Los Angeles Angels 2018 MLB Draft Grades

Best Pure Hitter: The Angels drafted prep hitters with their first two picks before selecting pitchers with their next 11 picks and 16 of their next 18. So, both OF Jordyn Adams (1) and SS Jeremiah Jackson (2) stand out in the class for their hittability with Jackson holding the edge on Adams in that department. Jackson has some swing and miss in his game, but when he’s timing is down, he has good feel at the plate.

Best Power Hitter: Jackson also has at least plus raw power that he’s already unlocking in games, hitting seven home runs in 43 games this summer. Some scouts also gave Adams plus raw power. Fastest Runner: OF Datren Bray (19) is a true top-of-the-scale runner who is still raw as a player. Adams may have that kind of speed now, but he’ll probably end up with closer to 70-grade speed as he physically matures.

Best Defensive Player: Adams and Bray both profile as plus defenders in center field thanks to their speed. Both need to refine their defense, but the raw tools are there for them to be high-end defenders.

Best Fastball: RHP Aaron Hernandez (3) this spring ran his fastball up to 98 mph for Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. RHP Kyle Bradish (4) in short stints throws his fastball in the mid 90s with cutting action, leading to plenty of swings and misses.

Best Secondary Pitch: Both Bradish and RHP Andrew Wantz (7) have breaking balls that grade out as plus. Bradish’s is a deep, 12-to-6 curveball, while Wantz throws a slider that helped him strike out 47 of the 99 batters he faced in pro ball.

Best Pro Debut: Wantz impressed out of the bullpen as a senior sign, averaging more than 18 strikeouts per nine innings. Adams was off to a solid start to the summer and was promoted to the Pioneer League before an injury cut his season short.

Best Athlete: Adams was signed with North Carolina to play both football and baseball and has elite athleticism. He was slated to play wide receiver in college and those tools stand out on the diamond.

Most Intriguing Background: If it weren’t for Adams, RHP William English (5) would clearly be the best athlete in the Angels’ draft class. He was the first inner-city Detroit player drafted since 1988, has two-way talent on the diamond and played basketball in high school.

Closest To The Majors: Wantz and RHP Austin Warren (6) both pitched well over the summer and, as relievers, figure to move quickly in the minor leagues. Both have fastballs that reach 95 mph and mix in good sliders.

Best Late-Round Pick: RHP Connor Van Scoyoc (11) offers plenty of projection on the mound that is typical of a northern prep pitcher. RHP Luis Alvarado (17) was a two-way player at Nebraska but his future is on the mound, where he has a big arm and will be developed as a starter.

The One Who Got Away: RHP Isaiah Campbell (24) this spring was inconsistent as he worked his way back from an injury that cost him his sophomore season. But he has an ideal pitcher’s frame and big stuff. He’ll return to Arkansas to front its rotation as a redshirt junior.