Angels Climb In Post-Draft Farm System Rankings

The Los Angeles Angels have not been a successful baseball club in recent memory – no winning record in 11 years nor any postseason baseball for 12 years. Despite all odds, the Angels have been viewed as having one of the worst farm systems during this time. Year after year of top draft picks and not being buyers at trade deadlines hasn’t done anything for the Halos in the past decade, but that may be finally changing.

FanGraphs’ updated farm system ranking shows positive signs for the Angels, who have moved up from being the No. 27-ranked club to No. 20 when it comes to their farm system valuation. Now valued at $323 million, the Angels are slowly climbing up the ranks.

It may not seem like much, but for Angels fans, it’s the most encouraging news they’ve heard in some time – and it’s about time. The Angels haven’t been able to get it done in the major leagues in some time now, but there has been no excuse for having a poor farm system at the same time.

The only reasoning for that is poor scouting, drafting, development, and a lackluster approach on the trade market – all of which are no secret when it comes to the Angels. Still, after their most recent draft, they find themselves climbing up the farm system rankings.

Last year’s No. 2 overall selection RHP Tyler Bremner is viewed as the club’s prized possession, but outfielder Hayden Alvarez has surpassed him in FanGraphs ’ recent Top 100 board.

Ranked No. 55, Alvarez has posted an .873 OPS with the Halos’ Single-A affiliate this season. Meanwhile, Bremner comes in ranked at No. 66, posting a 4.70 ERA in 12 starts with the club’s High-A affiliate.

With the Angels climbing up the farm system boards, the looming trade deadline could provide even more of a boost. The Angels have multiple pieces that could be dealt before the August 3 deadline, with pitchers Reid Detmers, Jose Soriano, and even shortstop Zach Neto gaining interest around the league.

Interim general manager John Mozeliak has come in at a busy time, but he needs to get it right at this year’s deadline. If it is yet another year of unwillingness to sell, then 2027 will likely be another losing campaign. If he steps up and makes the changes this club has needed for over a decade, the Angels could find themselves climbing the rankings even more with an influx of prospects.

Here’s to hoping that a big prospect or two end up heading to the Angels before the deadline’s end.