Every spring, each major league team has a prospect that excites the fan base. Someone capable of making the jump to the big leagues. A player who can energize the fan base. Maybe even becoming a star, if the talent is there and the time is right.
Jonathan Mayo, Jim Callis and Sam Dykstra of MLB.com picked out that guy for each team, and their choice for the Los Angeles Angels was right-handed pitcher George Klassen, although they were quick to add that there isn’t an obvious spot for a prospect here. (Perhaps they missed the memo about outfielder Nelson Rada, but that’s another story for another time.)
Does Klassen fit the bill? Possibly, based on the early scouting reports. He’s hit triple digits with his fastball, and Klassen also comes with two solid breaking balls. The issue is his ability to throw strikes, which has improved, but perhaps not enough to start long-term. That’s why the MLB.com crew picked him out as a pitchers whose arsenal might fly in the bullpen, and that this could be the time for it to happen.
The Angels acquired Klassen from the Philadelphia Phillies along with right-handed pitcher in 2025 along with pitcher Sam Aldedgheri in the trade for reliever Carlos Estevez. Klassen was hit hard initially at Double-A Rocket City in 2025, but he finished strong for Triple-A Salt Lake.
The difference in his performance has been the improvement in his mechanics and control, and he’s currently projected as a pitcher with mid-rotation upside, according to Baseball America. Both the Phillies and the Angels have helped him improve by simplifying his delivery, then lowering his effort level.
His stuff plays over a wide velocity range. He’s hit 101 to go with a slider he uses as his out pitch, and his mid-80s curve ball keeps hitters guessing. Klassen is currently ranked the #3 prospect in the Angels system, and one of his big plusses is that his trio of plus offerings gives him the fallback option of having the Angels use him in high-level relief situations.
The problem here is the Angels, potentially. They’re notorious for rushing prospects, so it will be up to new pitching coach Mike Maddux to put the brakes on this idea if he thinks Klassen’s stuff and makeup would play better in the starting rotation. It’s an exciting possibility either way, and Klassen and Rada should be a fun pair to watch this spring.