ANAHIEM -- The Angels know that for the organization to get on track and to build better depth, they need to continue to improve their farm system. They had an important Draft in July that saw them have four of the first 105 picks, including the No. 2 overall selection for the first time in franchise history. They were also active in the international market, highlighted by signing catcher Gabriel Davalillo to a $2 million bonus. Their system is heavy on pitching but lighter on the position-player side, as 20 of their Top 30 prospects are pitchers, per MLB Pipeline. Here’s a look at how a few of those prospects fared in 2025: Three players who forced their way onto the radar this year 1. CF Nelson Rada (Angels No. 7 prospect) Rada had a strong second half in 2024 and kept it rolling this year, reaching Triple-A for the first time despite only being 19. He slashed a combined .292/.398/.360 with two homers, 19 doubles, 39 RBIs and 54 stolen bases in 135 games between Double-A Rocket City and Triple-A Salt Lake. He’s also considered a plus defender in center and will come into camp competing for a roster spot. He’s more likely to start out at Triple-A again, but he looks like the club’s center fielder and leadoff hitter of the future. |
2. RHP Chris Cortez (Angels No. 10 prospect) Cortez, a second-round pick out of Texas A&M in 2024, struggled in his first big league camp in Spring Training, but bounced back to put up solid numbers in his first professional season. He posted a 4.28 ERA with 114 strikeouts and 84 walks in 113 2/3 innings with High-A Tri-City, as the Angels converted him to being a starter after he mostly pitched in relief in college. Cortez, 23, will need to cut down on his walks going forward, but it was an encouraging debut season. |
3. RHP Walbert Urena (Angels No. 24 prospect) Like Rada, Urena has zoomed through the system, reaching Triple-A this year at 21 years old. He made just one start there, allowing two runs over 5 2/3 innings, but had a 4.39 ERA with 115 strikeouts and 70 walks in 135 1/3 innings at Double-A Rocket City. Urena has a big arm and can reach triple-digits on the radar gun and could reach the Majors as soon as next season if he continues to refine his command. |
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Two possible breakout players to watch in 2026 1. SS Joswa Lugo (Angels No. 5 prospect) Lugo, who received a $2.3 million signing bonus as part of the 2024 international class, showed off why he was so highly regarded as a prospect in the Dominican Republic. He saw brief action in Spring Training and hit .271/.375/.372 with two homers, seven doubles and 23 RBIs in 35 games in the Arizona Complex League. It marked the stateside debut for the 18-year-old who moves well for his size, as he’s remained at shortstop despite his 6-foot-3, 187-pound frame. He’s still a few years away, but he could find himself among the game’s top prospects if he develops more power. 2. RHP Trey Gregory-Alford (Angels No. 9 prospect) The Angels signed Gregory-Alford for over slot in the 2024 Draft, as he signed for $1.96 million despite being drafted in the 11th round. It’s proved to be a shrewd move, as he didn’t pitch last year, but like Cortez, had an encouraging first professional season. The 19-year-old posted a 3.54 ERA with 48 strikeouts and 20 walks in 53 1/3 innings in the Arizona Complex League before he moved up to Single-A Inland Empire where he had a 1.42 ERA with 20 strikeouts and 13 walks in 25 1/3 innings. He’s a couple years away from the big leagues, but he has a tantalizing 6-foot-5 frame and can reach 100 mph with his fastball. |
One big question for next season When will No. 1 prospect Tyler Bremner make his debut? The Angels selected Bremner with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 Draft out of UC Santa Barbara but he didn’t pitch professionally this year. Bremner, though, could get to the Majors as soon as next season, as the Angels are famously not afraid to get their top Draft picks to the Majors in a hurry. He has a fastball that reaches the high 90s to go along with a plus-changeup and a slider. His biggest question mark is his durability but he has the stuff to get big league hitters out. |
RENGIFO NAMED GOLD GLOVE FINALIST |
Luis Rengifo was named one of three finalists for the Gold Glove Award at second base in the American League, MLB and Rawlings announced on Wednesday. He’s joined by Toronto’s Andrés Giménez and Texas’ Marcus Semien. Rengifo played 585 innings at second base, producing five defensive runs saved with a .988 fielding percentage. Giménez is the favorite, as he’s won the award three years in a row. The winners will be announced on ESPN on Sunday, Nov. 2. |
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Who was the last Angels second baseman to win a Gold Glove? A. Howie Kendrick B. Randy Velarde C. Adam Kennedy D. Bobby Knoop |
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SANDY ALOMAR SR. PASSES AWAY |
Sandy Alomar Sr., the father of Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar and six-time All-Star Sandy Alomar Jr., passed away in his native Puerto Rico on Monday. He was 81. Alomar Sr. was a speedy middle infielder who played for six clubs, most notably from 1970-74 for the Angels, for whom he was an All-Star in 1970. He’s the only player in Angels history to play in 162 games twice, doing it in both in 1970 and ’71. Alomar Sr. played parts of 15 years in the Majors and was subsequently a coach with the Padres (1986-1990), Cubs (2000-02), Rockies (2003-04) and Mets (2005-09). All told, he spent nearly 50 years involved with professional baseball. |
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D. Knoop, who won three Gold Glove Awards at second base from 1966-68. |
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