Los Angeles Angels Top 10 Prospects

Want More? Complete Top 10 Prospects Rankings

Get it all: Subscribe to Baseball America

Go 30 deep: Order the 2016 Prospect Handbook!

TOP 10 PROSPECTS
1. Taylor Ward, c
2. Jahmai Jones, of
3. Nate Smith, lhp
4. Victor Alcantara, rhp
5. Jake Jewell, rhp
6. Grayson Long, rhp
7. Joe Gatto, rhp
8. Kaleb Cowart, 3b
9. Jaime Barria, rhp
10. Chad Hinshaw, of

The Angels continue to maintain a contending major league team without much support from their minor league system. It remains to be seen whether that strategy will translate into consistent success, but Los Angeles once again challenged for a playoff spot in 2015.

The Angels won 13 fewer games and missed out on a wild card spot by one game while finishing 85-77 and in third place in the American League West.

Star center fielder Mike Trout again powered the Angels offense, hitting a career-high 41 home runs and leading the AL with a .590 slugging percentage and .991 OPS. He finished runner-up in AL MVP balloting for the third time in four seasons. First baseman Albert Pujols chipped in with 40 homers and ace Garrett Richards returned from a knee injury to lead the staff with 15 wins. Had they simply been mediocre instead of awful in August (10-19), they might have claimed a playoff berth.

Drama characterized the Angels’ 2015 season. Outfielder Josh Hamilton, in the third year of a five-year, $125 million contract, admitted in February to a drug relapse. Major League Baseball declined to suspend him, so the Angels moved quickly to trade him back to the Rangers for modest salary relief. Hamilton’s departure left a hole in left field, and he wound up helping the Rangers beat out the Angels for a playoff spot.

Just before the midpoint of the season, an ongoing clash between general manager Jerry Dipoto and manager Mike Scioscia over the use of analytics came to a head, with the former resigning after three and a half years in the role.
The Angels hired Yankees assistant GM Billy Eppler as Dipoto’s replacement in October. Dipoto quickly found work as GM of the division rival Mariners, and he took Angels assistant GM Scott Servais with him to serve as field manager. Los Angeles also lost assistant GM Matt Klentak, who took over as GM of the Phillies.

Eppler’s first maneuver for the Angels occurred during the GM meetings in November. He traded lefthander Sean Newcomb and righthander Chris Ellis, the franchise’s first- and third-round picks in the 2014 draft, to the Braves for Gold Glove shortstop Andrelton Simmons. While the deal upgrades the Angels’ defense, it also cost a beleaguered system its top two prospects.

Eppler further upgraded the left side of the infield by trading righthanders Trevor Gott, a rookie reliever in 2015, and Michael Brady to the Nationals for third baseman Yunel Escobar.

The Angels received a few notable reinforcements from the farm in 2015 in lefthander Andrew Heaney, righthander Nick Tropeano, catcher Carlos Perez and relievers Cam Bedrosian and Trevor Gott.

After primarily targeting pitchers in the 2014 draft, the Angels selected position players with eight of their top 10 picks in 2015, with all but one of the choices being college products. They made Fresno State catcher Taylor Ward the 26th overall pick and signed him for $1.67 million.

Last Year’s Angels Top 10 Prospects

1. Taylor Ward, c

SCOUTING GRADES
Batting: 50
Power: 45
Speed: 40
Defense: 60
Arm: 70
Based on 20-80 scouting scale—where 50 represents major league average—and future projection rather than present tools.

Born: Dec. 14, 1993. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 190. Drafted: Fresno State, 2015 (1st round). Signed by: Scott Richardson.

TOP PROSPECTS OF THE DECADE
Year	Player, Pos.	2015 Org.
2006	Brandon Wood, ss	Did not play
2007	Brandon Wood, ss	Did not play
2008	Brandon Wood, ss	Did not play
2009	Nick Adenhart, rhp	Deceased
2010	Hank Conger, c	Astros
2011	Mike Trout, of	Angels
2012	Mike Trout, of	Angels
2013	Kaleb Cowart, 3b	Angels
2014	Taylor Lindsey, 2b	Padres
2015	Andrew Heaney, lhp	Angels

Background: The Rays had their eye on Ward in the 2012 draft, when they made the Indio, Calif., prep catcher a 31st-round pick. He spurned Tampa Bay’s advances and spent three seasons at Fresno State. A part-time player in his freshman year, Ward earned the Bulldogs’ starting job for the next two years while doubling as one of three catchers for USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team in 2014. As a junior at Fresno State, he hit .304/.413/.486 with a team-best seven home runs. The Angels used the 26th overall pick to select Ward and address a major organizational need for catching depth. MLB Network’s draft coverage showed an exuberant scene in the Angels’ draft room when they discovered that Ward would be available. Others in the industry were not as convinced that the catcher possessed first-round talent, viewing Ward as a defense-first catcher who would struggle to hit in pro ball. The Angels signed him shortly after the draft for a below-slot $1.67 million bonus and were satisfied with their choice after Ward advanced to low Class A Burlington in his pro debut. He showed impressive defensive skills and made plenty of contact. He hit .348/.457/.438 in 56 games while accumulating more walks (39) than strikeouts (23).

Scouting Report: Ward stands out as a potentially above-average or better defender behind the plate. He already flashes a plus arm, throwing out a combined 35 percent of basestealers in his pro debut. He didn’t always make the best use of his lower half and had some rhythm issues early, but he improved during the 2015 season and put up consistent sub-2.0-second pop times on throws to second base. Ward’s quick feet and athleticism make him a good receiver, especially as he gets more experience and adjusts to the speed of the pro game. He’ll need to add strength to his slender frame in order to survive the grind of catching 100-plus games a year. The Angels believe the extra bulk will come as they integrate him into their strength program. Ward projects to be an average hitter, more likely batting in the lower part of the order, but if his defense develops as the Angels expect that will be enough to earn a big league starting catcher job. He has a good idea at the plate and a fairly simple swing, but can be too patient at times instead of swinging aggressively at pitches he can hit. While he shows some pull power, Ward projects to be more of a line-drive hitter who will stroke doubles to the gaps. Ward’s approach is very much geared to contact and he does a good job of putting the ball in play. He has decent bat speed but will need to get stronger to maximize his power potential. A below-average runner, he moves well enough that he won’t be a baseclogger.

The Future: Ward should be ready for an assignment to high Class A Inland Empire in 2016. If everything goes well, he could reach Double-A Arkansas before the end of the season. He’s the Angels catcher of the future, and if he experiences no setbacks, he will arrive by 2018.

2015 Club (Class)	AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
Orem (R)	.349	.489	.459	109	20	38	7	1	3	19	29	8	5
Burlington (Lo A)	.348	.412	.413	192	10	32	3	0	1	12	10	15	1

2. Jahmai Jones, of

Born: Aug. 4, 1997. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 5-11. Wt.: 210. Drafted: HS—Norcross, Ga., 2015 (2nd round). Signed by: Todd Hogan. Video

Background: The Angels went heavy on college hitters in the 2015 draft, with Jones the lone high school selection among Los Angeles’ top 10 picks. A second-rounder who signed for $1.1 million, he passed on a scholarship offer from North Carolina. Jones’ late father Andre played linebacker at Notre Dame and for one season in the NFL, while his older brothers T.J. and Malachi are football wide receivers for the Detroit Lions and Appalachian State, respectively.

Scouting Report: Jones stands out for his elite makeup and work ethic that will allow him to play above his tools. He played most of the 2015 season at age 17 in the Rookie-level Arizona League, and though he hit .244, the adversity helped him grow. Jones makes hard contact with a good swing path and the ability to keep his hands inside the ball. He hits line drives to all fields but won’t hit for power until he develops more loft in his swing. Jones should be able to stay in center field, where he comes in and goes back well on flyballs, and his average arm makes right field an option. A plus runner now, he may slow down with age.

The Future: Jones could be ready to handle a jump to low Class A Burlington in 2016, but more likely he will stay behind in extended spring training before heading to Rookie-level Orem in June.

2015 Club (Class)	AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
AZL Angels (R)	.244	.330	.344	160	28	39	6	2	2	20	17	33	16

3. Nate Smith, lhp

Born: Aug. 28, 1991. B-T: L-L. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 205. Drafted: Furman, 2013 (8th round). Signed by: Todd Hogan.

TOP DRAFT PICKS OF THE DECADE
Year	Player, Pos.	2015 Org.
2006	Hank Conger, c	Astros
2007	Jon Bachanov, rhp (1st round supp.)	Did not play
2008	Tyler Chatwood, rhp (2nd round)	Rockies
2009	Randal Grichuk, of	Cardinals
2010	Kaleb Cowart, 3b	Angels
2011	C.J. Cron, 1b	Angels
2012	R.J. Alvarez, rhp (3rd round)	Athletics
2013	Hunter Green, lhp (2nd round)	Angels
2014	Sean Newcomb, lhp	Braves
2015	Taylor Ward, c	Angels

Background: Since signing for just $12,000, Smith has advanced rapidly through the system and could reach the big leagues as soon as 2016. Turning in an impressive half-year in his return to Double-A Arkansas after finishing the 2014 season there, Smith then headed to Toronto with Team USA for the Pan American Games. There, he earned the win against Cuba in the semifinal.

Scouting Report: Smith finished the season with seven starts at Triple-A Salt Lake, where fatigue and the Pacific Coast League got to him. Smith added a viable fourth pitch to his repertoire in 2015, as his serviceable slider helped his other pitches play up. Armed with the new pitch, he’s more of a safe bet to stay in the rotation as a No. 4 starter instead of profiling as more of a swingman. Smith’s fastball sits 87-91 mph, delivered from a high three-quarters arm slot. The difference-maker in Smith’s arsenal is a plus changeup he commands well and uses to get swings and misses. Rounding out his repertoire is an average curveball in the mid-70s. He consistently lands all four of his pitches in the strike zone.

The Future: Smith will get another shot at Triple-A in 2016 and could be one of the first pitchers called up when an arm is needed.

2015 Club (Class)	W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO	AVG
Arkansas (AA)	8	4	2.48	17	17	1	0	102	82	10	28	81	.216
Salt Lake (AAA)	2	4	7.75	7	7	0	0	36	48	7	15	23	.308

4. Victor Alcantara, rhp

Born: April 3, 1993. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 190. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2011. Signed by: Roman Ocumarez.

Background: Alcantara continues to tantalize with his power arm and dynamic three-pitch mix, moving one level at a time since starting his Angels career in the Dominican Summer League in 2012. The results in his first try at high Class A Inland Empire were inconsistent. He mixed dominating starts with bad to go 7-12, 5.62 in 27 starts.

Scouting Report: Alcantara delivers his fastball from 92-97 mph with a violent arm action that significantly affects his command, but when he’s going well, batters don’t have comfortable at-bats. His 88-91 mph slider flashes plus at times but is inconsistent, and his changeup is an average pitch but too firm at 86-90 mph. While his command still grades as below-average, Alcantara’s walk rates have dropped from 5.3 per nine innings in 2013 to 3.8 in 2015, with the biggest improvement coming by focusing on his direction to the plate. His stuff is as good as any pitcher’s in the organization, but he needs to continue to repeat his delivery and throw strikes. His delivery has been compared with that of big league reliever Fernando Rodney.

The Future: Alcantara will move to Double-A Arkansas in 2016. A majority of evaluators believe he would be better served as a power arm in the bullpen, but for now he’ll remain in the rotation while refining his command.

2015 Club (Class)	W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO	AVG
Inland Empire (Hi A)	7	12	5.63	27	27	0	0	136	152	10	58	125	.219

5. Jake Jewell, rhp

Born: May 16, 1993. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 215. Drafted: Northeastern Oklahoma A&M JC, 2014 (5th round). Signed by: Drew Chadd.

LARGEST BONUSES IN CLUB HISTORY
Roberto Baldoquin, 2015	$8,000,000
Jered Weaver, 2004	$4,000,000
Kendrys Morales, 2004	$3,000,000
Sean Newcomb, 2014	$2,518,400
Kaleb Cowart, 2010	$2,300,000

Background: Jewell spent the last part of his college career as a closer at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M JC, but the Angels envisioned him as a starter and went over slot to sign the 2014 fifth-round pick for $250,000. He started strong at low Class A Burlington in 2015, recording a sub-3.00 ERA over the first two months while working shorter outings, but his ERA ballooned to 5.37 in the second half while he adjusted to higher pitch counts and worked to refine his changeup.

Scouting Report: Jewell takes a solid four-pitch mix to the mound, highlighted by a plus, heavy fastball with late tail that sits 91-96 mph and touches as high as 99. His fastball velocity fell in the second half as he wore down as a starter and in his first full season. His high-70s, plus changeup with split action is now his best secondary pitch, giving him a secondary offering that batters have trouble squaring. He made significant advances with his changeup in the second half of 2015, and it’s now a separator. He shows the ability to spin both a slider and curveball. Both are inconsistent now but project as average offerings. Jewell has a loose arm and a strong build, and he throws all four pitches for strikes.

The Future: Jewell will move up to high Class A Inland Empire in 2016, with the Angels planning to increase his innings total to around 140.

2015 Club (Class)	W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO	AVG
Burlington (Lo A)	6	8	4.77	31	15	0	2	111	110	8	31	110	.263

6. Grayson Long, rhp

Born: May 27, 1994. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-5. Wt.: 230. Drafted: Texas A&M, 2015 (3rd round). Signed by: Rudy Vasquez.

Background: Long served as a rotation workhorse for the Texas A&M team that fell one win short of reaching the 2015 College World Series. After signing with the Angels as a third-round pick for $548,600, he worked just 20 innings for his pro debut after logging 96 frames during the spring for the Aggies.

Scouting Report: Long is a big, physical righthander, similar in body type and repertoire to 2014 third-rounder Chris Ellis, whom the Angels traded to the Braves, along with Sean Newcomb, for shortstop Andrelton Simmons. He also draws comparisons with system-mate Joe Gatto, though scouts believe a better delivery gives Long a better chance to remain a starter at the next level. His above-average fastball with good angle sat 90-91 mph at Rookie-level Orem, just a tick below his college velocity. A fresh arm and a winter of conditioning and rest should remedy that. None of his three secondary pitches projects to be more than average, but his advanced pitchability allows Long to be successful. Also, by repeating his high three-quarters arm slot, he can locate his pitches down in the zone.

The Future: Long will get back on a full work schedule in 2016 at low Class A Burlington. He projects as a back-end starter whose command and pitchability should allow him to stick in that role.

2015 Club (Class)	W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO	AVG
Orem (R)	0	0	5.03	13	12	0	0	20	19	1	10	22	.253

7. Joe Gatto, rhp

Born: June 14, 1995. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 225. Drafted: HS—Richland, N.J., 2014 (2nd round). Signed by: Nick Gorneault. Video

BEST TOOLS
Best Hitter for Average	Jahmai Jones
Best Power Hitter	Eric Aguilera
Best Strike-Zone Discipline	Taylor Ward
Fastest Baserunner	Ayendy Perez
Best Athlete	Jahmai Jones
Best Fastball	Victor Alcantara
Best Curveball	Joe Gatto
Best Slider	Austin Adams
Best Changeup	Jake Jewell
Best Control	Jaime Barria
Best Defensive Catcher	Taylor Ward
Best Defensive Infielder	David Fletcher
Best Infield Arm	Kaleb Cowart
Best Defensive Outfielder	Jahmai Jones
Best Outfield Arm	Jared Foster

Background: Gatto netted a $1.2 million bonus after being taken by the Angels in the second round in 2014. He bypassed a commitment to North Carolina, much like Tigers 2007 first-rounder Rick Porcello, another prominent New Jersey prep who had committed to UNC. The righthander still hasn’t reached full-season ball, moving up to Rookie-level Orem in 2015 after pitching primarily in the Rookie-level Arizona League in 2014 .

Scouting Report: Gatto stands out for his ideal pitcher’s frame with broad shoulders, long limbs and lower body strength. His delivery is a little stiff, but the ball comes out of his hand easily with good extension. His above-average fastball sits in the low 90s and touched 95 mph in Orem, with a little cutting action. His curveball projects as an above-average pitch but gets loopy at times. The coaching staff at Orem had Gatto working on his changeup, which has some sink but can be inconsistent. He doesn’t have separating arm speed, and he struck out just 6.3 batters per nine innings in 2015, but he compensates with average control and an elite groundball rate. He recorded a 2.8 groundout-to-airout ratio at Orem that would have led the Pioneer League had he pitched enough innings to qualify.

The Future: Scouts project a move to the bullpen for Gatto unless he improves his delivery and fastball command. He will make his full-season debut at low Class A Burlington in 2016.

2015 Club (Class)	W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO	AVG
Orem (Rookie)	2	3	4.31	12	12	0	0	54	73	4	17	38	.340

8. Kaleb Cowart, 3b

Born: June 2, 1992. B-T: B-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 220. Drafted: HS—Adel, Ga., 2010 (1st round). Signed by: Chris McAlpin.

Background: A first-round pick in 2010 and the system’s top prospect as recently as 2013, Cowart was demoted to high Class A Inland Empire to begin 2015 after two abysmal years at Double-A Arkansas. He seemed destined for a return to extended spring training to give pitching a try, but he experienced a breakthrough with the help of 66ers hitting coach Brent Del Chiaro. He moved to Triple-A Salt Lake and eventually the big leagues.

Scouting Report: Cowart adjusted both the point at which he started his hands as well as the timing of his foot strike during his swing. His confidence returned and he hit .285/.363/.442 in 113 minor league games on his way to Anaheim for a 34-game trial. Cowart now takes a more simplified approach at the plate, and the switch-hitter continues to impact the ball more frequently from the right side. He has plenty of raw power but has struggled to get to it in games. Despite his offensive struggles, Cowart always has been a plus defender at third base with an elite, double-plus arm.

The Future: Cowart will get another chance at a big league job in 2016 spring training, though he probably will return to Salt Lake for more seasoning.

2015 Club (Class)	AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
Inland Empire (Hi A)	.242	.326	.387	194	32	47	14	4	2	23	22	43	10
Salt Lake (AAA)	.323	.395	.491	220	35	71	13	3	6	45	29	64	2
Los Angeles (MLB)	.174	.255	.283	46	8	8	2	0	1	4	5	19	1

9. Jaime Barria, rhp

Born: July 18, 1996. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 205. Signed: Panama, 2013. Signed by: Roman Ocumarez.

PROJECTED 2019 LINEUP
Catcher	Taylor Ward
First Base	C.J. Cron
Second Base	David Fletcher
Third Base	Kaleb Cowart
Shortstop	Andrelton Simmons
Left Field	Chad Hinshaw
Center Field	Mike Trout
Right Field	Kole Calhoun
Designated Hitter	Albert Pujols
No. 1 Starter	Garrett Richards
No. 2 Starter	Andrew Heaney
No. 3 Starter	Jered Weaver
No. 4 Starter	Tyler Skaggs
No. 5 Starter	Nate Smith
Closer	Victor Alcantara

Background: A native of Panama who signed with the Angels in 2013 for $60,000, Barria began his first U.S. season in the Rookie-level Arizona League in 2015 with a 31-to-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 36 innings. Los Angeles bumped him to Rookie-level Orem shortly after he reached his 19th birthday.

Scouting Report: Barria’s biggest improvement occurred during extended spring training, as he started trusting his fastball and worked in a two-seamer more often. Scouts then noticed another jump forward during instructional league. He projects as a back-end starter with good downward angle on his pitches. Barria’s fastball with armside life sits 88-93 mph, but his best pitch is a changeup projecting to be at least above-average. His average curveball is a hard, three-quarters slurve. He pitches to contact and is noted for throwing quality strikes. Barria has a clean, repeatable, high-three-quarters arm slot that allows him to throw his two-seamer, and he uses the same arm speed to deliver his fastball and curveball. He projects to add velocity as his well-conditioned body matures.

The Future: While he struggled after the promotion to Orem, Barria has enough pitching savvy and maturity to handle low Class A Burlington at some point in 2016.

2015 Club (Class)	W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO	AVG
AZL Angels (R)	3	0	2.00	7	6	0	0	36	40	0	3	31	.280
Orem (R)	2	4	6.21	8	8	0	0	33	45	4	7	30	.324

10. Chad Hinshaw, of

Born: Sept. 10, 1990. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 200. Drafted: Illinois State, 2013 (15th round). Signed by: Joel Murrie.

Background: A four-year player at Illinois State drafted in the 15th round in 2013, Hinshaw was a sleeper who emerged in 2014 by hitting 16 homers and stealing 41 bases at two Class A levels. He continued his development with a strong year at Double-A Arkansas in 2015, followed by an even more impressive performance in the Arizona Fall League in which he hit .349. He missed 10 weeks during the 2015 season after tearing a thumb ligament.

Scouting Report: Hinshaw is notable for his outstanding makeup and reputation as a student of the game, but he also owns impressive tools. He’s an above-average runner and a plus basestealer, having stolen 27 bases in 32 tries in 2015. Hinshaw is at least an above-average defender who gets good jumps and is capable of handling all three outfield positions. At the plate, he has a line-drive stroke but with not a lot of power. He worked on his bat path during the season, shortening his stroke and doing a better job of controlling the strike zone. He still strikes out a lot—24 percent of the time at Double-A—but counters that by drawing a fair number of walks.

The Future: Hinshaw profiles best as a righthanded-hitting extra outfielder with a good chance of getting to the big leagues in that role. At age 25, he will move up to Triple-A Salt Lake in 2016.