Ahead of Wednesday evening’s MLB draft, draft prognosticators are divided who the Angels will select in the first round. Among the opinions of six experts, Detmers is the most commonly mocked to Anaheim, but that opinion is by no means consensus. Eight different names are mentioned, and as many note, the Angels’ draft may be compromised by owner Moreno’s financial motives.
The Angels under Billy Eppler have been no dodgers of risk, having selected two prepsters in four drafts, as well as a college catcher only to change positions (Matt Thaiss).
Eric Longenhagen, FanGraphs: Reid Detmers, LHP, Louisville
Detmers gives the Angels quick-moving pitching, which they need, though I also have them on Illinois high school shortstop Ed Howard. Bailey is the best catching prospect in the class.
Kiley McDaniel, ESPN ($): Reid Detmers
Note: McDaniel also mentions Hassell, Howard, Detmers, Cavalli, and Kjerstad.
Jonathon Mayo, MLB: Reid Detmers
Jim Callis, MLB: Robert Hassell III, OF, Independence HS (Thompson’s Station, Tenn.)
The Angels are the toughest team to read in the upper half of the first round. Detmers and Hassell look like the top priorities unless someone else falls. A deal with the Draft’s best true shortstop (Illinois high schooler Ed Howard) is also a possibility.
Keith Law, The Athletic ($): Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF, Harvard-Westlake School HS (Studio City, Calif.)
Note: Law also mentions Howard, Hassell, Mitchell, Cavalli, and Detmers.
Baseball America: Heston Kjerstad, OF, Arkansas
Note: BA also mentions Hassell, Crow-Armstrong, Cavalli, Ed Howard, with conflicting reports on Detmers.
You can watch the 2020 MLB draft on ESPN2 or follow live at MLB.com beginning at 4 PM PST.
Photo credit: Rex Fregosi
Law updated us to Detmers.
My guess is Howard simply because it fits recent profile of the team drafting high-ceiling up the middle guys at positions we don’t appear to need as desperately as pitching. Would be quite “Us” to continue to ignore pitching even in a 5 round draft with no 2nd pick.