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With the eighth overall pick, the Blue Jays could select… Eli Willits?
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Photo credit: © SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Ryley Delaney
Jun 25, 2025, 18:00 EDTUpdated: Jun 25, 2025, 17:53 EDT
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The 2025 draft class is a strong one for high school shortstops.
When the Toronto Blue Jays pick eighth overall next month, there should be plenty of intriguing prep shortstops available for them. We looked at one, Billy Carlson, the other day. The most recent draft-eligible player profiled was Kruz Schoolcraft, which you can read here.
Another high school shortstop ranked around where the Blue Jays will select is Eli Willits. Let’s get to know the 17-year-old switch-hitter.

Eli Willits’ bio

Willits is a 6’1”, 180 lbs switch-hitting shortstop who attended Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma. Willits has a late birthday relative to his peers, turning 18 on September 12. If he attends college, he’ll stay in state to play for the Oklahoma Sooners.
The Blue Jays have never drafted a player out of Fort Cobb-Broxton High School, but they have selected 14 players from high schools in Oklahoma, with Dallas Beeler being the most recent back in 2008. Of those 14 players, only six signed with the Jays: Brian Cardwell (1999), Kyle Curchart (1995), William Parese (1988), Allen Tyson (1987), Paul Rodgers (1985), and Ken Kinnard (1980).
Willits will be the fourth player drafted out of Fort Cobb-Broxton High School. Mike Douglas was selected in 1968, Edgar Bellamy was selected the next season, and Nathan Hammons was selected in 2005.
The only big leaguer who attended the school happens to be Eli’s father, Reggie Willits. He played five seasons in the big leagues, slashing .258/.356/.302 with no home runs. However, the Anaheim Angels selected him in the seventh round of the 2003 draft from the University of Oklahoma, where he is part of the coaching staff.

Eli Willits’ tools

Willits ranks as MLB Pipeline’s fifth-best prospect in July’s draft. He’s a polished batter for his age and swings better from the left side, but isn’t bad from the right side of the plate either. There may not be a lot of pop in his game, but Willits’ best tool is his hit tool and his speed, both are considered plus. 
Willits is considered above-average in both fielding and arm strength and will likely stay at the position for the duration of his career. Basically, the shortstop has the profile of a future lead-off hitter who could hit 10-15 home runs in the future.

Eli Willits’ grades

Here are Willits’ grades according to his MLB Pipeline profile.
Tool
Grade
Hit
60
Power
45
Run
60
Arm
55
Field
55
Will the Blue Jays select Eli Willits?
The Blue Jays’ top prospect as of right now is shortstop Arjun Nimmala. However, a team picking in the first round should never draft for need, but for the best player available. If Willits drops to the Jays, there’s a good chance he’ll be the best player available. Moreover, there’s a possibility that Nimmala will move to third base as he fills into his frame
While the Jays could draft collegiate position players (Aiva Arquette, Ike Irish), it seems likely they’ll either pick a prep shortstop or collegiate pitcher, as the draft class is loaded with those two types of players.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.

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