The Los Angeles Angels are currently struggling, but they have some exciting prospects who will be in Anaheim soon.
The Los Angeles Angels haven’t gotten a lot from their farm system in recent years, but that’s starting to change. They have a top pitching prospect who’s likely to get at least a call-up between now and the end of the year, not to mention a couple of position prospects who are moving up fast.
Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com did an update of their progress in his newsletter, so let’s check in and see who’s doing what.
Nelson Rada, CF, Triple-A Salt Lake
Rada showed off his speed and defensive skills in spring training, and for a week or so he looked like a candidate to make the roster. But manager Kurt Suzuki decided Rada needed some time to sharpen his work habits and become a professional, and the 20-year old Rada continues to shine even though he’s competing against former big leaguers and players who are usually older than him by at least several years.
Rada’s current slash line is .286/.396/.374 with a homer, three doubles, a triple, 13 RBIs and eight stolen bases in 24 games this season, according to Bollinger. He’s an exciting player who’s developing patience at the plate, and he’s an above-average center fielder as well. He doesn’t offer much power, but Rada projects well as a leadoff hitter, and he could replace Josh Lowe in left if Lowe continues to struggle offensively.
Tyler Bremner, RHP, High-A Tri-City
Bremner is the jewel of the farm system, and he’s not going to be at High-A for very long. He has a 1.62 ERA in four starts with 25 strikeouts and five walks across 16 2/3 innings, and he’s been overpowering hitters at Triple A. His fastball and changeup already play at the big-league level, and the next step in his development is to upgrade his breaking ball, which isn’t quite ready yet. He’ll almost certainly make at least an appearance with the Angels, though, considering the current state of the staff and the team’s tendency to rush prospects to the majors.
Raudi Rodriguez, CF, Double-A Rocket City
Rodriguez is a surprising riser who came out of nowhere last year with Single-A Inland Empire, and he also showed out in the Arizona Fall League All-Star game and flashed in spring training. The jump to Double-A is usually the toughest minor-league leap for a young player, but Rodriguez is holding his own with a slash line of .247/.389/.384 to go with three homers, a double, 15 RBIs and eight stolen bases in 20 games. His average needs to improve, but he’s a player to watch for 2027, and Rodriguez could also get a call-up late this year.