Angelsjunky

THE 2023 ANGELS TOP 30 PROSPECTS
By the AngelsWin.com Prospect Posse
Another year in the books, and more disappointment for Angels fans. But there’s always the farm system and the future it foretells, right? This year that glimmer of hope may be growing somewhat brighter.
The top of this list has some legitimate talent, with two or three players appearing on top 100 lists, and several more contenders for the top 100 by the end of 2023. Furthermore, the top 30 is filled out with a nice group of upside prospects, as well as some interesting depth pieces that could help the Angels major league team as soon as 2023.
One further note on the farm as a whole, and its overall trajectory over the last few years. In 2015, Billy Eppler inherited a farm system devoid of talent. Gradually he added talent, a lot of it high upside but volatile. Over the last few years, we’ve seen a lot of that talent not pan out the way we hoped, yet there’s still been some positive developments, and with a continued, steady stream of incoming talent during the Perry Minasian years.
To further this point, here’s a take from our own Scott Allen:
Scott Allen's Take:
The Angels have recently got a lot of help from what I like to call, "post-hype prospects." These are the players that were once viewed as darlings of a developing system, but for one reason or another, have not cracked the major league egg yet.
Patrick Sandoval, Jose Suarez, Jaime Barria, Jared Walsh and Luis Rengifo all took an additional year or two to develop, beyond their time being featured on these lists. And they all have become quality major leaguers. 
In 2023, we could be in store for more of these unexpected breakouts. Matt Thaiss may emerge as a key depth piece for the Angels. He could see considerable time playing 1B, backing up Jared Walsh who has some uncertainty of his own. Thaiss could also see time at 3B to spell Rendon and most notably, catcher, where as a backup he's got a pretty potent bat, comparatively.  
Chris Rodriguez also falls into this category. If healthy, he can be a very good major league pitcher, regardless of role. I hope the organization gives him a chance to start because he might truly be something special there, the sort that starts playoff games. If not, he's already shown he can carve up major league hitters in relief.
Mickey Moniak wasn't our prospect, but he too is a post-hype player that can find success with the Angels. Getting him out of Philly might have been the best thing for his career, as we saw flashes of potential after the deadline. Either he projects as a very skilled 4th outfielder, or maybe it all comes together in time.
Jo Adell's own prospect status is a thing of the past. We don't know the Angels off-season plans, but it would not surprise many if he spent some more time in AAA before finally figuring it out at the big league level. He certainly has more than enough potential. 
Griffin Canning is finally healthy, and while he's served a lot of time in the Angels rotation, his spot is no longer guaranteed. He's flashed his potential on several occasions, and comes with the pedigree of being a former early draft pick and top 100 prospect. 
Lastly, I think we shouldn't forget about Jose Soriano. He's got an arsenal similar to Chris Rodriguez, and after multiple surgeries and a tour through Pittsburgh's system rehabbing after being selected in the Rule 5 Draft, Soriano is finally back healthy. A move to the bullpen has already taken place, and given that the Angels bullpen could use all the help it can get, giving Jose Soriano a chance to make good on his potential seems like a good idea. He could be a game changer, if he performs up to his ability. 
Format: In parentheses, I’ve included the player’s position, 2023 season age, and likely destination to start the year. The ranking range is the range in which our Prospect Posse ranked the player.
Without further ado, here are your AngelsWin.com Top 30 Prospects for 2023…
1. LOGAN O’HOPPE (C, 23, MLB)

2022 Rank: In Phillies organization
Ranking Range: Unanimous #1
2022 Stats: 104 games, .283/.416/.544, 26 HR (AA - Phillies/Angels); 5 games, .286/.375/.286 (MLB)
It was painful to see Brandon Marsh go (and then improve somewhat with the Phillies and make it to the World Series), but O’Hoppe’s AA performance softened the blow; aside from his excellent overall numbers, he hit .306/.473/.674 in 29 games as a Trash Panda. Our consensus #1 pick, O’Hoppe has a good chance of not only starting the year in a platoon with Max Stassi but winning the starting job outright by season’s end. He’s really the full package: plate discipline, power, and solid to plus catching skills. Even better, coaches rave about his mental make-up and pitchers love him. One thing to note about O'Hoppe: If you count him as homegrown, he's probably the best catching prospect in Angels history.
Full interview with Logan O'Hoppe
2. ZACH NETO (SS, 22, AA)
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2022 Rank: Amateur/Prep
Ranking Range: 2-3
2022 Stats: 37 games, .299/.377/.476, 5 HR  (A+/AA)
The Angels’ 2022 1st round pick (13th overall) didn’t miss a beat in 37 minor league games, most (30) in AA Rocket City. Neto projects to hit for average, steal bases, maybe walk a bit, and with a bit of pop – plus solid or better defense at SS.  As Neto says, he plays with “swag” and brings it on both sides of his game.There is some concern that his unconventional approach at the plate will yield little power, but some scouts remark on his surprising pop. That did not appear to be the case last year, as he hit 4 HRs in 30 AA games last season. With less than 2 strikes, Neto uses a high leg kick to help whip up power. But, with 2 strikes, he takes a smaller stride and a faster approach to the ball. Defensively, Neto is a true SS, but could end up on 2B depending on what the Angels do this offseason. Either way, he should at least become a quality regular major leaguer,  and maybe even more than that!
Full Interview with Zach Neto
3. CHASE SILSETH (SP, 23, AAA/MLB)

2022 Rank: 22 (+19)
Ranking Range: 2-4
2022 Stats: 15 GS, 83 IP, 2.28 ERA, 27 BB, 110 SO (AA); 28.2 IP 6.59 ERA, 12 BB, 24 SO (MLB)
Silseth started the year as the 11th round pick from the 2021 all-pitcher draft, and thus the 11th pitcher chosen by the Angels in that draft, and ended it as the top ranked pitching prospect in the organization, at least according to us. Silseth utterly dominated AA hitters, earning him multiple  call-ups throughout the year. His first start on May 13th was extremely impressive, and we all had a collective "Where did this guy come from?" moment: He gave up only 1 hit in 6 IP, and flashed potent stuff, including a fastball that hit 97-98. But things got rockier from there, and then he was up and down for the rest of the year, only down from August onward, where he continued to dominate AA. He throws very hard, but also very straight, and his secondary pitches still need work. Silseth is likely to start the year in the minors, but will definitely see major league starts in 2023, and may end up in the rotation by the second half. Silseth has the stuff to be a #1 or #2, and with more movement on his pitches, will be one.
Full Interview with Chase Silseth
4. EDGAR QUERO (C, 20, A+)

2022 Rank: 10 (+6)
Ranking Range: 2-5
Stats: 111 games, .312/.435/.530, 17 HR, 12 SB, 73 BB, 91 SO (A)
Look at those numbers and remember that this is a 19-year old kid in A ball. He posted those numbers while 2 years younger than the rest of the league! Quero got us noticing him last year, when he showed pop and a great plate approach in Rookie ball, though merely held his own in a short 10-game A level call-up. Not only did Quero improve, he exploded and dominated A level pitching. The Angels played it safe and kept him there all year; with O’Hoppe in the mix, they won’t be rushing Quero, who should replace Max Stassi as O’Hoppe’s backup in 2025 or so. After so many years of not having any catching prospects, the Angels are now in the enviable position of having 2 top tiered catching prospects, who can dominate on both sides of the ball. It is very easy to see Quero as a top 100 prospect, especially if he continues to build on his 2022 season.
Full Interview with Edgar Quero
5. KY BUSH (SP, 23, AAA)

2022 Rank: 6 (+1)
Ranking Range: 4-7
Stats: 21 GS, 103 IP, 29 BB, 101 Ks, 3.67 ERA (AA)
An impressive first full season, Bush has earned a place on the 2023 major league depth chart. Scouting reports vary on Bush, but most agree that he could be a solid mid-rotation starter if not better.  Bush has a four-pitch mix with an over-the-top delivery. His fastball sits at 94 mph and touches 96 mph with late riding action. Bush's secondary pitches are an above-average slider, a slow curveball and changeup that's a work in progress. The changeup development and fastball command will really determine whether Bush is a solid middle of the rotation starter that you can count on or backend guy. Ky Bush tired a bit in the second half, but finished strong. With improved development and workload, the dominance he showed in the first half should continue.
Full Interview with Ky Bush
6. KYREN PARIS (SS, 21, AA)

2022 Rank: 3 (-3)
Ranking Range: 4-6
Stats: 105 games, .241/.363/.417, 12 HR, 33 SB (Rk/A+/AA)
If there’s one prospect for whom the national and AngelsWin perception differs the most, it is Kyren Paris. As you can see, none of our eight authors ranked him lower than #6, while most publications don’t even have him in the top 10. Paris started very slowly in A+ ball, before eventually heating up, earning a late season call-up to AA Rocket City, where he crushed the ball, hitting .359/.510/.641 in 14 games. Paris has game changing speed, a good approach at the plate and some pop in his bat. He’ll start 2023 back in Rocket City and is one to keep an eye on. Defensively, Paris could stick at SS, as he has good range, a decent arm, and sets himself up well to be in position to make the plays. However, many of the people we talk to feel like he could be a starting 2B with good range, again, depending on whatever moves the Angels make.
Full Interview with Kyren Paris
7. WERNER BLAKELY (3B, 21, A+)

2022 Rank: 23 (+16)
Ranking Range: 6-11
Stats: 55 games, .295/.447/.470, 5 HR, 24 SB (A)
Blakely was considered very raw, young, and toolsy when the Angels drafted him in the 4th round of 2020, a notion that his first professional season in Rookie ball illustrated quite well, as he hit .192/.339/.284 in 44 games. But he exploded in 2022; most impressively, he walked 45 times in 55 games, displaying impressive speed and a bit of pop. After splitting 2021 between 2B, SS, and 3B, the Angels moved him to 3B this year, which is likely his future position. Blakely has the potential to add more power as he fills out. Settling into one defensive position, along with getting more regular reps, should help. Blakely has been limited in previous seasons by some freak injuries (broken hamate bone, broken arm). As he gets more experience, he will move up on prospect lists.
Full Interview with Werner Blakely
8. DENZER GUZMAN (SS, 19, A)

2022 Rank: 7 (-1)
Ranking Range: 7-11
Stats: .278/.346/.402 in 234 PA (Rookie/A).
The Angels’ top international signing from 2021, with a $2 million dollar signing bonus,  came stateside this year, and held his own in Rookie ball (.287/.341/.422). His numbers were relatively modest, but for his age are quite good, and he has a plethora of skills and a lot of development potential as a future big leaguer. Still very much a work-in-progress, with a wide range of possible outcomes. However, in his limited time, Guzman has done enough to leapfrog over several other shortstop prospects, and he should stick at that position for now. With the ability to hit the ball to all fields, Guzman should develop more power as he matures.
Update: After a brief stint with Inland Empire and solid play at instructional league in 2022, Guzman returns to Inland Empire for his first full season where his arm and glove have already impressed, and his bat is beginning to turn heads as well. - @taylorblakeward
Full Interview with Denzer Guzman
9. SAM BACHMAN (SP, 23, AA)

2022 Rank: 2 (-7)
Ranking Range: 7-16
Stats: 12 GS, 43.2 IP, 3.92 ERA, 25 BB, 30 SO (AA)
It was a disappointing year for 2021’s first round pick, and more than a little concerning: Bachman continued to struggle with injuries, and when healthy looked very different from the flamethrower the Angels had drafted a year before; his fastball had trouble leaving the low 90s. For context, consider that the major league average is now close to 94 mph. Meaning, Bachman—who was clocked at over 100 mph in college—didn’t even pitch at average velocity in 2022. His future is contingent on whether that velocity returns, and even if it does we should probably accept that he’s almost certainly destined for the bullpen. If he can stay healthy and his velocity comes back, he could be an elite closer; if not, he might not have much of a major league career. There is still a shot that he sticks in the rotation, and for now, the Angels are planning to stick with him there. But, his fastest path to the majors, and possibly his best outcome, could be in the pen.
Full Interview Sam Bachman
10. NELSON RADA (CF, 17, Rookie)

2022 Rank: 18 (+8)
Ranking Range: 8-13
Stats: 50 games, .311/.446/.439, 27 SB (DOSL Rookie).
We’re told to take low minor league numbers with a grain of salt, the more so with those from the Dominican league. But it is hard not to be impressed with that line from Rada, especially considering that he was 16-years old. And, it’s hard not to notice all the praise that Rada is getting from the people we talk to, both inside and outside of the organization. The most impressive element is not even mentioned above: He walked and struck out 26 times in 50 games, implying, at least, the potential for a strong plate approach which, coupled with impressive athletic tools, particularly his power,  gives Rada a very high ceiling. Hopefully we’ll see him state-side in 2023, but it is still way too early to know just how good this kid can become. If we do see him stateside, he will be one of the youngest players in whatever league he’s in, so, that will have to factor into whatever production he makes in 2023.
Update: Nelson Rada was the Angels top international signing in 2022, signing for $1.8 million, and immediately showcased his skillset in the Dominican Summer League hitting .311 with an .885 OPS. The Angels are now challenging the young outfielder with an aggressive assignment to Low-A for his first full season where he looks to be a consistent hitter despite being one of the youngest players in professional baseball. - @taylorblakeward
Full Interview with Nelson Rada
11. ADRIAN PLACENCIA (IF, 20, A+)

2022 Rank: 12 (+1)
Ranking Range: 8-14
Stats: 104 games, .254/.387/.427, 13 HR, 21 SB (A)
Prospects junkies will remember the ACL Rookie team at the beginning of last year, with a talented group of position players all starting strongly. Most tailed off, including Placencia, but he’s also one of the few who had a noticeably better 2022 season. Placencia is a bit of an anomaly, because on one hand he’s supposed to be a spray hitter who will hit for average, on the other evidently he struggles with heat, and has somehow managed to walk a fair amount. But improvement over last year is always a good sign.
12. BEN JOYCE (RP, 22, AA)

2022 Rank: Amateur/Prep
Ranking Range: 10-14
Stats: 13 IP, 2.08 ERA, 4 BB, 20 SO (AA).
After watching Joyce’s debut in 2022, who looked more polished than advertised, it is hard imagining how he slipped to the 3rd round. The guy has one of the fastest pitches in professional baseball having been clocked at 105 and, if he can maintain the surprising control he displayed, is going to be in Anaheim sometime in 2023 and an elite reliever within a couple years.
Full Interview with Ben Joyce
13. JAKE MADDEN (SP, 21, A+/AA)

2022 Rank: Amateur/Prep
Ranking Range: 8 – Not Ranked
Stats: NA
The Angels’ 3rd pick and 4th rounder last year didn’t play a professional game, so there’s not a lot to go on. Scouting reports speak of high upside, though, with a three-pitch arsenal and plenty of velocity, though he’ll need work on his location. Lots of upside, and already has Tommy John surgery on his resume.
14. JEREMIAH JACKSON (IF, 23, AA)

2022 Rank: 5 (-9)
Ranking Range: 13-19
Stats: 87 games, .215/.308/.404, 14 HR (AA)
When you look at Jackson’s trajectory over the last few years, there’s glimmers of Brandon Wood: A surprising breakout season in the low minors, followed by declined performance at higher levels, with a big drop off last year. He also seems somewhat injury prone, playing only 138 games over the last two seasons. His prospect status is falling, though he still has upside to dream on, but he needs to both stay healthy and make better contact.
15. CADEN DANA (SP, 19, A)

2022 Rank: Amateur/Prep
Ranking Range: 12 – Not Ranked
Stats: 6.48 ERA, 8.1 IP, 1 BB, 8 SO (Rookie/A)
A rare pitcher drafted by the Angels out of high school, Dana was picked on Day 3 of the draft along with his brother, Casey. Where Casey is a college outfielder likely to max out as minor league depth, Caden shows a lot of promise. He’s pretty much the classic pitching prospect, with a strong frame, a good curveball, projectable fastball hitting 95, and a work-in-progress changeup. His size allows him to throw downhill and induce a lot of ground-balls. Lots of upside here who, especially if he adds a notch and a bit of movement to that fastball and works on his changeup, could jump to the top of the Angels pitching prospects.
Update: (April 12th, 2023) "The projectable right-hander with a power breaking ball and mid 90's fastball returns to Inland Empire for his first full season where he looks to stay consistent following his first start where he missed bats at a premium with eight strikeouts over five innings, which included a look at his new changeup." - @taylorblakeward
Full Interview with Caden Dana
(2023)
16. COLEMAN CROW (SP, 22, AAA)

2022 Rank: 17 (+1)
Ranking Range: 15 – Not Ranked
Stats: 23 GS, 128 IP, 4.85 ERA, 35 BB and 128 SO (AA)
Crow put up solid numbers in his first full season in AA. Right now he projects as a #5 starter or long reliever, unless he can add a bit more velocity. He gives the Angels another solid depth option, at the least. One of our writers compared him to Scot Shields - similar smaller body, similar fastball velocity that can play up into the mid-90s if needed. With an elite slider, he has a solid floor of at least a plus middle reliever.
17. JORDYN ADAMS (CF, 23, AA)

2022 Rank: 9 (-8)
Ranking Range: 15 – Not Ranked
Stats: 120 games, .238/.317/.332, 4 HR, 33 SB (A+/AA)
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. A few years ago, first-round pick Jordyn Adams was mentioned in the same breath as top prospects Jo Adell and Brandon Marsh, with some even liking his upside more. With his blazing speed (he earns a rare true 80 grade) and defense, he has a major league future, although whether his hitting develops enough to be more than a Jarrod Dyson remains to be seen. While his statistics have stagnated, the word in the organization is that he’s coming along, though it is hard not to have an “I’ll believe it when I see it” attitude. Adams is a good example of how we should temper our expectations with prospects, but also not take a “star or bust” perspective. Regardless of whether he learns to hit, he’s going to provide major league value at some point.
Full Interview with Jordyn Adams
18. LANDON MARCEAUX (SP, 23, AA)

2022 Rank: 21 (+3)
Ranking Range: 14 – 25
Stats: 18 GS, 90.2 IP, 2.98 ERA, 16 BB, 73 SO (A+/AA)
Like Crow a couple ranks higher, Marceaux isn’t a “sexy” pitching prospect, but one who projects as either a back-end starter or middle reliever. Note his control: he gave up only 16 walks in 90 innings. With above average breaking pitches but a below average fastball, Marceaux’s upside is limited, but his floor is high enough to foretell a major league career. Rare for a pitchability type, Marceaux has shown an ability to keep the ball in the park and, coupled with a great ability hit his spots, he's another guy with a very good chance at a solid major league career.
19. RANDY DEJESUS (OF, 18, Rookie)

2022 Rank: Unranked (+12)
Ranking Range: 16-27
Stats: 210 PA, .272/.362/.467, 7 HR (DOSL)
DeJesus was the second of two international outfield prospects signed by the Angels last year, along with Rada. He’s a bit like Alexander Ramirez was a few years ago: a high upside bat to dream on, but lots of volatility. One to watch.
20. DAVID CALABRESE (OF, 20, A+)

2022 Rank: Unranked (+11)
Ranking Range: 17-26
Stats: 112 games, .250/.326/.387, 7 HR, 26 SB (A)
Bear with me on this comp: Chad Curtis. After a disappointing debut in 2021 in which he hit .201/.303/.306 in Rookie ball, Calabrese had a solid season for the Inland Empire, showing a bit of everything. He probably projects as a fourth outfielder, but Calabrese has some sneaky skills, including above average plate discipline and excellent speed. Perhaps most importantly, he improved throughout year: His OPS improved each month, from .579 in May to 1.045 in September. With no power but plenty of speed, and a knack for taking a few few walks, hints of Brett Butler?
21. LIVAN SOTO (SS, 23, AAA/MLB)

2022 Rank: Unranked (+10)
Ranking Range: 15-26
Stats: 119 games, .281/.379/.362, 6 HR, 18 SB (AA); 18 games, .400/.414/.582 (MLB)
Soto’s solid performance in AA earned a late season call-up to the Angels, which he took advantage of, hitting the over the off the ball. While clearly it is a small sample size, there’s enough here to project a solid career as a utility player or fringe starter, albeit one with excellent defense. His upside is that of a Maicer Izturis, which means he could be a very important part of improving the Angels' bench depth--strong defensive shortstops with above average plate discipline have value.
22. AROL VERA (IF, 20, A)

2022 Rank: 4 (-18)
Ranking Range: 19-27
Stats: 120 games, 4 HR, 19 SB, .207/.291/.281 (A)
Vera was one of the more disappointing prospects this year, his ranking dropping from #4 last year to #22. Clearly he was over-matched in full season A ball, and is likely to repeat it. With excellent bat speed and tons of tools, Vera is a good candidate for a rebound, but as with a lot of Angels hitting prospects, he'll need to make better contact.
23. WALBERT URENA (SP, 19, A)

2022 Rank: Not in organization - International Signing
Ranking Range: 16 – Not Ranked
Stats: 10 GS, 37.1 IP, 32 BB, 45 SO (Rookie)
A brief glance at his stats shows a complete lack of control (almost 1 walk per inning pitched), but also a fair number of strikeouts. Urena is very raw, but an 18-year old who can reach triple digits is one to dream on.
24. JOSE SORIANO (SP, 24, A+)

2022 Rank: In the Pirates Organization
Ranking Range: 17-29th
Stats: 7 GS, 13 IP, 2.08 ERA, 4 BB, 17 (Rookie/A)
Remember this guy? Soriano was in the Angels organization as far back as 2016, when he was an international signing. He was lost in the Rule V draft to the Pirates but then went down with injury. The Angels reclaimed him, and he’s back. Sort of a sleeper pick at this point, but has a solid chance of a major league career, probably in the bullpen. The operative phrase is, "If healthy." The good news is, his fastball still touches upper 90's to go along with a good slider and workable changeup. 
25. MASON ERLA (SP, 25, AAA)

2022 Rank: 29 (+4)
Ranking Range: 10 – Not Ranked
Stats: 16 GS, 4.28 ERA, 82 IP, 19 BB, 64 SO (AA)
Erla is in a similar category with Crow and Marceaux: Limited upside, but high floor and probably a major league career of some kind. Erla’s career was delayed by a fifth year in college and the lost 2020 season, so he’s a bit older for a prospect, but he might have a bit more upside than those other two, with a mid-90s fastball and a plus changeup.
26. ALEXANDER RAMIREZ (OF, 20, A)

2022 Rank: 8 (-18)
Ranking Range: 18 – Not Ranked
Stats: 118 games, .230/.290/.352, 8 HR, 21 SB (A)
While not quite as bad as Vera in his first full professional season, Ramirez was similarly disappointing. It is hard not to dream on the offensive upside, but a good reminder that high volatility prospects don’t work out more often than they do. Like Vera, Ramirez is young enough not to give up on, but also like Vera, we were probably too bullish on him last year.
27. ERIC TORRES (RP, 23, AAA)

2022 Rank: Amateur/Prep
Ranking Range: 23 – Not Ranked
Stats: 51 IP, 1.59 ERA, 23 BB, 81 SO (AA)
Torres had a breakout season in 2022, and has a chance of reaching the major league bullpen in 2023. As a lefty who can generate outs, Torres likely has a major league career ahead of him. Torres fastball works in the low 90's but can touch 95 mph. Hitters have a tough time picking up his heater which generates whiffs up in the zone. The southpaw reliever has a good slider to go along with his heater.
Full Interview with Eric Torres
28. DAVIS DANIEL (SP, 26, AAA/MLB)

2022 Rank: 11 (-17)
Ranking Range: 22 - Not Ranked
Stats: 102.1 IP, 4.49 ERA, 32 BB, 83 SO (AAA)
After being drafted by the Angels in the 7th round of the 2019 draft, Daniel missed the rest of the year with injury, then lost 2020 to the lack of a minor league season. He was considered a bit of a sleeper prospect in 2021 - not unlike Erla now - and didn't disappoint, rising quickly from A+ to AAA. But his performance this past year was rather lackluster, although certainly impacted by pitching in Salt Lake. He enters 2023 as AAA rotation depth, and should get his chance at some point this year. Could be a useful long reliever.
29. VICTOR MEDEROS (SP, 22, A+)

2022 Rank: Amateur/Prep
Ranking Range: 25 - Not Ranked
Stats: 16 IP, 5.63 ERA, 9 BB, 15 SO (A+)
We didn't get a good look at Mederos, but a fastball that touches 99 and projectible secondary pitches shows upside, but he'll never get there if he doesn't improve his control. If he does, he'll rise quickly.
30. MICHAEL STEFANIC (IF, 26, AAA/MLB)

2022 Rank: 15
Ranking Range: 25 - Not Ranked
Stats: .197/.279/.230 in 69 PA (MLB); .310/.417/.417 in 360 PA (AAA)
Stefanic was a bit of a "forum darling" for a bit there, but after not doing anything with his cup o' coffee, and showing very limited defensive skills, has dimmed a bit in the collective Angelswin mind. That said, he continued to hit in AAA and shows impressive contact ability and plate discipline (49 walks and 23 Ks in AAA last year), and could be a useful bench player at some point. I see a bit of Orlando Palmeiro with the bat.
SOME ODDS & ENDS….
Biggest risers: Silseth (+19), Blakely (+16), DeJesus (+12), Calabrese (+11), Soto (+10), Rada (+8), Quero (+6). Biggest fallers: Daniel (-17), Vera (-18), Ramirez (-18), Kochanowicz (-17), Stefanic (-16), Junk (-15), Albright (-12), Jackson (-9), Adams (-8), Bachman (-7).
What Happened To…William Holmes, Erik Rivera?
Also Receiving Votes (31-45ish range): Ryan Costeiu, Luke Murphy, Janson Junk, Sonny DiChiara, Jack Kochanowicz, Robinson Pina, Mason Albright, Kolten Ingram, Dario Laverde, Orlando Martinez, Kevin Maitan
Traded: Alejandro Hidalgo, Adam Seminaris
Dominican League and Arizona Complex League prospect guide
Checking in on Jo Adell, Mickey Moniak, Zach Neto, Jordyn Adams, Ben Joyce, Chase Silseth, Sam Bachman & others after their 2023 Spring Camp. 
Additional Prospect Interviews
Below are some interviews of guys who are just outside of our top-30 prospects list
Kolton Ingram, LHP 
Sonny DiChiara, 1B
Ryan Aguilar, 1B/OF
Preston Palmeiro, INF/OF
Luke Murphy, RHP
Jack Kochanowicz, RHP
Mason Albright, RHP
Matt Coutney, 1B
 
Thank you for reading. Special thanks to the AngelsWin.com posse who contributed to this piece, which includes: @Chuckster70, @Angelsjunky, @Docwaukee, @Inside Pitch, @Second Base, @Dave Saltzer, @rafibomb and @taylorblakeward for his guidance. 

By Jonathan Northrop, AngelsWin.com Columnist
#26: WAR per 162 games
I’m saving my favorite one for the penultimate entry: WAR per 162 games played. This stat, which for some reason isn’t used by any of the statistical sites, measures quality: that is, how good a player is per 162 games played, measured by WAR. The formula is simple: Career WAR divided by 162 games. With the MLB and MLBPA officially put in place a 60-game regular season with the standard 10-team playoff, the Yankees (+450) and Dodgers (+375) both saw their odds drop in the latest World Series odds on SBD. A shorter season means increased volatility.

Meaning, according to this metric, only Ruth has been a better per-game player. Considering the evolution of the game--especially the fact that Ruth only played seven other teams--this is as good as any  evidence that Trout has been, pound-for-pound—and thus far—arguably the greatest player in baseball history. Now of course he will go down as he declines, but he almost certainly will remain in the top 10.
Among active players, he blows the competition away (although the above chart helps us re-appreciate just how good some of his contemporaries have been).
#27: Summary
This last entry is a summation of all that came for – meaning, the total picture that all of these stats paint:
5th all-time in CF JAWS with 69.2 (Willies Mays is 1st with 114.9). 31st all-time in all position players JAWS with 69.2 (Babe Ruth is 1st with 123.5). 3rd all-time in WAR7 (best seven years by WAR) for CFs with 65.6 (Mays is 1st with 73.5). 1st all-time in WAR through age 27 with 73.4. 3rd all-time in WAR through age 28 with 73.4, without playing any games in his age 2 season yet (Cobb is 1st with 78.6). 47th all-time WAR for position players with 73.4; all players ahead of him have played at least 474 more games. Has 2 of 54 (3.7%) 10+ WAR seasons since 1901. Has 2 of 13 (15.4%) 10 WAR seasons since 1970. One of only nine players with seven or more 8 WAR seasons (along with Ruth, Mays, Bonds, Wagner, Hornsby, Gehrig, Williams, and Collins). One of only ten players with five or more 9 WAR seasons (along with Ruth, Hornsby, Bonds, Mays, Wagner, Williams, Rodriguez, Collins, and Cobb). One of only ten players with two or more 10 WAR seasons (along with Ruth, Hornsby, Bonds, Mays, Williams, Cobb, Mantle, Wagner, and Gehrig). One of only seven players to reach all three benchmarks above (along with Wagner, Ruth, Hornsby, Williams, Mays, and Bonds). Of the above listed retired players (all but Trout), Mantle has the lowest career WAR with 112.3, #14 all-time.  1st in WAR from 2012-19 with 72.7 (Posey is second with 47.1, or 25.6 lower) 8th best career high eight-year span with 72.7 WAR (2012-19); Babe Ruth’s 1920-27 is highest, with 89.7. 4th best among active players with a .305 career Batting Average, behind Miguel Cabrera (.315), Jose Altuve (.315), and Joey Votto (.307). 5th most HR through age 27 with 285 (Alex Rodriguez is 1st with 345). One of seven players to hit 30+ HR six or more times through age 27. 23rd all-time with 752 RBI through age 27. 10th all-time with 903 Runs Scored through age 27. 10th all-time with an 84.713 SB%. 4th all-time with 803 walks through age 27 (Mantle is 1st with 892). One of only eleven players with 4 or more 100-walk seasons through age 27. 21st all-time with a career .419 OBP. 9th all-time with a career .581 SLG, 6th from 1970-present. One of only seven players with a career OPS (OBP + SLG) of 1.000 or higher, with exactly 1.000. 5th all-time with a career OPS+ (Adjusted OPS) with 176. 1st in WPA (Win Probability Added) through age 27 with 44.17, from 1974 to the present. He holds the top five Angels position player seasons by WAR, seven of the top eight, and all eight of his seasons are within the top 13. Very similar, or slightly better, career statistics to Mickey Mantle. 2nd highest WAR per 162 games with 9.92 (Ruth is 1st with 10.90).  Wrapping Up
What you’re seeing above is the statistical evidence that Mike Trout, thus far, has been one of the very best players in baseball history. Assuming a typical decline pattern, he’s going to finish in the top 10 in WAR; he’s already halfway to benig in the top 5.
Among his historical comps--that is, players who have performed at a similarly high level as consistently as Trout has--we mostly have players who played before World War 2. We have several players from a century ago: Honus Wagner, Eddie Collins, Ty Cobb, Rogers Hornsby, Babe Ruth, and Lou Gehrig. We have mid-century greats like Ted Williams, Willie Mays, and Mickey Matle. And we have only two recent players in Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez. No other players are in the same league as Trout's performance thus far, and he will likely end up with better careers than some of them. 
We all know he’s great, but it is easy to forget just how great. Chances are we’ll never see another Angels player this good in our lifetimes, so let’s appreciate every moment of Mike Trout baseball while we can.
The Complete Mike Trout 27-for-27 Series:
View our running TROUTstanding fan discussion thread (Est: 2018) here! 

By Jonathan Northrop, AngelsWin.com Columnist
My apologizes for the two-month gap in this series--extenuating real-life circumstances (and no, I wasn't sick, but thanks for the concern!). Let's continue...
#21: On-Base + Slugging Percentage
Remember back in the 90s when OPS was the new-fangled stat that only stat-nerds were using? We’ve come along way  from there, with more sophisticated versions, but it was a starting point for looking at total hitting. Like most conventional statistics, it has limited utility historically as it doesn’t account for context. Despite that, Trout is one of only 7 players in major league history with 3,000+ PA to have a career OPS of 1.000 or higher—he’s exactly at that threshold, 7th all-time.
#21a: Career OPS (3,000+ PA)
Babe Ruth 1.164 Ted Williams 1.116 Lou Gehrig 1.080 Barry Bonds 1.051 Jimmie Foxx 1.038 Hank Greenberg 1.010 Mike Trout 1.000 Rest of the top 10: Manny Ramirez .996, Mark McGwire .982, Mickey Mantle .977.
#21b: Career OPS+
Adjusted OPS does account for context, so gives us a more accurate picture of Trout’s historical offensive value. If you’re not familiar with it, it is basically OPS adjusted for context (era, park), and represents a percentage over average (100). Trout ranks even higher:
Career OPS+
Babe Ruth 206 Ted Williams 190 Barry Bonds 182 Lou Gehrig 179 Mike Trout 176 Rest of the top 10: Rogers Hornsby 175, Mickey Mantle 172, Dan Brouthers 171, Joe Jackson 170, Ty Cobb 168.
#22: Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+)
Let’s take it a step further, with one of my favorites: wRC+. If you’re not familiar with it, it is basically a different take on OPS+, but a bit more sophisticated--I see it as the best overall statistic for pure hitting value. 
There are two ways to assess Trout's greatness via wRC+: career and through age 27. Career-wise, he's 6th all-time. Think about that: Trout's offensive out-put so far has been better, pound for pound, than every player in major league history except five: Ruth, Williams, Hornsby, Gehrig, and Bonds. 
Considering that Trout hasn't yet declined, it is more fair to compare him to other greats through age 27Attached is a chart that depicts both. 
#23: Win Probability Added
WPA, or Win Probability Added, isn't a well-known statistic beyond the inner sanctum of sabermetrics, but it offers another useful angle on Trout's greatness. Fangraphs describes it as a statistic that measures how much a player's action increased their team's odds of winning. Meaning, it takes into account the specific context of the plate appearance. It is based on a statistics called Win Expectancy ad unfortunately there is only data going back to 1974, but that's a large enough time-span to be relevant. As it is--like WAR--a cumulative stat, I'm only including through age 27 (he ranks #30 for all players 1974-present).
WPA Through Age 27 (1974-present)
Mike Trout 44.17 Albert Pujols 39.78 Tim Raines 31.88 Alex Rodriguez 29.73 Frank Thomas 29.16 Meaning, Trout--through age 27--has added more to his team's chances of winning than any other player in the last 46 years.

Welcome to this year’s version of the AngelsWin Top 30 Prospects. As with last year, it is a group effort: the following is a composite list of several AngelsWin.com members and writers, with eight participants this year. The method is simple: the list is an average of eight lists. The benefit of taking such an approach is that not only do we tend to even each other’s biases out a bit, but we also get a range of approaches: from relying mostly on stats, reading other scouting reports, and eye-witness scouting.
Unlike last year, I’m going to include the age the player will be for the 2020 season, meaning how old they are on July 1, 2020.
A note on Ranking Trends: it is simply the different rankings by the eight participants. Most such lists don’t include the “raw wiring,” but as with last year I thought it would be interesting for people see because the range of numbers say a lot about the prospect. Prospects with a relatively narrow range tend to be more predictable, while those with a wider range may also have a wider range of outcomes and greater volatility.
Finally, a big thanks to Scotty Allen (aka "Second Base") for providing the insightful Best Known For quotes.
On to the list…
1. JO ADELL OF (age 21)

Stats: .289/.359/.475, 10 HR in 76 games in A+/AA/AAA.
Ranking Trends: Consensus #1.
ETA: 2020.
Comments: The second year in a row as the consensus #1 Angels prospect, Adell is now considered one of the top five prospects in all of baseball – despite missing the first couple months of the year with a rather freakish double whammy hamstring/ankle injury. MLB Pipeline currently has him at #5, while Baseball America has him at #2. Adell’s stat line above is somewhat diminished by a relatively poor showing in AAA at the end of the year (.264/.321/.355 in 27 games), but his performance in AA (.308/.390/.553, 8 HR and 173 wRC+ in 43 games) is more indicative of his talent level. Adell is a tremendous athlete with prodigious power and great make-up; if there’s one knock on his game its that he doesn’t make as much contact as you’d like, and has only average plate discipline; but both should improve as he matures. He’s the real deal, the best Angels prospect since Mike Trout, and will make his debut in Anaheim sometime in 2020.
Best Known For: Blend of power, speed, and athleticism at such a young age.
2. BRANDON MARSH OF (age 22)

Stats: .286/.367/.407, 7 HR and 19 SB in 101 Rookie/AA games.
Ranking Trends: Consensus #2.
ETA: 2020.
Comments: Somewhat overshadowed by his friend and team-mate Adell, Brandon Marsh is an excellent prospect in his own right. That stat line is marred by a 1-21 streak in Rookie ball rehabbing an injury; he hit .300/.383/.428 in AA. He has not yet hit for power, but he’ll hit his share of extra base hits and should at least develop average HR power in the majors, possibly more. Despite having less impressive raw tools, in some ways Marsh is a more well-rounded prospect than Adell, with better contact and plate discipline, and at this point is a superior defender. Like his soon-to-be AAA Salt Lake team-mate, he’ll probably make his major league debut sometime in 2020, if he gets the opportunity.
Best Known For: Well-rounded game.  Beard, and tantalizing power-speed potential. 
3. JORDYN ADAMS OF (age 20)

Stats: .257/.351/.369, 8 HR and 16 SB 109 R/A/A+ games.
Ranking Trends: Seven #3s, one #4.
ETA: 2023.
Comments: Considering that Adams was a two-sport player and more committed to football than baseball a year and a half ago, the fact that he held his own in single A as a 19-year old is room for optimism. There’s a lot to like in his performance: not only is he flashing Adell-esque tools (and he’s even faster), but his 56 walks in 109 games is very heartening. Perhaps most importantly, Adams seemed to improve as the year went on: after a slow start, he hit .287/.369/.414 from May 10 on, and .325/.406/.504 from July 13 on. Expect for a breakthrough year in A+ Rancho Cucamonga this year. While Adams is still raw, he’s learning quickly and is on the fast track.
Best Known For: One of the top prep football players in the nation coming out of high school.  Also, “The Dunk”. Also, the highest upside prospect in the system. 
4. CHRIS RODRIGUEZ RHP (21)

Stats: 0.00 ERA, 3 GS, 9.1 IP, 4 walks, 13 strikeouts.
Ranking Trends: Four #4s, three #5s, one #9.
ETA: 2021.
Comments: Chris Rodriguez’s high ranking might come as a surprise due to the fact that he’s only pitched 9.1 innings in the last two years, all within 2019. But the stuff is real: Aside from possibly Jack Kochanowicz, he has the highest ceiling in the minor leagues. The question is whether he can stay healthy, and that is a big question. If he does, his ascendency to the majors will be fast and furious.
Best Known For: Mid-90’s fastball, and mid/front of the rotation upside. 
5. PATRICK SANDOVAL LHP (23)

Stats: 5.03 ERA, 39.1 IP, 19 walks, 42 strikeouts in the majors.
Ranking Trends: 3, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7.
ETA: 2019.
Comments: When Sandoval came over to the Angels in July of 2018, from the Astros for Martin Maldonado, the general view was that he was a classic high-floor but low-ceiling starter, the type of guy you don’t mind having as your 5th starter but not much more. In his nine starts in the majors, he showed flashes of something more, a bonafide mid-rotation starter, if everything comes together.
Best Known For: His fastball climbing 4-5 mph in the last two years since the Astros traded him. 
6. JEREMIAH JACKSON SS (20)

Stats: .266/.333/.605, 23 HR in 65 games in Orem (high Rookie ball).
Ranking Trends: 5, 7, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9.
ETA: 2023.
Comments: I think the key phrase would be “cautiously excited.” 23 HR in 65 games for a 19-year old is impressive, but its all accompanied by 96 strikeouts and a mediocre .266 BA. He walked 24 times, which is a decent rate; given his swing and miss, developing plate discipline may be the key to Jackson becoming a star.
Best Known For: Breaking the Pioneer League HR record as a 19 year old. 
7. JOSE SORIANO RHP (21)

Stats: 2.51 ERA, 82.1 IP, 51 walks, 92 strikeouts in Rookie and A ball (Burlington).
Ranking Trends: 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 23.
ETA: 2021.
Comments: Soriano and Rodriguez are often mentioned in the same breath. While on one level it is a ceiling/floor comparison, Soriano’s ceiling isn’t that much lower, and his floor seems quite a bit higher. If his control develops, he could be in Anaheim rather quickly.
Best Known For: Mid to upper 90’s fastball and wipeout slider. 
8. JAHMAI JONES 2B (22)

Stats: .234/.308/.324, 5 HR and 9 SB in 130 games in AAA Salt Lake.
Ranking Trends: 7, 7, 8, 8, 8, 9, 9, 9
ETA: 2021
Comments: Jones not only had a very bad year statistically speaking, it was also his second year in a row of declining performance: his OPS slipped from .794 in 2017 (A/A+), .717 in 2018 (A+/AA) to .631 in 2019 (AA). That said, he did improve later in the year, both hitting well in the Arizona Fall League (.302/.377/.509 in 61 PA), but also towards the end of the regular year, hitting .306/.385/.414 from July 5th on, or 51 games. So while he didn’t make that jump into elite prospect status that we might have hoped for after 2017, he’s still a good prospect. Depending what the Angels do with Andrelton Simmons and Tommy La Stella after 2020, don’t be surprised if the 2021 infield includes Fletcher, Rengifo, and Jones.
Best Known For: Power-speed potential as a middle infielder, and the younger brother of NFL Wide Receiver T.J. Jones. 
9. KYREN PARIS SS (18)

Stats: .300/.462/.400 in 13 PA in Rookie ball (AZL).
Ranking Trends: 6, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10, 13, 14.
ETA: 2024
Comments: While it is rather early to be too excited about Paris, the upside is real: this is a talented young baseball player who just turned 18 a couple weeks ago from this writing, on November 11. He’s a toolsy shortstop, a good defender for his age, and really only lacks power – although that could develop. Before the draft last year, when he went 55th overall (2nd round), websites and analysts had him anywhere from #34 (Fangraphs), #48 (Keith Law), #70 (Baseball America), and #75 (MLB Pipeline). There’s a lot of volatility at this point; a couple years from now he could be another Livan Soto—a defense-first middle infielder who profiles as a major league bench player—or he could be an elite prospect, if the bat develops as hoped. Stay tuned.
Best Known For: Delivering one of the better post-draft interviews with Victor and Gubi.  A very well spoken young man. 
10. WILL WILSON 2B/SS (21)

Stats: .275/.329/.439 in 46 games in Rookie ball.
Ranking Trends: 7, 8, 8, 8, 9, 10, 10, 29.
ETA: 2022
Comments: At this point it is difficult to say whether the tepid view on Wilson is warranted in that, on one hand, he seems like another unexciting college draft pick with limited upside in the tradition of Matt Thaiss and CJ Cron; on the other, not only is he rather young for a college player, but the scouting reports on his bat are promising. At the least, he deserves a chance to prove himself before calling him an over-draft. Wilson could be better than expected, so let’s see how he hits with a full season of experience: he could move fast.
Best Known For: The Angels first round draft pick from this last draft.  Bat first middle infielder. 
11. JACK KOCHANOWICZ RHP (19)
Stats: Did not play professional baseball.
Ranking Trends: 10, 10, 11, 11, 11, 12, 15, 17.
ETA: 2024.
Comments: Upside, upside, upside. At 6’6” and 220 lbs, Kochanowicz can bring the heat. In my mind, he is the pitching equivalent of Kyren Paris: a couple years from now he could be #1 on this list, or another cautionary tale about getting too excited too soon. But the stuff is real, and he’s very young. He’ll be one of the most exciting prospects to watch in 2020.
Best Known For: Hitting upper-90’s at Fall Instructs.  One scout said that he believed Kochanowicz would go top five in the draft three years from now had he decided to go to college instead. 
12. AARON HERNANDEZ RHP (23)
Stats: 4.46 ERA, 72.2 IP, 46 walks, 81 strikeouts in A+ ball (Inland Empire).
Ranking Trends: 11, 11, 12, 13, 13, 15, 15, 20.
ETA: 2021.
Comments: Hernandez simply needs more minor league innings, and should be in Anaheim before you know it. He’s got the upside to be a mid-rotation starter, but may settle in a bit below that, or as a reliever. But he seems to have a rather high floor for a pitching prospect and, one way or another, should be part of the major league team within the next year or two.
Best Known For: Other than sharing a name with an unfortunate soul mid-90’s fastball with movement and a strong finish to the 2019 season. 
13. HECTOR YAN LHP (21)
Stats: 3.72 ERA in 109 IP, 52 walks, and 148 strikeouts in A ball (Burlington).
Ranking Trends: 11, 12, 13, 13, 14, 16, 16, 16.
ETA: 2022.
Comments: Take a look at those strikeouts and walks, and you see why Yan is ranked where he is. 12.2 Ks per 9 innings is no joke, but neither are 4.3 walks. We can hope that Yan can remain a starter, but his path to the majors may be as a relief pitcher. Either way, he’s one of a handful of pitching prospects in the organization with legitimate upside.
Best Known For: Recently being added to the Angels 40 man roster from A Ball.  Sidearmer with mid-90’s fastball. 
14. D’SHAWN KNOWLES OF (19)
Stats: .241/.310/.387 in 64 games in Rookie ball (Orem).
Ranking Trends: 12, 12, 13, 16, 16, 18, 21, 28.
ETA: 2023
Comments: Remember when D’Shawn was an after-thought to Trent Deveaux? He had a surprising 2018, but fell back to earth in 2019 – a rather disappointing follow-up. He doesn’t seem to have Deveaux’s elite athleticism, but may also have that “it factor” to become more than the sum of his parts. At 19 years old and with Adell, Marsh, and Hermosillo ahead of him, he’s got plenty of time.
Best Known For: Being the “other” top international signing from the Bahamas two years ago. 
15. MICHAEL HERMOSILLO OF (25)
Stats: .243/.330/.466 in 64 games in A+/AAA; .139/.304/.222 in 18 major league games.
Ranking Trends: 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 22, 28.
ETA: 2019.
Comments: Hermosillo seems like the type of player that could become a fan favorite, the Brock Holt of the Angels. Or at least that’s his upside. He’s got the tools to be a terrific 4th outfielder, and could even be a starter on some teams. But he’s got to make more contact first, and may be destined for another organization to get regular playing time.
Best Known For: Prep exploits on the gridiron and overall athleticism. 
16. KEVIN MAITAN IF (20)
Stats: .214/.278/.323 in 123 games in A Burlington.
Ranking Trends: 11, 12, 18, 18, 20, 20, 20, 26.
ETA: 2023.
Comments: If you didn’t know about the hype from a few years ago, Maitan would be an intriguing prospect – and he is. But it is hard not to get around the ridiculous comparisons that were thrown around, like Miguel Cabrera and Chipper Jones. Imagine being a 16-year old and hearing that. The hitting tools are there to be a major leaguer, and it is important to remember that he’s still quite young for his level – according to Baseball-Reference the league differential last year was -2.2. So while he isn’t the Promised One that the Braves originally thought he was, he still has a lot of time to actualize the good potential he does possess.
Best Known For: Being one of the more hyped international signings in recent memory.  Big time power.
17. STIWARD AQUINO RHP (21)
Stats: 6.87 ERA in 36.2 IP, 16 walks and 49 strikeouts in Rookie ball.
Ranking Trends: 8, 14, 16, 17, 19, 22, 25, 27.
ETA: 2023.
Comments: Another live arm with a wide range of possible outcomes, which is well-reflected in the ranking trends. Aquino’s numbers don’t look impressive, but he flashed good potential at times. His game log displays erratic performance, so hopefully with more innings he’ll settle down. Another pitcher whose future might be in the bullpen.
Best Known For: A great name and a mid-90’s fastball. 
18. ALEXANDER RAMIREZ OF (17)
Stats: .234/.328/.429 in 39 games in the Dominican League (Foreign Rookie).
Ranking Trends: 15, 15, 15, 17, 17, 19, 28, NR.
ETA: 2025.
Comments: There’s not a lot to go on at this point, but there’s a reason Billy Eppler gave the young Dominican a $1 million signing bonus upon turning 16 years old. He should be coming States-side in 2020, so look for him in the AZL. He is very young, just 17 in August, and has a ton of young outfielders ahead of him, but is at least worth having in the back of your mind as a high-ceiling prospect to look forward to.
Best Known For: Angels top international signee from last year.  Power and speed are more advanced than originally anticipated. 
19. KYLE BRADISH RHP (23)
Stats: 4.28 ERA in 101 IP, 53 walks and 120 strikeouts in A+ Inland Empire.
Ranking Trends: 12, 15, 21, 21, 21, 23, 24, 25.
ETA: 2021.
Comments: Bradish may forever be paired with Aaron Hernandez, as he was drafted right after him. Like Hernandez, he’s a college pitcher who projects as a major league starter, but is considered to have a lower ceiling. Clearly he has to work on his control, but after a solid first professional season, he’s establishing a solid floor to build from.
Best Known For: Advanced college arm that will climb the minor league ladder quickly. 
20. JARED WALSH OF/1B/RHP (26)
Stats: .325/.423/.686, 36 HR in 98 AAA games (Salt Lake); .203/.276/.329 in 31 major league games. Pitching: 4.15 ERA, 13 IP, 5 walks and 9 strikeouts in AAA; 1.80 ERA, 5 IP, 6 walks, 5 strikeouts in the majors.
Ranking Trends: 12, 18, 19, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27.
ETA: 2019
Comments: It is hard not to like Walsh. Not only did he absolutely kill AAA pitching, but he is also trying to make it as a two-way player in the majors. Unlike Taylor Ward, this gives him a flexibility that might give him a longer leash as a useful—even ideal-- “26th man” on the major league roster next year.
Best Known For: Being the Angels “other” two-way player. 
21. TRENT DEVEAUX OF (20)
Stats: .238/.320/.422 in 60 games in Rookie ball (AZL, Orem).
Ranking Trends: 13, 17, 18, 19, 21, 23, 29, NR.
ETA: 2023.
Comments: After a disappointing season in 2018 (.199/.309/.247 in 44 AZL games), Deveaux adjusted well to States-side professional baseball, showing flashes of the potential that led the Angels to sign him. There’s a lot to like here, but he simply needs time to develop. He’s probably got both a higher ceiling and lower floor than his fellow Bahamanian, D’Shawn Knowles. He’s a good candidate for a breakout season in 2020, which should be his first full season in A ball.
Best Known For: Being the Angels top international signee from two years ago.  Bahamian with 80-grade speed. 
22. OLIVER ORTEGA RHP (23)
Stats: 4.14 ERA in 111 IP, 57 walks and 135 strikeouts in A+/AA ball.
Ranking Trends: 14, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 26, NR.
ETA: 2021.
Comments: Ortega seemed to come out of nowhere and reminds us that players do indeed rise up from the Dominican League through the minor leagues. He’s on the verge of the major league radar.
Best Known For: Bursting onto the scene at the end of last year and beginning of this year with mid-90’s fastball. 
23. AROL VERA SS (17)
Stats: Did not play.
Ranking Trends: 14, 17, 18, 21, 23, 24, NR, NR.
ETA: 2025.
Comments: A top international signing, the word on Vera is that he’s a tall (6’2”), lean, and promising switch-hitting shortstop with a strong hit-tool. He’s a long way away, but fits in a similar category with Alexander Ramirez.
Best Known For: Angels most expensive international signee since Roberto Baldoquin (not counting Kevin Maitan).  Great power projection from both sides of the plate. 
24. WILLIAM HOLMES OF/RHP (19)
Stats: .326/.431/.488 in 11 Rookie games; 5.18 ERA, 24.1 IP, 20 walks, 38 strikeouts.
Ranking Trends: 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 26, NR.
ETA: 2023.
Comments: The third two-player in the Angels system, along with Ohtani and Walsh. Holmes is the player formerly known as William English. There’s a lot to like here, with a nice showing with the bat and some promise on the mound.
Best Known For: Being the rare draftee from Detroit, also happens to be a two-way player with scattered intriguing skills on both sides of the ball. 
25. LUIZ GOHARA LHP (23)
Stats: Did not play (injuries).
Ranking Trends: 16, 17, 19, 22, 24, 28, 29 NR.
ETA: 2018.
Comments: Released by the Braves, the Angels signed the Brazilian Gohara as a free agent in August. He’s pretty much the definition of a potential “clean peanut,” which also makes him really difficult to assess. Before the 2018 season, Baseball America ranked as the #23 prospect in all of baseball—that was after dominating A+ and AA, and getting a solid taste of AAA, even five starts in the majors at the age of 20 years old. But then his troubles began, and he didn’t perform well in the minors and eventually missed all of 2019 with a shoulder injury. While it is easly to get excited about his upside, the Braves released him for a reason. We can hope that they made a terrible mistake, but don’t count on it. Gohara goes into the 2020 season as perhaps the biggest in-house wildcard that could make a surprise impact on the major league pitching staff.
Best Known For: Being one of the top prospects in all of baseball only a little over a year ago.  Used to have upper-90’s heat before shoulder injury. Currently rehabbing from surgery.  One of the very rare Brazilian baseball players. 
26. ROBINSON PINA RHP (21)
Stats: 3.83 ERA, 108 IP, 61 walks, 146 strikeouts in A ball (Burlington).
Ranking Trends: 13, 20, 20, 25, 27, 27, 30, NR.
ETA: 2023.
Comments: Given his performance in 2019, it is almost surprising that Pina isn’t ranked higher. But if he continues this level of play in A+ and above, he could leapfrog several pitching prospects by year’s end. Definitely one to watch, with major league potential.
Best Known For: Tall and lanky.  Herky-jerky motion.  Misses lots of bats. Reports indicate low-90’s fastball .  
27. LUIS MADERO RHP (23)
Stats: 5.03 ERA, 105.2 IP, 31 walks, 98 strikeouts in A+/AA.
Ranking Trends: 10, 20, NR, NR, NR, NR, NR, NR.
ETA: 2022
Comments: Madero was a bit of a darling among Angelswin prospects hounds after his breakout 2018 campaign (3.49 ERA, 27 walks and 95 strikeouts in 105.2 IP in A/A+). While his ERA rose substantially, his peripherals held steady and perhaps we’re being a bit too bearish on him. He isn’t far from being on the major league depth chart.
Best Known For: Mid-90’s fastball.  Added to the Angels 40-man ahead of last year’s Rule 5 Draft. 
28. LIVAN SOTO SS/2B (20)
Stats: .220/.304/.256 in 311 PA in A/Rookie ball.
Ranking Trends: 14, 24, 30, NR, NR, NR, NR, NR.
ETA: 2024.
Comments: The second of the “stolen” Braves prospects, Soto had a disappointing follow-up to his promising first year in the Angels farm system. Right now he projects as a very weak-hitting but solid fielding middle infielder, but he’s also got some physical development ahead of him. 2020 should give us a better sense of his ultimate potential.
Best Known For: Being the “other” prospect the Braves lost that the Angels signed.  Defensive wizard. Weighs about as much as a women’s olympic gymnast. 
29. ADRIAN RONDON IF (21)
Stats: .266/.317/.378 in 69 games in Rookie/A ball.
Ranking Trends: 25, 25, 26, 27, 30, NR, NR, NR.
ETA: 2023.
Comments: We’ve got a Rondon! Eppler seems to like former highly regarded international prospects; while never quite as lauded as Maitan, Rondon’s story is similar: the Tampa Rays gave him a $3 million signing bonus in 2015, but he struggled in the minor leagues. He held his own last year, but nothing exciting – so far. There’ still untapped potential and relative youth on his side.
Best Known For: One of the more hyped international signees in recent memory.  Angels traded practically nothing for him. Great bat speed, recently moved to 3B.
30. GARRETT STALLINGS RHP (22)
Stats: Did not play.
Ranking Trends: 22, 25, 29, 29, 29, NR, NR, NR.
ETA: 2022.
Comments: The Angels’ 5th round pick in 2019, Stallings is a bit of a sleeper pick who could reach the majors relatively quickly. He probably projects as a back-end starter, but is one to keep an eye on.
Best Known For: Brilliant performance in the heavily scouted Cape Cod League.  Could climb the minor league ladder very quickly. 
 
Other Ranked Players: Jeremy Beasley, Jose Bonilla, Denny Brady, Sadrac Franco, Jake Jewell, Orlando Martinez, Isaac Mattson, Leonardo Rivas, Jose Rojas, Andrew Wantz, Austin Warren.