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The Angels have long been known to fast-track young talent to the MLB level. Who’s next to adhere to the process of prospect progression in Anaheim?

Written By: AJ Stone (1/6/26)

The Angels have long been known to fast-track young talent to the show, as was seen with first baseman Nolan Schanuel and even this past season with pitcher Ryan Johnson. Los Angeles has a few intriguing pieces that could play key roles in 202,6 depending on the team’s success. The minor league system the Angels possess isn’t profound, but top-end talent could definitely factor in and, if nothing else, make a brief cameo in September. 

PLAYER 1: Ryan Johnson 

The young reliever who was selected in the second round of the 2024 draft has had an interesting career arc to this point. Johnson made headlines when he found his way onto the Angels’ big-league roster before ever setting foot on a minor league field. Los Angeles has been known to rush prospects, but this situation was simply ajar.

Unsurprisingly, Johnson found little to no success in his limited MLB stint, pitching to a 7.36 ERA in 14.2 innings. The surface-level numbers don’t entirely do Johnson justice, however. When you take a look at his advanced metrics, he does a lot of things very well.

Baseball Savant has Johnson well above average in statistical categories such as average exit velocity against, hard-hit percentage, and groundball percentage. These all paint a picture that screams quality arm.

The lack of success at the big league level likely derives from Johnson’s immature ability to command the baseball. Many of his pitches were left up in the zone, and although he maintains deceptiveness, he has never been the type to blow hitters away.

If the young, imposing right-hander can dial in his command and uphold his ability to stay off the barrel, the Angels are looking at a real weapon to bridge the gap to the 8th and 9th innings. 

PLAYER 2: George Klassen

The young right-hander drafted in 2023 by Philadelphia currently slots in as the Angels’ #3 prospect. Klassen has always had the stuff to play at the big-league level he just hasn’t been a good enough pitcher.

The difference between a pitcher and a thrower lies in the unmeasurable statistics (for the most part). Attributes like command, poise, pitch selection, situational awareness, and confidence all play a key role in any young hurler’s journey to The Show.

Klassen’s personal journey was halted for a moment when he took a line drive off the head that would keep him sidelined for an extended time. Although he didn’t garner much experience last season, Klassen’s arsenal is more than MLB-ready.

The Angels shouldn’t shy away from letting the youngster learn on the job and go through all the trials and tribulations of the big leagues in 2026. 

PLAYER 3: Tyler Bremner 

In the case of most organizations, the name of their 2025 MLB draft selection would be nowhere near a list like this. However, as previously mentioned, the Angels operate on a different timeline.

Bremner currently stands alone as LA’s #1 prospect according to MLB Pipeline. Bremner has yet ot debut in the minor leagues, but some scouts have predicted he may be Ryan Johnson’d and thrown directly to The Show.

Bremner offers hitters a firm four-seam fastball with plenty of carry that touches 98 mph. To play in tandem with his fastball, the developing right-hander twirls a fantastic changeup that scouts have listed as a 70-grade pitch. Bremner throws his changeup in any count, and it induces elite chase and whiff rates. His third pitch, a slider, has some work to be done. He struggled to locate it and often worked from the standpoint of a two-pitch pitcher.

If Bremner makes his way to the Angels roster at any point in 2026, it could be mutually beneficial to start him out in the bullpen. If nothing else, Bremner could make a fantastic September call-up to add some excitement to the mix down the stretch. 

Conclusion: 

Owner Arte Moreno’s Angels have continued down the path of accelerated development year after year. With that being said, you never know who the Halos might thrust into the mix at any moment in time. I look forward to seeing what kind of bullets these young guns possess and if they can register any fatal hits to the rest of the West.