LA Angels Will Pick 17th in 2018 Draft, Who Will They Take?

The LA Angels season ended on a high note with a victory over the Seattle Mariners in Game 162. Their final record put them as the 14th best team in baseball, which gives them the 17th pick in 2018.

The LA Angels could have done their future a favor by losing the final few games of the season, but their “never say die” attitude was definitely fun to watch over the season’s final weekend. With the 17th pick, the Angels won’t be able to find a bona fide top prospect, but will definitely have the opportunity to find a franchise cornerstone.

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The Halos farm system doesn’t have a lot of top-tier talent, but they do have two outfielders inside the top-100 prospects list. Jo Adell and Jahmai Jones are both extremely athletic, five-tool outfielders. This will allow the Halos to focus on positions closer to the plate.

Pitchers

The Halos only chance at a true ace is Garrett Richards. Nobody else in their system has the potential to reach that level of dominance. This is something the Angels may want to change with their first round pick come 2018.

There will be plenty of names to choose from, with both the collegiate and prep arms looking outstanding for the upcoming draft. Baseball America recently had the Halos selecting Florida high school pitcher Carter Stewart, a right-handed pitcher with a wicked curveball. A collegiate player to watch would be lefty Ryan Rolison out of Mississippi.

Second Base

The Angels haven’t had a solid second baseman since Howie Kendrick was traded, and could use a future stud there. Nick Madrigal out of Oregon State could be a potential option. While Madrigal is a top ten talent, he stands at 5’7″ and weighs 160 pounds. However, the Angels have seen what Jose Altuve (5″6″) can do on the diamond, and would be wise to pick up Madrigal if he were to fall.

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No one knows who the Angels will select with their first pick in 2018. However, they would be wise to draft someone that has high potential instead of a high floor, just in case they cannot retain Mike Trout when he hits free agency.