The MLB Draft is coming up on Sunday. There’s a lot of talk about the best MLB prospects. You hear Kade Anderson and Liam Doyle’s names the most. But a 17-year-old shortstop has crashed the party and could take the top slot. And the Los Angeles Angels fans are now hoping to land this exceptional talent.
But why the sudden flip in the MLB Draft scenario? It’s his performance. As a senior at Fort Cobb-Broxton HS, he hit a remarkable .516 with nine home runs, 33 RBIs, and an astonishing 48 stolen bases, earning him All-State Player of the Year accolades. He ran a 6.70-second 60-yard sprint, and scouts give him a 60 run/60 hit on the 20–80 scale. Wondering who it is?
The player everyone is talking about is Eli Willits from Oklahoma. A tweet appeared, quoting MLB Pipeline insiders Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo. It said, “Sources from multiple teams reported that [HS SS Eli] Willits was shopping a discount deal to go at or near the top of the Draft.” Since the news broke, the Angels fans are already hoping to see him in Anaheim.
MLB Pipeline (Callis/Mayo): “Sources from multiple teams reported that [HS SS Eli] Willits was shopping a discount deal to go at or near the top of the Draft.”
— BTH (@BeyondTheHalo) July 13, 2025
Willits didn’t take part in the Combine physical. So he can’t get the guaranteed 75% slot bonus. By “shopping a discount deal,” he’s prepared to sign for less, which saves clubs money in the bonus pool and makes him more appealing.
In MLB Pipeline’s last mock draft for 2025, Willits is on a solid upward trend, ahead of arms like Kade Anderson and Liam Doyle. Callis and Mayo ranked him fifth to the Cardinals. And if Washington doesn’t take him first, the Angels are suddenly seen as a perfect choice for him at pick No. 2, after Liam Doyle.
The story gets more interesting for LA. Remember Reggie Willits, who played for the Angels from 2006 to 2011? Well, Eli Willits is the son of Reggie. And he has his goals straight for the MLB Draft: “I hope to go the overall No. 1 pick.”
With all the talk about Willits and the possibility of him moving to Anaheim, Angels fans have flocked to social media.
Angels fans erupt over Eli Willits’ buzz
To be honest, Halos went crazy when that message came out, as if it were already the MLB Draft Night. One comment read, “That’s —— 3…. THE BOY IS COMING HOME.” Imagine a son wearing the same cleats that his father once wore. A homecoming indeed!
Syndication: The Oklahoman Ft. Cobb-Broxton s Eli Willits tosses to first bass for an out during the Class B state baseball championship game between Ft. Cobb-Broxton and Roff at Edmond Santa Fe High School in Edmond, Okla., Monday, May, 8, 2023. , EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xSARAHxPHIPPS/THExOKLAHOMANx 20623502
There is confidence that he can be a perfect fit for the club. “Eli Willits is definitely an Angel if they’re going prep. I wouldn’t even be mad if they took Willits over Holliday. Most people have Willits number 1 in the entire class and he has ties to the team with his dad,” remarked another fan. Well, the choices have been made, and it’s clear as crystal.
There is still some time before the 2025 MLB Draft, but this fan has already welcomed him.“Welcome to Anaheim buddy.” Willits hasn’t put on the Angels cap yet, but a lot of people have already imagined it.
A spot on observation: “This is MASSIVE news. The Angels could be in for a real coup here, grabbing one of the best talents in the class AND saving money for other prep players. He just has to get past the Nats at 1.” If the Nationals pick a college pitcher or play it safe at No. 1, LA could acquire Willits at No. 2, lock in a high upside, and still have some extra room to go after other players in later rounds. It’s the kind of thing that happens on draft day that makes dynasties, not just rosters.
A super excited fan exclaimed, “It’s happening.” This kind of reaction spreads on social media and builds excitement around a possible pick. This hope isn’t blind. It’s lively and based on the idea that everything may go right for the Angels. Are you excited to watch the MLB Draft?
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