Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft links the Halos to Texas A&M standout Chris Hacopian, a polished infielder whose advanced hit tool could accelerate his path to Anaheim.
After losing two of three at home against the Colorado Rockies earlier in the week, the Los Angeles Angels are now tied for the worst record in baseball once again. Back at the bottom of the standings, it’s as appropriate a time as ever to take a look ahead at this year’s draft.
The Angels will be selecting 12th overall in July’s draft, despite finishing last season with the seventh-worst record in the league. This is because they had the No. 2 pick in the 2025 Draft, and as a ‘payor club’, they are ineligible to be in the draft lottery in consecutive years.
All that to say that despite the plentiful poor moments both last season and this season, the Angels won’t be rewarded with one of the top picks. Still, a No. 12 selection puts the Halos in a position to grab a future star.
The Halos surprisingly drafted right-handed pitcher Tyler Bremner at No. 2 overall in 2025, and it looks to be paying off. With the Angels’ High-A affiliate this year, Bremner has recorded a 1.37 ERA in six starts, striking out 30 batters in 19 ⅔ innings in the process.
While the Angels hope Bremner continues his development across the minor leagues, they also have an important couple of months ahead with this season’s draft. The Halos have been known to have one of the worst farm systems in baseball in recent years despite their consistent placement near the bottom of the standings.
Both the club and Angels fans could use a huge draft that lands the organization multiple key contributors in the future.
In Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft, a little over a month before the real thing, Joel Reuter had the Angels taking second baseman Chris Hacopian out of Texas A&M University.
Making the switch to the SEC in 2026 for his junior season, Hacopian showed his bat is the real deal, slashing .319/.405/.578 with a .983 OPS. His 60-grade hit tool signifies a player who could be ready to produce at the major league level sooner rather than later. The Angels have shown a desire to select MLB-ready players in recent drafts, and taking Hacopian at No. 12 keeps that pattern going.
At 21 years old, Hacopian doesn’t show too much defensive upside with his lack of arm or spectacular fielding abilities, but his tools indicate that a future at second base or even in left field could be right for him.
Truthfully, the Halos could use talent wherever they can get it. Their approach in this year’s draft should be to snag the most talented player available, and if at No. 12 that player is Hacopian, then they shouldn’t overthink it.
