LA Angels MLB Draft Preview: Three Round Mock Draft 1.0

With the LA Angels and the rest of the MLB only 70 days away from the 2019 MLB Amateur Draft, it’s time for our first mock draft of the year, with two more right up until June 3rd, the first night of the 2019 MLB Draft.

This preview will preview how the first three rounds of the MLB Draft could go for Billy Eppler and the LA Angels. With Mike Trout in Anaheim for the long haul, and apparently very interested in the team’s farm system, Eppler can give complete focus to the long-term health of the organization with this draft.

Round One, Pick 15: Nick Lodolo, LHP, Texas Christian University

This is the dream pick for Billy Eppler and the LA Angels. Lodolo came into the year as a late first/early second round type of prospect. However, after a dominant start to the year, has seen his stock rise as far as anybody’s this year.

This isn’t the first time I’ve written about Lodolo, as he was one of three pitchers I highlighted as first round fits for the Angels. Since that article last week, Chris Sale-lite went out had what was arguably his best start of the season, throwing eight innings of mesmerizing baseball against the Texas Longhorns, who have one of the best lineups in the entire NCAA.

In those eight innings, Lodolo allowed nine hits but also struck out nine batters. He allowed one run in the outing, but nonetheless proved yet again why he is more than worthy to be the Halos’ first round pick.

The only worry the Angels should have in terms of drafting Lodolo in June is whether or not they’ll get the opportunity to. He might just pitch himself out of their range if he continues this absolute dominance throughout the NCAA season. However, with a plethora of catchers and high school pitchers ranked highly, there is still a chance Lodolo is still available at No. 15. If so, Eppler needs to select Lodolo and never look back.