The Los Angeles Angels announced on Tuesday that they have selected Jaxon Willits, a standout shortstop from the University of Oklahoma, with the 141st overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft.
Willits arrives in Anaheim with a notable baseball pedigree, being the son of former Angels outfielder Reggie Willits and the brother of Eli Willits, the No. 1 overall pick in the previous draft by the Washington Nationals.
College World Series Heroics
During the recent College World Series, Willits was named Most Outstanding Player after batting .500 with 13 hits, five doubles, a home run, seven RBIs, six runs scored and an .808 slugging percentage.
His junior season at Oklahoma showcased consistent production, as he started 64 of 66 games, batting .313 with 73 hits, three triples, seven home runs and 20 doubles.
Draft Context and Rankings
MLB.com had ranked Willits as the No. 117 prospect in the draft class, and his selection marks the second Oklahoma player chosen in this year's draft, following Brendan Brock, who went to the New York Yankees with the 99th pick.
The Angels, currently sitting at 38‑58 and at the bottom of the American League West, hope Willits can contribute to a turnaround in the coming seasons.
Before college, Willits was the No. 2 high school prospect in Oklahoma, starring at Fort Cobb‑Broxton High School where he batted .620 with eight home runs and 42 stolen bases as a senior in 2023, earning state player of the year honors.
With a three‑year collegiate career that yielded a .307 average, 25 home runs, 136 RBIs, 38 doubles and 19 stolen bases, Willits is expected to sign quickly and begin his professional development in the Angels' farm system.