Angels standout prospects in 2024

This story was excerpted from Rhett Bollinger’s Angels Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

ANAHEIM — The Angels had several prospects experience breakout seasons in 2024 to put them on the radar for next season and beyond.

Right-hander Caden Dana, the club’s No. 1 prospect per MLB Pipeline, was one of three finalists to be named the MiLB.com Pitcher of the Year after he dominated Double-A despite being just 20 years old. But he was hardly alone in having a strong season in the Minors.

Here’s a look at how several prospects fared this season and what to expect going forward:

3 players who forced their way onto the radar this year

2B Christian Moore, No. 2 prospect
The Angels have been famously aggressive with their recent Draft picks, and Moore became the latest prospect in that trend. Moore mashed at Double-A Rocket City and would’ve been a September callup had he not suffered a meniscus injury in late August. But he’s put himself in position to possibly be the Angels’ starting second baseman next year. The 21-year-old will head to Spring Training competing for a spot and looks to be in the same mold as shortstop Zach Neto and first baseman Nolan Schanuel.

SS Joswa Lugo, No. 6 prospect
Lugo was signed during the 2022 international signing period for a $2.3 million bonus, and the 17-year-old had a strong first pro year in the Dominican Summer League. He batted .301/.370/.466 with five homers, 11 doubles, three triples, 18 stolen bases and 37 RBIs in 53 games. The big question is if he’ll stick at shortstop with his 6-foot-3 frame, but he turned heads with the way he hit in his debut season. He’s still a few years away from reaching the Majors but is worth monitoring.

C Dario Laverde, No. 9 prospect
Leverde had a slow start offensively at Single-A Inland Empire, hitting .211 through his first 15 games, and the Angels sent him to the Arizona Complex League to work on his hitting and defense. After 18 games in Arizona, Leverde was brought back up to Single-A, where he had a solid year the rest of the way. The 19-year-old batted .301/.397/.404 with two homers, eight doubles and 18 RBIs over his final 42 games. He’s one of two top catching prospects for the Angels under 20 years old, joining 18-year-old Juan Flores, who is their No. 17 prospect and has reached High-A Tri-City.

2 breakout players to watch

RHP George Klassen, No. 3 prospect
Klassen rocketed up Philadelphia’s prospect list after finally harnessing his electric stuff and then was traded to the Angels, along with No. 8 prospect Sam Aldegheri, for closer Carlos Estévez at the Trade Deadline. The 22-year-old, whose fastball reaches triple digits, posted a 3.10 ERA with 135 strikeouts and 46 walks over 93 innings across four levels, including Double-A. He finished with his best start of the year, striking out 12 over six no-hit innings, showing off his immense potential. He could join the rotation at some point next year.

RHP Ryan Johnson, No. 5 prospect
Johnson was the club’s selection in the compensation round of the 2024 Draft. He didn’t pitch in the Minors last season, but he is considered someone who could move quickly through the system after putting up eye-popping numbers at Dallas Baptist University. The 22-year-old has some funk to his delivery at 6-foot-6, but he struck out 151 and walked just 14 in 106 innings as a junior last year. His fastball can reach 100 mph, and he also throws a cutter, curveball and changeup.

1 big question for next season

Will center-field prospect Nelson Rada have a bounceback season?
The Angels challenged Rada this season, putting him at Double-A Rocket City despite him opening the season at just 18 years old. Rada, who was ranked as the club’s No. 2 prospect but is now ranked No. 4, showed some flashes but hit .234/.331/.269 with one homer, 12 doubles, 31 RBIs and 35 stolen bases in 123 games. It’s clear the 5-foot-8, 160-pounder will have to add to his frame, as he had trouble making hard contact. But Rada was nearly six years younger than the average competition and finished strong, batting .394 in 12 games in September. He still could be the club’s leadoff hitter of the future, but he has something to prove.