LA Angels Top Prospect Countdown: #15 Michael Hermosillo

The LA Angels have one of the worst farm systems in baseball. However, they have a good mix of prospects who will help soon and some with star potential down the road. In this series, we will evaluate each of the Angels Top 30 prospects. Today, it’s outfielder Michael Hermosillo.

The LA Angels may have just struck gold when they drafted Michael Hermosillo. Taken in the 28th round of the 2013 draft (the 847th pick), Hermosillo was a multi-sport athlete in high school. However, it did not take long for the Angels to find out that baseball is his true calling.

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Hermosillo burst onto the scene in his first season of Rookie ball. In 11 games, he hit .375. In those 11 games, it became obvious how mature he already was as a hitter. He showed how well he can work the strike zone by fouling balls off, walking often, and minimizing strikeouts. He continued to use this approach, slowly moving up the Angels farm system.

Hermosillo spent 2016 in Single-A and Single-A Advanced. He had his best season yet, hitting .317 with 15 doubles, five triples, and six home runs. He drove in 39 runs and scored himself 58 times. Hermosillo walked 34 times while striking out 52 times. In the field, Hermosillo turned his athletic background into playing solid defense in every outfield spot.

The only obvious knack on Hermosillo’s game is his ability to steal bases. Someone as athletic as him should be able to swipe bags at a rate better than 50%, which he did in 2016.

This year, Hermosillo started off in Single-A Advanced for the Inland Empire 66ers. He was among the best hitters in the league, as he hit .321 with five runs and two RBI’s in 13 games. While doing this, he played multiple outfield positions in elite form. He walked nine times against 15 strikeouts, and had six extra-base hits. 

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This hot start earned Hermosillo a call up to the Double-A Mobile Baybears. This is his first trip outside of Single-A, and Hermosillo has played like it. Hermosillo is hitting .151 through 20 games, with 31 strikeouts to 15 walks. He has improved on the basepaths, stealing five bases without being caught so far. He also has a double, triple, and homer to his name.

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While he has struggled, Hermosillo is still a very promising young prospect. He has time to mature in Double-A this season. Let me remind you that Hermosillo was not supposed to be this good, especially this early in his career. If he continues to add strength, refine his game, and improve as an all-around ballplayer this season, Hermosillo could find himself on big league club when rosters expand next season. That could very well lead to a starting job in the future for this draft steal.