Angels Expect Top Prospect Arjun Nimmala to Open 2027 at Triple-A

The Los Angeles Angels expect top prospect Arjun Nimmala to open the 2027 season at Triple-A Salt Lake, interim general manager John Mozeliak said at the General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas.

Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reported Mozeliak’s expectation, which was also covered by Angels On SI. The assignment would give the 21-year-old shortstop his first look at Triple-A pitching after he finished the regular season at Double-A Rocket City.

Nimmala had already reached Double-A in the Toronto Blue Jays’ system when the Angels acquired him at the August trade deadline. Toronto sent him to Los Angeles along with outfielder Eddie Micheletti Jr. and right-hander Angel Rivero in exchange for starter José Soriano. The Blue Jays had drafted Nimmala 20th overall in 2023.

After the trade, Nimmala hit .260 with a .389 on-base percentage and a .577 slugging percentage in 27 games for Rocket City, according to Baseball Savant. He hit eight home runs and drew 21 walks in 126 plate appearances. He also struck out 29 times.

The Angels sent Nimmala to the Arizona Fall League, where he had a five-hit game for the Mesa Solar Sox. He went 5-for-7 with a home run and a double against Salt River. That stint gave him more at-bats after his first season at Double-A and a chance to carry his late-season power into the fall.

Salt Lake would give the Angels a chance to see how Nimmala handles pitchers who can change speeds and locate more consistently. His walk total with Rocket City showed he could get on base even when he wasn’t hitting for power. The next step is seeing whether he can sustain that approach over a longer stretch against more experienced pitching.

There’s also the question of where Nimmala could fit in the Angels’ infield. He has played shortstop in the minors, and Zach Neto holds that position in Anaheim. Opening at Salt Lake would give the Angels time to evaluate Nimmala’s bat and glove before deciding where he fits on the major league roster.

Mozeliak’s expectation gives Nimmala a likely starting point for 2027. How he handles Triple-A pitching will help determine when he’s ready for Anaheim.