Angels: Five prospects to watch on 60-man player pool

60-man player pool top prospects – Reid Detmers, Left-Handed Pitcher

After a string of outfielders sparking the conversation, it feels good to know that the Angels have also made strides in developing pitching over the last few years. While Reid Detmers has only just signed with the team after being drafted with the 10th overall pick, there is already excitement building for the lefty.

A product out of Louisville, Detmers put up eye-popping strikeout numbers during his three seasons in the ACC. Over 192 college innings, Detmers fanned hitters at a clip of 13.4 K/9, including mowing down 48 hitters in just 22 innings before the shutdown in 2020. What makes Detmers’ numbers more impressive is the fact that he does so without plus velocity, but rather with exceptional control of three pitches and the ability to change speeds anywhere in the count.

It is this advanced approach that gives pundits the impression that Detmers will be a quick mover through the Angels system and was likely the most advanced pitcher in the 2020 MLB Draft. That was a big reason why the Angels selected him with their pick, opting to go with someone who could fill an immediate need over some of the more toolsy projects.

As the Angels know, there is no harm in having extra pitching available, as the team has known way too many injuries with its pitching staff over the last several seasons. Having Detmers available and ready to go could be a boon to the team, if for no other reason than as an insurance policy for 2020 and development for 2021.