The Los Angeles Angels have their 2026 international draft class signed and in place, and it includes some intriguing names, including prospects that are big-money signings by international standards.
Catcher Gabriel Davalillo has already established himself as the top catching prospect in the Dominican Summer League, and according to Ben Badler of Baseball America, the Angels also have multiple seven-figure signees, including some athletic up-the-middle prospects and some arms with plenty of potential.
Davallilo is the big name, based on his slash line of .302/.408/.518 in 169 plate appearances in the DSL. He’ll be blocked with the big club by catcher Logan O’Hoppe, the catcher the Angels are hoping to rehabilitate after a disappointing season, but O’Hoppe’s success is by no means assured, and the Angels could certainly use some depth at the position.
Yeison Horton is a Dominican shortstop who was originally expected to sign with the Yankees, but he chose to sign with the Angels instead. A $2 million signing bonus helped, and Horton earned that bonus based on his combination of speed, defense and arm strength, plus his offensive abilities as a left-hand hitter.
He’s bit undersized at 5’ 10” 170 pounds, but scouts love the fact that he can consistently make contact and hit the ball hard. Horton has some speed and athleticism, and his fielding profile should play as a middle infielder whether he ends up at short or second.
The third seven-figure signing is Carlos Castillo, an outfielder who signed for $1 million. He has a sound, fluid swing from the left side, according to Badler, and Castillo is a high-contact hitter with a knack for getting on base. He’s shown good instincts in center, and the Angels are projecting some power as he fills out his 6’1”, 160 pound frame.
The Angels also signed an outfielder, Anderson Rodriguez, who already has a major league profile. He’s the son of Henry Rodriguez, an outfielder who played 11 major league seasons, mostly with the Montreal Expos, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs. Anderson Rodriguez projects as a power-hitting corner outfield, and the Halos are hoping he can follow in his father’s footsteps.
The primary pitching prospects are Kendra Fana, who projects as a right handed starter, and Hollis Watson, a 20-year old from Colombia who started as a position player but is now hitting 96 mph with his fastball and the potential to go higher as his 6’4” 180 pound frame fills out.