The Los Angeles Angels have some intriguing prospects who are either at or close to contributing in Anaheim this year. Most Angels fans probably know the names, but one they don’t know is Hayden Alvarez, who was rated the Angels top sleeper prospect for 2026 in a recent list put out by Baseball America.
According to J.J. Cooper, Alvarez is a big part of the Angels’ 2024 international class. He’s an outfielder who’s been very productive in his initial pro appearances, and Alvarez as a key contributor to the Angels’ 2025 Arizona Complex League championship team.
His offensive foundation is very solid. Alvarez has a smooth swing and good plate discipline, although he’ll need to add both bat speed and power to become a big-league regular. He was signed for $685,000 out of the Dominican Republic back in January of 2024, and his progress to date has been impressive, to say the least.
Alvarez was rated the Angels 28th rated prospected when he was drafted in 2024, and he’s risen to 20th this year. At 6’3” 190 pounds, his size is impressive, and back in June he was noted as a prospect who was flashing every day upside when he got off to a scorching start in the ACL.
“It’s increased exit velocity this year,” said Angels assistant GM Joey Prebynski. “The big thing for him is that he’s been able to create more damage through the air.”
That start included a slash line of .383/.490/.469 with a home run and 14 stolen bases through 27 ACL games. In addition, Alvarez’s maximum exit velocity increased to 105 mph, and his walk rate of 17 percent was among the highest of ACL teenagers.
“He’s always had a foundation for plate discipline and contact,” Prebynski said, “and as he’s continued to get stronger and mature, we’re seeing the power and exit velocity tick up.”
Alvarez was projected as a high-contact, defense-first outfielder when he was signed, which is a huge area of need for the Angels right now. and he also has some speed, having stolen 32 bases in the DSL last year. He’s learning his way on defense, and with a good year at High A, Alvarez could continue to shoot up the ranks.
“We’ve been really pleased with Hayden and the progress he’s made over the last year,” Prebynski said, “and when you look at him and the profile, he shows you five tools with upside to be an everyday player in center field.”