The MLB draft often flies under the radar compared to other North American sports drafts, primarily because it can take years for draftees to reach the majors. For instance, among first-round picks from 1996 to 2011 who didn’t return to college, only 66.7% made it to the big leagues. This means there’s a decent chance—about one in three—that a drafted player may not ever play at that level.
But the Los Angeles Angels seem to be breaking the mold when it comes to their drafting strategy.
Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images
Since 2020, the Angels have made five first-round selections. Remarkably, four of those players—Reid Detmers (2020, 10th overall), Sam Bachman (2021, 9th), Zach Neto (2022, 13th), and Nolan Schanuel (2023, 11th)—have already made their major league debuts.
As for the fifth player, Christian Moore, he was picked eighth overall in the 2024 draft and quickly showcased his potential with a strong stint at the Class-A level, going 6 for 11 in his first two games.
Just days later, the Angels announced his promotion to Double-A Rocket City, bypassing the advanced Class-A tier entirely.
The Los Angeles Angels are promoting INF Christian Moore to Rocket City (Double-A).
Moore was the 8th overall pick in this year’s draft and hit .545 with 3 extra-base hits in 2 games for Inland Empire.#Angels
— Chase Ford (@_chaseford) August 2, 2024
The Angels continue their bold approach to player development. As farm director Joey Prebynski stated in a recent interview, the strategy focuses on meeting players where they are in their growth and has created a sense of urgency within the organization.
Yet, despite this high-paced approach, the Angels’ major league performance hasn’t significantly improved:
- 2020: 26-34 (4th in AL West)
- 2021: 77-85 (4th)
- 2022: 73-89 (3rd)
- 2023: 73-89 (4th)
- 2024: 47-62 (4th, as of now)
Ironically, the Angels’ struggles have allowed them to draft higher, giving them access to ready-to-play talents. Teams that succeed consistently don’t have the same luxury.
Despite the mixed results, the Angels are forging ahead with their strategy. Detmers did throw a no-hitter in 2022 and is currently in Triple-A, while other drafted players face their own challenges, like Bachman, who is still trying to secure his place on the roster.
As for Moore, at just 21, he’s got a promising future ahead, and his path to the majors looks encouraging.