position cannot. This lateral agility helps compensate for any limitations in pure straight-line speed.
On the bases, Willits shows good instincts rather than reckless aggression. He picks his spots well when stealing and rarely makes mental mistakes when running. As he continues to mature physically, there’s potential for his speed tools to improve even further.
High School Statistics
Eli Willits has emerged as one of the most dominant high school baseball players in Oklahoma, putting up eye-popping numbers at Fort Cobb-Broxton. His switch-hitting ability combined with defensive prowess at shortstop has scouts taking serious notice ahead of future MLB draft considerations.
Season Highlights
The young shortstop turned heads when he posted a remarkable .610 batting average with 10 home runs during his spring campaign. What makes this even more impressive is that Willits is actually young for his grade, having reclassified from the 2026 class to 2025.
In summer competition, Willits continued his torrid pace, hitting .517 with 7 RBIs and 12 stolen bases at the 17U WWBA tournament. This performance against older competition raised his profile considerably among college recruiters and professional scouts.
| Batting Stats | Spring Season | Summer (17U WWBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Avg | .610 | .517 |
| Home Runs | 10 | 0 |
| RBIs | N/A | 7 |
| Stolen Bases | N/A | 12 |
His 6’1″, 195-pound frame (up from the previously listed 175) suggests continued physical development that has scouts projecting more power potential.
Record and Achievements
Willits has established himself as one of the premier Class A players in Oklahoma, helping position Fort Cobb-Broxton as a legitimate contender. The switch-hitting infielder has demonstrated exceptional versatility, showcasing his skills at both shortstop and second base.
Born December 9, 2007, in Lawton, Oklahoma, Willits is tracking as one of the top high school prospects in the 2025 class despite being younger than most of his peers. His ability to hit for both average and power while maintaining excellent plate discipline has drawn comparisons to established MLB middle infielders.
Though currently uncommitted, Willits is garnering significant attention from Power 5 college programs. MLB scouts project him as a potential early-round selection in the 2025 draft if his development continues on its current trajectory.
His Complete-Game performances both offensively and defensively have solidified his reputation as a five-tool prospect with legitimate professional potential.
Extracurricular Activities
Beyond the diamond, Eli Willits has built a well-rounded profile that showcases his character and commitment to personal growth. His activities off the field reveal the same dedication that has made him a standout shortstop prospect.
Leadership and Teamwork
Willits serves as team captain for his high school squad, where teammates consistently look to him for guidance during crucial moments. The Fort Cobb-Broxton shortstop organizes weekly film sessions for infielders during the offseason, demonstrating his commitment to elevating his peers.
His Baseball IQ translates seamlessly to leadership roles. One assistant coach noted, “Eli thinks three plays ahead, which makes him a natural captain.”
During summer showcases, Willits regularly mentors younger players on switch-hitting techniques—a skill he’s mastered from both sides of the plate.
| Player Profile | Stats |
|---|---|
| Bats | Switch |
| Throws | Right |
| Height | 6’1″ |
| Weight | 175 lbs |
Community Involvement
When not on the diamond, Willits dedicates time to youth baseball clinics throughout Oklahoma. He’s established a weekend hitting program for elementary school children in Fort Cobb that has grown from 8 participants to over 40 in just two years.
The young prospect also volunteers at the local food bank monthly, something he’s maintained despite an increasingly demanding baseball schedule.
His community service hasn’t gone unnoticed by MLB scouts. “Character matters in our evaluations,” one American League scout told me. “Willits checks those boxes emphatically.”
Though only 17, Eli has already committed to organizing an annual equipment drive for underprivileged youth players—a project he plans to continue regardless of where his draft prospects lead him.
Recruitment and Future Prospects
Eli Willits stands at the crossroads of exceptional collegiate and professional opportunities. His combination of defensive prowess and hitting ability has placed him among the elite prospects in the 2025 class, drawing attention from top baseball programs and MLB scouts alike.
College Interest
Willits has made his college plans clear, having committed to Oklahoma. The Sooners secured his commitment early, recognizing his potential as a program-changing talent.
Oklahoma’s baseball program offers Willits a chance to develop in a competitive Big 12 environment. This makes sense geographically as well, keeping the Fort Cobb-Broxton standout close to home.
The connection runs deeper, as baseball appears to be in the Willits family DNA. Eli is the son of Reggie Willits and brother of Jaxon Willits, suggesting a strong baseball pedigree that could flourish at the collegiate level.
Professional Outlook
Willits’ professional prospects look exceptionally bright. At just 17 years old (he was born December 9, 2007), he’s already positioned as one of the premier talents in the 2025 MLB Draft class.
MLB scouts are drawn to his projectable 6-1, 175-pound frame and smooth actions at shortstop, frequently comparing him to fellow Oklahoma shortstop Jackson Holliday, who was selected first overall in 2022.
| Measurables | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’1″ |
| Weight | 175 lbs |
| Bats/Throws | Switch/Right |
| Draft Age | 17 years, 7 months |
| Ranking | #1 Prep Prospect (2025) |
Notably, Willits recently reclassified from the 2026 class, accelerating his path to the draft. His switch-hitting ability and defensive versatility make him particularly valuable in a draft landscape that prizes up-the-middle talent.
Comparison with Contemporaries
Eli Willits stands out among his peers through his exceptional combination of defensive skills and switch-hitting ability. His draft stock continues to rise as scouts take notice of his smooth fielding actions and developing power at the plate.
Peers in High School Baseball
When looking at Oklahoma’s high school talent, Willits draws comparisons to Ethan Holliday, another smooth shortstop with hitting prowess. Both possess natural infield actions that scouts covet.
What separates Willits is his switch-hitting ability, giving him versatility at the plate that few high schoolers can match. His slender 6’1″, 175-pound frame suggests significant physical development remains ahead.
Among Oklahoma prepsters, Willits’ baseball IQ stands out. He processes the game at an advanced level, making instinctual plays that showcase his feel for shortstop.
| Player | Position | B/T | Height/Weight | Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eli Willits | SS | S/R | 6’1″/175 | Oklahoma |
| Ethan Holliday | SS | L/R | 6’3″/190 | Oklahoma State |
Projected Draft Classmates
In the broader 2025 draft landscape, Willits has positioned himself comfortably among the top high school infielders. He originally belonged to the class of 2026, but he reclassified himself to join a competitive draft pool.
Coy James and Carson Brumbaugh represent his chief competition among prep shortstops. What gives Willits an edge is his defensive reliability – he makes the routine plays look easy while flashing occasional brilliance.
Mock drafts already project Willits as a potential first-rounder. Some have him slotted to the Blue Jays, and his commitment to Oklahoma adds leverage to his draft position.
At just 17.7 years old, Willits remains younger than many in his class, suggesting his ceiling might be higher as he physically matures.
