Follow the Prospects: Eli Willits, SS

[GataNats]

He's not even 19.  AA is a big jump from A+ and he's a switch-hitter, so he needs to get reps at level from both sides.  He shouldn't be in AA at 18 unless they're darn sure he'd be ok, and from what I saw of him in FXBG earlier this season, he wouldn't be.  A+ seems right for him right now.

He dominated in Fredricksburg.  Not understanding what you are saying

[imref]

#3 overall prospect now per mlbpipeline

[Smithian]

#3 overall prospect now per mlbpipeline

Seems a bit low imo

[Slateman]

Seems a bit low imo

Considering that everyone else in the Top 5 is in Double A and thriving, #3 overall seems high

[JCA-CrystalCity]

KLaw:

I’ve seen Eli Willits a few times now for Wilmington, and the 2025 No. 1 pick is, in fact, very, very good. He’s clearly stronger than he was last year — he looks 10-15 pounds bigger — and also has shown a much better approach at the plate than I think anyone expected. I haven’t seen any of the six homers he’s hit in 20 games in High A, but I’ve seen hard contact the other way. He’s also easily a 70 defender at short.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7427009/2026/07/07/mlb-prospect-scouting-cam-caminiti-tate-southisene/

[zimm_da_kid]

KLaw:https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7427009/2026/07/07/mlb-prospect-scouting-cam-caminiti-tate-southisene/

He has a real shot it seems to have each tool be 6+ at shortstop with defense being a 7. That's elite elite

[IanRubbish]

Has a human .896 OPS now, but unlucky .214 BABIP.  21/17 BB/K is crazy.

Still think we need to keep our cool about when he goes to AA.  Doubt it's much more than a cup of coffee this year.

[imref]

Has a human .896 OPS now, but unlucky .214 BABIP.  21/17 BB/K is crazy.

Still think we need to keep our cool about when he goes to AA.  Doubt it's much more than a cup of coffee this year.

unlucky? Are we allowed to say that?

[Smithian]

Has a human .896 OPS now, but unlucky .214 BABIP.  21/17 BB/K is crazy.

Still think we need to keep our cool about when he goes to AA.  Doubt it's much more than a cup of coffee this year.

I'm against him going up to AA for more than a couple weeks to show him the step up ahead before he finishes the season.

A+ staffs will be able to adjust to him. AA is the huge jump, but he's still really young for A+.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

He's said he wants to make the majors before he's 20. That would mean a call up next season. It would still be possible if he started next year in AA.

You want challenge him? It would be a long season for an 18 year old, but he'd probably be up for the AFL

[imref]

0-1, BB today in the Futures Game.

[GataNats]

Walkoff tonight