George Klassen dazzled with a 97.7 mph fastball and nasty slider, striking out three in his spring debut, showcasing his high-ceiling potential.
The Los Angeles Angels may have just one win in their first six games of spring training as of Thursday morning, but there are still some bright spots coming out of camp for the Halos. One of these bright spots was on display in Wednesday’s game against the San Diego Padres, where right-handed pitcher George Klassen put on a show.
Starting the game on the bump for the Angels, Klassen pitched two innings where he allowed one hit, one walk, and struck out three batters. In his first appearance this spring, Klassen displayed his filthy slider and his heater of a four-seamer.
Klassen’s four-seamer averaged out at 97.7 mph and recorded a chase rate of 33.3 percent. His slider averaged just under 90 mph while recording a 60 percent whiff rate. Klassen also displayed a curveball, a changeup, and a sinker.
At 24 years old, Klassen was the third-ranked prospect in the Angels’ system according to MLB.com. Coming over to the Halos as a part of the trade that sent closer Carlos Estevez to the Philadelphia Phillies, Klassen spent his first full season in teh Angels’ organization in 2025.
He hasn’t been amazing in the minors, posting a 5.80 ERA across 108 ⅔ innings last season, almost all of which came with the Double-A Rocket City Trash Pandas. Still, Klassen has flashed tons of potential on the mound with his velocity and moments of nastiness when he can command his pitches. In an Angels system filled with pitching prospects, Klassen has possibly the highest ceiling of them all.
Klassen will head back to the minors after spring training is over, where he’ll hope to bring down his ERA and WHIP. If he can become a more reliable pitcher in the minors, a debut at some point in 2026 isn't out of the question. The last spot in the Angels' rotation is still flexible, and it could be even more so months into the season.
With fellow pitching prospects Tyler Bremner and Ryan Johnson also fighting to make their debuts in 2026, Klassen will have to prove that he’s ready for MLB action over the others.
The buzz around Klassen is growing, and 2026 could be the year in which he truly breaks onto the scene for the Angels.
For now, Klassen is busy showcasing his electric stuff in spring, striking out some of baseball’s best talents in Manny Machado and Jackson Merrill. Halos fans will be waiting for his next appearance.