Serine
For the first time in Major League Baseball history, two high school players from Oklahoma were selected among the top four picks in the MLB Draft.
Eli Willits Goes No. 1 Overall
Eli Willits, a standout shortstop from Fort Cobb-Broxton, was chosen as the No. 1 overall pick by the Washington Nationals. Willits is the son of Reggie Willits, a former MLB outfielder who played six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels and is currently an assistant coach at the University of Oklahoma (OU). His older brother, Jaxson Willits, is also part of the OU baseball program.
Ethan Holliday Selected Fourth by Rockies
Coming in at No. 4 overall, Ethan Holliday of Stillwater High School was picked by the Colorado Rockies. Holliday is the son of Matt Holliday, a 15-year MLB veteran known for his time with the Rockies, Athletics, Cardinals, and Yankees. Ethan’s older brother, Jackson Holliday, was the first overall pick in the 2022 draft and currently plays for the Baltimore Orioles.
College Commitments Skipped for Pro Careers
Both Willits and Holliday, who are shortstops, had previously committed to play college baseball—Willits at OU and Holliday at Oklahoma State University (OSU). However, due to their high draft selections, they are expected to sign professional contracts and forgo college play.
A Rare Feat for Oklahoma Baseball
This marks only the third time that two Oklahoma high school players have been chosen in the first round of the MLB Draft, with the previous instances occurring in 1973 and 2011.
More Oklahoma Talent in the 2025 MLB Draft
In addition to Willits and Holliday, three more players with Oklahoma ties were selected in the early rounds:
- Kyson Witherspoon, a pitcher from OU, was picked 15th overall by the Boston Red Sox.
- His twin brother, Malachi Witherspoon, went 62nd overall in the second round to the Detroit Tigers.
- OU catcher Easton Carmichael was selected 82nd overall in the third round by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
- OSU’s Nolan Schubart was chosen 101st overall in the third round by the Cleveland Guardians.
This marks the second time in four years that OU has had two players selected within the first two rounds of the draft.
The 2025 MLB Draft was a historic event for Oklahoma baseball, showcasing the state’s deep talent pool with multiple early-round picks and two high school athletes breaking new ground at the top of the draft board.
With a strong legacy and family ties to the Major Leagues, these young players are poised for promising careers ahead.