Eli Willits is an American professional baseball shortstop born on December 9, 2007, in Lawton, Oklahoma. He attended Fort Cobb-Broxton High School, where he emerged as one of the top prospects in the 2025 MLB draft class. Willits reclassified from the 2026 to the 2025 class, making him one of the youngest players eligible for the draft. In high school, he earned recognition as *The Oklahoman*’s 2025 All-State Player of the Year after posting impressive statistics, including a .516 batting average, nine home runs, 33 RBIs, and 48 stolen bases during his senior year. He also played for the USA Baseball 18U team in the summer of 2024. Willits was selected first overall by the Washington Nationals in the 2025 MLB draft, becoming the third-youngest player in MLB draft history to be chosen with the top pick. He signed with the Nationals for an $8.2 million signing bonus, a figure that set a new record for high school prospects. His selection was notable for its rarity, as the first overall pick is typically reserved for college players or older high school athletes. Willits made his professional debut with the Nationals’ Single-A affiliate, the Fredericksburg Nationals, where he recorded three hits, a walk, a stolen base, two RBIs, and a run scored in his first game. He is a switch-hitter and is regarded as a generational talent with significant potential. Willits is the son of former MLB player Reggie Willits, adding to his baseball pedigree. As of late 2025, Willits remains an active player in the Nationals’ minor league system, drawing attention for his performance and the precedent his draft selection set for young high school athletes.