LA Angels Wednesday News Crash: 42, 2026

Slawinski and Gray clearly targeted for the opening ACL roster. Still raw and learning to command secondaries, but good fastball traits with both. Jesus, who posted those X links, writes the Arizona backfields column at Baseball America, and added more color to those links in his feature today:

Johnny Slawinski, LHP, Angels

As much as the Angels are known to push their higher-end draft picks, they also have a history of going after high school pitchers with plenty of promise. Dylan Jordan and Trey Gregory-Alford were those pitchers last year in the complex. Now, Slawinski, who ranks seventh in the Angels’ system, is next in line, and his first start in extended spring training showed potential.

A long, athletic lefthander, Slawinski offers intriguing upside as a potential starter thanks to his blend of projection and feel. His fastball sat at 94-95 mph and received plenty of whiffs. His slider has taken a step forward, showing sharper bite and the ability to miss bats, while his curveball remains a softer, less consistent look. He also mixes in a fading changeup that continues to develop into a usable third pitch.
As he gains strength and refines his mechanics, Slawinski should find greater consistency and durability.

CJ Gray, RHP, Angels

Speaking of Angels prep pitchers, Gray is another intriguing arm at the complex who fits that mold. The Angels signed him overslot in 2025, awarding a $1.25 million bonus in the fifth round to lure him away from his NC State commitment.

In his outing against the Brewers on Tuesday, Gray tossed two innings, sitting 94–95 mph and touching 97 with his fastball while showing a solid feel for the strike zone. His offspeed pitches were inconsistent at times, and he wore his emotions on the mound when calls didn’t go his way.

Still, Gray remains a high-upside arm. His fastball projects as a potential plus pitch if command continues to improve, while his developing slider and changeup each flash promise. Ongoing work to refine his delivery should help him throw more consistent strikes and fully tap into his explosive, athletic arsenal.