Angels 2024 Draft Analysis

I've composed a scouting report for each of the Angels draft picks from the 2024 Draft. Included are stats, skills, and projections. Huge thanks to Perfect Game, Prep Baseball, and various footage of college games for having publicly available videos and data to gather from.

Christian Moore - 2B, University of Tennessee

1st Round 8th Overall

Moore immediately stands out with his size and frame, not super tall being 6 '1 but coming in at 210 lbs looking like a tank. Moore finished his 2024 season with Tennessee with a slash line of .375/.451/.797 finishing 3rd in the country in home runs with 34 and being named a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award. He helped lead Tennessee to a College World Series victory and was the standout player for the team. Moore has a strong, quick swing that allows him to hit to all fields and with power. He does have an aggressive approach at the plate that can lead to the potential for a high chase rate but his contact has been good so far. He’s shown that he knows how to pick his pitches and shows a great two strike approach. There are defensive concerns that may lead to a future in the outfield but he still sets up to stay at second to begin his professional career. Especially with his selection by the Angels, Moore should see an aggressive advancement through the minors and may see action by 2025.

Chris Cortez - RHP, Texas A&M University

2nd Round 45th Overall

Cortez made most of his appearance out of the bullpen for Texas A&M, coming in relief 22 of his 25 appearances. Cortez displays an elite fastball that touches 100 with great sink and pairs it with a slider with devastating break. His control grades out at about average but the movement from his two plus pitches allows him to see success with the swing and miss. The lack of a third plus pitch may limit his ceiling to a high leverage reliever but development of such a pitch allows for a ceiling of a mid rotation starter. Cortez has shown the ability to pitch for length, most notably having a 99 pitch game in relief in the College World Series.

Ryan Johnson - RHP, Dallas Baptist University

2nd Round Compensation 74th Overall

Johnson is one of the most interesting prospects drafted. He immediately stands out with his size standing at 6 '6, 215 lbs to go along with an unorthodox, violent delivery. Johnson has a release point between the ¾ slot and sidearm and slings the ball across his body causing an awkward look. With a delivery as such, there are injury and stamina concerns that can lead to relief potential. Like Moore, Johnson finished as a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award. He finished this past season with a 2.21 ERA in 16 starts, striking out 151 batters, good for a 35.8% K rate. He also displays a fastball that touches 100 but his best pitch is his slider which has great horizontal movement leading to his high strikeout numbers. 

Ryan Prager - LHP, Texas A&M University

3rd Round 81st Overall

Recovering from Tommy John Surgery during the 2023 season, Prager bounced back in a huge way leading the Texas A&M staff that made it to the College World Series championship. Prager delivered a 2.95 ERA in 19 starts and posted a 5% BB rate and 31.2% K rate. Prager has a clean and consistent delivery with an overhand arm slot. Prager has a fastball that isn’t overpowering but mixes it with a slider and change up with great control for all three pitches. His potential lies in the back end of a rotation but his 6’3 200lb frame allows for room to build strength and a velocity increase can see him reach a #2 or 3 in a rotation.

Austin Gordon - RHP, Clemson University

4th Round 110th Overall

The Angels are showing a pattern of drafting pitchers with imposing frames with room to build. The same is continuing with Gordon who is 6’5 195 lbs leaving lots of room to build strength. Starting all of the 2023 season, Gordon did come mostly out of the pen last season, having been demoted before April began. Out of the bullpen, Gordon posted a 44.2% K rate and a 1.82 ERA, much improved as opposed to his starter stats. Gordon sits low 90s with his fastball but has the ability to dial it up to mids 90s reaching a max of 97. He mixes in a slider and a curveball with the curve being the better of the 2. His curveball has a good horizontal and vertical break seeing about a 12 break for both. Control has been inconsistent and may limit his potential to that of relief but he has the repertoire to begin his development as a starter.

Dylan Jordan - RHP, Viera HS (FL)

5th Round 143rd Overall

Jordan is a very intriguing young pitching prospect. He’s an older high school graduate, turning 19 in 3 months. There is a lot of room for projection as he’s 6’3 210 lbs. The introduction of a training program to build strength can do wonders for him. Another unorthodox delivery guy, Jordan has a hitch in his delivery that gives him complete arm extension right before he delivers the pitch. His extension reminds me a bit of Jered Weaver and the across the body delivery although the arm slots are different. Jordan delivers from a little under the ¾ slot and is another that appears to sling the ball. Because of all the movement going on, it puts a good bit of risk on a starter projection and keeping up with the workload. Jordan has a low 90s fastball along with a slider that shows decent break and a change-up that offers a big speed difference from his fastball. There are command issues in his game that along with his delivery, can limit his start projection and see him out of the bullpen instead.

Peyton Olejnik - RHP, Miami University of Ohio

6th Round 172nd Overall

Another pitching prospect that is continuing the trend, Olejnik is a 6 '11 right hander that pitched mostly out of the pen with Miami of Ohio although he’s been starting in the MLB Draft League this summer. Despite his height, Olejnik isn’t overpowering sitting at 90-91 with his fastball although he has topped at 95. He’s another guy with a lower arm slot release that appears to come at sidearm. Olejnik hasn’t accumulated innings on his arm, only beginning to pitch his senior year of high school and only racking up 68 innings in college, 64 coming this past season. Despite the limited experience, he’s displayed an ability to strike batters out, racking up a 29.5% K rate at Miami of Ohio and currently sitting at a 37.6% K rate in the Draft League in 22 innings pitched. With his height, he’s got great extension allowing the ball to travel less and appear to come in harder. He’s a project arm that sees a lot of room for development. As it stands, his ceiling currently lies in relief although the Angels may try to use him as a starter to begin.

Bridger Holmes - RHP, Oregon State University

7th Round 202nd Overall

Holmes had a dominant career at Oregon State, pitching to a 2.01 ERA in 58.1 innings over 2 seasons, finishing as the closer for the Beavers this last season. Holmes is a sidearmer that sits low 90s with his fastball and has a slider with amazing horizontal movement. His command isn’t the best - he delivered an 11% BB rate over his 2 years. Holmes does have the ability to generate strikeouts although he is more of a pitch to contact guy with his lower velocity and funky delivery. This is not to say he can’t become a strikeout pitcher. His fastball did generate a lot of whiffs in part to his delivery and pitch setup. His slider also has the potential to become a great strikeout pitch. The addition of a third pitch will help immensely in doing so but for now, Holmes may seem best suited as a set-up man due to lack of overpowering stuff and K numbers.

Randy Flores - SS, Alabama State University

8th Round 232nd Overall

Flores is a small middle infielder, coming in at 5’9 180 lbs. He’s also a graduate student making him one of the older prospects in the draft, turning 24 in September. He is a hit to contact guy, using a toe tap as his timing mechanism and generating a clean, level swing that seems to aim to hit the ball. Flores has a good approach at the plate and does not chase but at the result of making weaker contact. He has a good feel for hitting to all fields allowing for good situational hitting. Cause for concern is he did struggle against higher velocity, making even weaker contact than he normally makes. The best trait Flores possesses is his ability to fly around the bases. He’s swiped 30+ bags in two consecutive seasons only being caught 10 times in 79 attempts. Flores' ceiling sees him as a bench bat at the major league level.

Derek Clark - LHP, West Virginia University

9th Round 262nd Overall

Clark had a solid college career, starting all 4 years of his career split between Northwood and West Virginia. Pitching in 56 games, he posted a 3.33 ERA along with a 6.4% BB rate and 23.1% K rate. His approach is more of a pitch to contact rather than a strikeout one doing so with a high 80s fastball, change-up, and a slider. His fastball has a natural drop that makes it out like a sinker, inducing good ground ball rates which allowed him to succeed. His best pitch, however, is his change-up that gives great change between his fastball and tails away from right-handed hitters with great break. He’s got a good feel for both the fastball and change and has good control overall. He is on the shorter side for pitchers as he is only 5’9 so there may not be much in terms of adding velocity. The lack of velocity and a limited pitch selection puts him as middle relief depth / spot starter.

Ryan Nicholson - 1B, University of Kentucky

10th Round 292nd Overall

Another 5th year senior, Nicholson is on the older side turning 24 one month after the draft. Nicholson is 6’4 with a good frame and quick hands. He is a prototypical power hitter with great hard hit rates but worrisome chase rates. His hands get through the zone fast which generates even more power on top of his size. He does have a leg kick that goes out rather than up which could be exposed as he faces more experienced pitching. Swing and miss is also a problem for him as he’s had a 23.5% K rate over his past 2 college seasons. He isn’t the best athlete and grades low for both speed and defense. His projection falls as a power bat off the bench. 

Trey Gregory-Alford - RHP, Coronado HS (CO)

11th Round 322nd Overall

Another exciting late-round grab by the Angels, Gregory-Alford is son of former NFL player Robert Alford. His lineage shows with his size as he comes in at 6’5 235 lbs at only 18 years of age. The Angels will try to lure him away from his commitment to Virginia and sign him. With his great size comes great power as Gregory-Alford has the ability to reach 100 with his fastball and pairs it with an equally great, although inconsistent, slider. His slider release does differ slightly from his fastball release point at times, coming in at a higher angle from his fastball. He also lacks a third pitch that will allow him to develop as a starter. More time spent with professional coaching can do Gregory-Alford wonders as his fastball and slider have top of the rotation potential. 

Fran Oschell III - RHP, Duke University

12th Round 352nd Overall

Another super-sized pitcher, Oschell III comes in at 6 '7 230 lbs. Unlike 6 '11 Olejnik, Oschell has a fastball that sits in the mid 90s and can overpower hitters. He adds to it a curve that does have more of a slider shape with more horizontal break than vertical and displaying a velocity in the low 80s. He also contains a change-up used to throw off hitters and garner whiffs. There are major concerns regarding control, even evident in bullpen and warm up sessions. This past season saw his BB/9 increase from around 4 to over 10 as he walked over a batter an inning. His delivery can be a cause as there is extra movement with his hands as well as a jerky motion. Oschell has the pitch potential to see him pitch in high leverage situations out of the pen but his command will limit his projection. 

Fulton Lockhart - RHP, College of Central Florida

13th Round 382nd Overall

Lockhart saw himself start 3 games for Central Florida before moving to the bullpen the rest of the season. Lockhart has a delivery that gives the perception of higher velocity. He’s got a slow rotation before exploding with the pitch. With his length, he’s got a longer extension and the pitch suddenly comes up at the hitter. His fastball sits in the mid 90s but the above may give the perception around the upper 90s. He’s got a slurve that has a good, late break to it as well as flashing a change-up. However, there are major command concerns with Lockhart with this past season showing 23 walks, 11 hit batters, and 10 wild pitches in only 33 innings of work. On top of command issues, there are injury concerns that come with his explosive delivery as already been shown with a Tommy John in 2022. The above should limit his role to the bullpen although the Angels may try to begin his development as a starter due to the potential of his top 2 pitches. 

Najer Victor - RHP, University of Central Florida

14th Round 412nd Overall

Victor began his college career as a starter before moving to the bullpen in 2023 where he would stay until his draft selection by the Angels. Initially, Victor posted good numbers out of the pen as he put up a 36% K rate and 9% BB rate in 2023 before both numbers fell to 28.9% and 12.5% respectively. He has a fastball that hovers between low to mid 90s along with a cutter that has decent movement and a slider with a bit of a drop to it. He’s mixed around a curveball in the past but has turned more towards the sliders in his pitch mix. He may have the ability to be stretched into a starter with his pitch mix although his secondaries would need a lot of refinement to be able to do so. His projection is that of a long reliever.

Bailan Caraballo - OF, Reborn Christian (FL)

15th Round 442nd Overall

Caraballo is a very physically gifted outfielder, standing at 6’4 180 lbs with a noticeable amount of natural strength that comes with his frame. Despite his length, he’s shown potential to be an above average runner as well. Regarding his swing, there is a lot of extra movement involving his hands slightly dipping as he loads before getting back to starting position and starting his rotation. He does have great bat speed and a natural swing that generates lift on the ball. This provides him the potential to be an above average at worst power hitter in his development. His defensive work can be improved, especially with footwork on routes and rounding balls but his outfield arm is among the strongest in high school, being clocked at a maximum of 95mph. He has the tools to be a quality corner outfielder but concerns come with each of these skills. 

Will Gervase - LHP, Wake Forest

16th Round 472nd Overall

Yet again, Angels selected another tall pitcher with Gervase being 6'9 220 lbs. Gervase did not impress last season, appearing in 9 games and accumulating only 4.1 innings pitched to go along with 9 runs given up. Gervase did play for Pitt Community College the previous 2 seasons before transferring to Wake Forest where he posted solid strikeout numbers over 14 innings. Gervase has a sidearm delivery that compliments his mid 90s fastball well. He also has a slider with solid horizontal movement and a change-up although seldom used. There are major control concerns regarding Gervase and he has heavily struggled hitting his quadrants and limiting free bases. Gervase’s potential comes from his size and the ability to continue adding strength. His delivery and his current fastball already allow him to generate outs but how well his command and secondaries improve will determine where he can play out in the bullpen or be minor league depth. 

Lucas Ramirez - OF, American Heritage (FL)

17th Round 502nd Overall

Ramirez has improved every year of his high school career finishing his last season with the addition of more power. Ramirez is 6’3 205 lbs with lots of room to continue improving upon his recent power growth. There is a lot of movement with his hands before his swing and there are times where he finishes setting late and gets beat with velocity. Ramirez does have a quick swing through the zone with a slight upper-cut that helps with power but the movement in his hands can offset the benefits his swing provides. He’s got good defensive footwork and a quick first step that provides a solid foundation to be a good defensive outfielder. While not the best athlete, Ramirez has the baseball instincts to still prove to be successful. His potential lies on his ability to continue his improvements offensively and the ability to adjust facing tougher competition. Projection as it stands is 4th/5th outfielder. 

David Mershon - SS, Mississippi State University

18th Round 532nd Overall

Merson is an undersized utility infielder, coming in at 5’8 175 lbs. Approach over power is his game as he posted a slashline of .329/.447/.447 in his college career in the SEC while walking more than he struck out. Mershon has great plate recognition and has a good chase rate that shows top of the lineup potential. There is not a lot of power although he did enjoy his own personal breakout in home runs with 4. His exit velocity numbers leave a lot to be desired, especially with the metal bats used in college. Mershon looks to be a standout defender with impressive range and glovework but his weakness lies in his arm. He’s capable of remaining at short, granted a move to second can garner even more defensive recognition. Mershon has major league potential despite being picked in the 18th round and may forgo his selection and return to Mississippi State. Mershon’s projection is an everyday second baseman.

Connor Gatwood - RHP, Baker HS (AL)

19th Round 562nd Overall

Gatwood had limited time pitching in high school due to injuries but the amount of potential he has allowed him to still get recognition and drafted. Gatwood is a 6’5 190 lbs right hander with a lot of power behind his pitches. His fastball has topped out at 97 and he’s got a plus slider to go along with it. He’s got a nice easy delivery as well with the ball coming from the ¾ arm slot and no extra movements. For his age, his command is solid and can improve as he receives more experienced coaching. There is still some to fill out with his frame which should allow him to continue his starter development. Gatwood has the upside for a #3 starter in a MLB rotation and has more potential for improving his upside.

Zachary Redner - RHP, Hillsborough CC

20th Round 592nd Overall

Redner pitched mostly out of relief this past season, however, he consistently logged in multi-inning appearances including a 7 game stretch where he lasted at least 3 innings. His college stats don’t stand out too much but he did have a season in the Florida Summer League where he struck out 29 and walked just 3 batters in 19.2 innings of work. Redner has a fastball that sits in the low 90s and a slider with solid side action that helps him get swing and misses. There is a possibility to stretch him out to a starter although his arm action may prevent him from developing the necessary stamina and durability to do so. His future looks to remain in the bullpen either as a long relief option or leverage reliever.