These Prospects Have Forced Their Way Onto Angels Radar

The Los Angeles Angels are all about the future right now, and it’s not that far away. There’s a new ownership group that’s going to take control after the first of the year, and while the impending lockout will hinder much of what they can do right away, the prospect forecast is much better than it was just a few short months ago. 

Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com has been covering all this for some time, so he’s an authoritative source on any speculative moves. He summed all this up in his latest newsletter, and he flagged three prospects who have forced their way onto the Halos’ radar due to their impressive performances in the minors this year. 

Jake Munroe, 3B

Munroe came from out of nowhere to become the club’s No. 20 prospect, per Bollinger, and the fourth-round pick arrived as a contact/hitting machine coming out of Louisville. He picked up where he left off in college at Double-A Rocket City, as he posted a slash line of .289/.402/.498 with 19 homers, 30 doubles and 62 RBIs in 118 games across two levels. 

Munroe is among a  group of prospects that includes Arjun Nimmala and Jacob Cozart who starred for Rocket City and helped lead the affiliate to the Southern League title. His time is close to now given that he’s 23 and will soon be shedding the prospect label, but Bollinger added that he could appear in 2028.

Johnny Slawinski, LHP

Slawinskis is one of those players who’s been on a lot of lists, but many fans don’t know a lot about the 19-year old pitcher. He was dominant in the Arizona Complex League, per Bollinger, posting a 3.33 ERA with 82 strikeouts and 17 walks in 54 innings. Angels fans will be able to see him in person next year at Single-A Rancho Cucamonga as he makes the move up to the next level. 

Hayden Alvarez, OF

Alvarez has also been on a lot of lists, but his name became more prominent this year as he moved up from the No. 12 prospect to be currently ranked at No. 3. He, too, is just 19, but slash line across multiple levels of Single-A was an impressive .289/.391/.456 with 12 homers, 32 doubles, five triples, 53 stolen bases and 62 RBIs in 118 games. Alvarez will also be moving up, and he’ll likely join the rest of the Rocket City crew to start next season.