Rebuilding the Halo: My Los Angeles Angels Journey

[XxVols98xX]

When I accepted the dual role of General Manager and Manager of the Los Angeles Angels, I did so with a clear identity in mind—one this franchise hasn’t consistently committed to in years. If we’re going to turn the Angels into a legitimate, sustainable contender, it starts with pitching, discipline, and a unified organizational philosophy stretching from the Dominican Summer League all the way to the bright lights of the Big A.

This report will chronicle a new era—one built on structure, strategy, and a commitment to player development. But before the first pitch of this dynasty is thrown, it’s important to lay out exactly who we intend to be.

A Pitching-First Identity

Every great team is anchored by its rotation. That’s the standard I’m bringing to Anaheim.

My roster construction begins with five strong starting pitchers, not three aces and two patches. I want a rotation where every starter can miss bats, induce weak contact, and command the zone well enough to consistently compete deep into games.

My profile is simple:

High Stuff – Miss bats, control innings.

Above-Average Movement – Limit the long ball, especially in the AL West.

Average Control Minimum – Don’t beat yourselves.

Exception: I’ll make room for high-control arms who can finesse hitters, even if their raw stuff lags behind. Consistency matters.

The bullpen philosophy tightens the focus:

One elite closer as the anchor.

High to elite Stuff across the board to dominate late innings.

Above-average Movement to avoid blowups.

Control can be below average—relievers are here to overwhelm, not paint corners.

Pitching wins championships. We’re building the kind of staff that can suffocate opponents in October.

A Lineup Built on Power, Speed, and Defense

On the offensive side, I want a lineup that can beat teams in multiple ways. We will not rely solely on home runs or station-to-station baseball. Instead, the Angels will prioritize:

Power/Speed threats at multiple positions

Strong up-the-middle defense (C, 2B, SS, CF) to support our pitching-first identity

Athletes who can pressure defenses, not one-dimensional bats

My gameday approach is balanced—aggressive when needed, disciplined when appropriate. But there’s one area where we will separate ourselves:

Stolen bases.
I expect us to finish top 3 in baseball every year. Speed never slumps, and pressure creates mistakes.

Hands-On Leadership From Top to Bottom

This rebuild won’t be limited to the major league roster. I will be hands-on at every level of the organization—from the DSL to Salt Lake to Anaheim.

That means:

Scouting thoroughly

Drafting intelligently

Developing from within as our primary engine of success

Using the waiver wire and trade block as supplemental tools

Strategic free-agent spending, not reckless splashes

We won’t buy a dynasty—we’ll build one.

I’ll throw money around when the right opportunity appears, but the foundation of this team will be homegrown talent molded into an identity consistent throughout the system.

The Mission

Rebuild the Halo. Not with shortcuts or patches, but with a clear organizational philosophy:

Pitching-first.

Defense-supported.

Athletic, versatile lineups.

Speed as a weapon.

Development as our backbone.

The Angels have drifted for too long. Now, we move with purpose.

This is the start of a new era—one defined by discipline, identity, and a commitment to making the Halo shine brighter than it has in years.

Welcome to the journey.

[XxVols98xX]

As we enter the 2025 campaign, one thing is perfectly clear: this team will go as far as the starting rotation takes it. Under my leadership, we’ve committed to building the Angels around pitching—high stuff, dependable movement, and enough control to make it all play. The starters set the tone for the entire identity of our club, and this spring has given us our first detailed look at how this group fits that mold.

Below is the official preseason breakdown of the Angels’ starting rotation.

1. José Soriano – The Power Ace in the Making

When you think about the archetype I build around—high stuff, above-average movement, workable control—José Soriano checks every box.

Stuff: 50/50

Movement: 60/60

Control: 45/45

Velocity: 98–100 mph

Pitch Mix: Fastball/Slider/Curveball/Sinker/Splitter

Tendency: Extreme Groundballer

Soriano’s elite movement and turbocharged fastball make him the most exciting arm in the rotation. He generates groundballs at an extreme rate and has the kind of velocity that forces hitters into defensive swings.

The control isn’t perfect, but his profile fits our model: overpower hitters, keep the ball in the ballpark, and let strong defense up the middle finish the job. With his very low development risk and a 55 potential, Soriano is positioned to become one of the Angels’ foundational arms for years to come.

Expect him to set the tone every fifth day.

2. Yusei Kikuchi – The Veteran Stabilizer

Every rotation needs reliability, and that’s exactly what our veteran left-hander brings.

Stuff: 55/55

Movement: 45/45

Control: 50/50

Velocity: 96–98 mph

Pitch Mix: Fastball/Slider/Curveball/Changeup

Kikuchi is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, and his role for us is simple: bridge experience with power. His stuff plays well, his control is comfortably above our baseline, and his work ethic fits the culture we’re building.

He’s not the long-term answer, but he is the perfect present-day one, giving us stability and innings while our younger arms continue developing.

3. Reid Detmers – The Breakout Candidate

Detmers represents the ideal blend of stuff, movement, and improving command we value in this organization.

Stuff: 50/55

Movement: 50/50

Control: 45/55

Velocity: 94–96 mph

The big development here is Detmers’ projected control growth. If he reaches the mid-50s, he’ll become a borderline front-line arm. He flashes the kind of swing-and-miss stuff that thrives in our system and has already delivered extended stretches of dominance in previous seasons.

His stamina is solid, his hold-runners rating is elite, and at just 25 years old, he fits perfectly into our long-term core.

The breakout is coming—it’s just a matter of how quickly.

4. Jack Kochanowicz – The Homegrown Wild Card

Few pitchers in our organization match Kochanowicz’s blend of size, sink, and control.

Stuff: 40/40

Movement: 50/55

Control: 55/60

Velocity: 96–98 mph

Tendency: Extreme Groundballer

This is exactly the exception I make in rotation building: elite control arms who compensate for lower stuff with movement and command.

Kochanowicz pounds the zone, limits home runs, and gets the ball on the ground. With our defensive emphasis—especially up the middle—he’s a natural fit. His low development risk and steady growth track make him one of the most intriguing arms in the rotation.

He may not light up radar guns like Soriano, but he might out-pitch him some nights.

5. Tyler Anderson – The Mentor, Bridge, and Safety Net

Anderson fills the final spot, offering veteran presence and reliability while younger arms continue to develop in the upper minors.

Stuff: 40/40

Movement: 45/45

Control: 50/50

While Anderson isn’t the high-stuff mold we normally prioritize, his above-average control and consistency give us a stabilizing fifth option. He’s here to provide innings, shepherd younger pitchers, and buy us time as our long-term rotation takes shape.

His presence keeps us from rushing prospects and gives the team a trustworthy back-end arm.

Rotation Outlook for 2025

This group is exactly the type of staff we’re trying to build:

Two power arms with high stuff and elite movement

Two command-driven arms who fit our exception rule

A veteran lefty duo to anchor the innings load

Three pitchers who can hit 96–100 mph

Multiple extreme groundballers who pair perfectly with our defensive philosophy

With a balanced mix of youth, upside, control, and raw power, this staff embodies the identity of our franchise.

The rotation is not just a group of five arms—it’s the foundation of the new Angels.

[XxVols98xX]

If the rotation sets the tone for a pitching-first organization, then the bullpen is where our identity sharpens into a weapon. As a GM who values elite stuff, above-average movement, and relentless late-inning pressure, this group is central to how we close games, protect leads, and choke off rallies.

What we’ve assembled for 2025 is a bullpen that reflects our philosophy perfectly: power arms, groundball machines, and strikeout threats who can shorten games to six innings.

Here is the official preseason bullpen preview.

CL: Kenley Jansen – The Anchor of the Halo

Every great bullpen starts with an unquestionable closer, and our veteran anchor remains one of the most reliable late-inning weapons in the league.

Stuff: 55

Movement: 50

Control: 50

Velocity: 93–95

Arsenal: Cutter / Slider / Sinker

Usage: 9th inning or later

Even at his age, the profile is elite for our purposes: strong stuff, a cutter that still saws bats, and command that stabilizes the late innings. The extreme flyball tendency requires attention, but our emphasis on defense positions us to handle it.

He is the hammer—the bullpen is built around him.

SU: Ben Joyce – The Fire-Breathing Setup Man

If Jansen is the anchor, Joyce is the flamethrower who terrifies hitters before the 9th.

Stuff: 55

Movement: 55

Control: 45

Velocity: 100+ mph

Usage: 8th inning

Joyce embodies everything we want: elite velocity, elite stuff, above-average movement, and just enough control to unleash chaos without losing structure.

Expect him to lead the team in holds and, on days when Jansen rests, earn a handful of saves.

He is our future closer in waiting.

SU/MR: Brock Burke – The Left-Handed Neutralizer

Burke brings a balanced profile that fits perfectly into late-inning matchups.

Stuff: 50

Movement: 55

Control: 50

Velocity: 96–98

A lefty with mid-90s heat and above-average movement is invaluable. He’ll function as a 7th-inning bridge while also taking high-pressure spots against tough left-handed pockets.

Dependable, durable, and efficient—Burke is a bullpen chess piece with quiet importance.

MR: José Quijada – The High-Octane Wild Card

Quijada is a classic high-stuff reliever—volatile, explosive, and dangerous when the control cooperates.

Stuff: 55

Movement: 55

Control: 45

Velocity: 94–96

He checks our boxes for stuff and movement, and while control may waver, he doesn't need to be perfect—just overpowering. His stuff vs lefties is particularly strong, making him an ideal mid-inning matchup arm.

We will use him more often to maximize that value.

MR/LR: Kyle Hendricks – The Control Specialist

Hendricks is the exception that proves our rule: low stuff, but elite control and groundball efficiency.

Stuff: 35

Movement: 45

Control: 55

Velocity: 87–89

Role: Long Relief / Emergency SP

In a bullpen filled with power and chaos, Hendricks offers a stabilizing contrast. He’ll absorb innings, control the strike zone, and function as the emergency rotation option if injuries strike.

Not flashy—but essential.

LR: Ian Anderson – The Comeback Arm

Anderson is a buy-low potential success story.

Stuff: 40

Movement: 45

Control: 50

Velocity: 93–95

His balanced ratings give him a chance to out-pitch expectations. The command is returning, the velocity is steady, and his long-relief role gives him room to rebuild confidence.

If he finds his form, he could push for higher leverage innings by midseason.

LR: Chase Silseth – The Developmental Power Arm

Silseth fits the organizational mold but remains a work in progress.

Stuff: 45

Movement: 50

Control: 45

Velocity: 93–95

Role: Long Relief / Emergency SP

He brings a power mix with developing command. Long relief gives him meaningful innings without overexposing him. If his control bumps up even slightly, he could become a dangerous middle-inning weapon.

He’s exactly the type of pitcher we aim to grow from within.

LOOGY: Garrett McDaniels – The Lefty Specialist

A true specialist with a clear job description.

Stuff: 45

Movement: 55

Control: 45

Velocity: 92–94

Usage: vs Left-Handed Hitters

McDaniels’ movement and stuff vs lefties make him a matchup nightmare. He’ll be deployed surgically—late-inning lefty-on-lefty battles where one swing can change the game.

Bullpen Identity for 2025

This bullpen is everything we envisioned:

✔ High to elite Stuff

Joyce, Quijada, Burke, Jansen

✔ Above-average Movement across the unit

Key to suppressing home runs in tight games

✔ Control acceptable for power roles

Hendricks and Anderson provide balance

✔ Velocity everywhere

Even lefties touch mid-90s

✔ Clear Roles

Jansen: Closer

Joyce: 8th inning

Burke: 7th inning / LH bridge

Quijada: Matchup middle relief

McDaniels: LH specialist

Anderson / Silseth / Hendricks: Long relief & emergency starts

This bullpen is built exactly to our design—power, pressure, and tactical flexibility. It’s the type of group that can slam doors on opponents and transform one-run leads into wins.

And as the season begins, this unit will be critical to our identity as a pitching-first organization.

[XxVols98xX]

As a GM who emphasizes power, speed, and elite up-the-middle defense, our 2025 Angels lineup is built to complement our pitching-first philosophy. This is not a club designed to slug .500 at every position—we’re creating a dynamic, athletic, pressure-oriented offense capable of running, defending, and grinding out wins.

While the middle-of-the-order star power remains the heartbeat, the rest of the roster has been assembled with a clear vision: athletes who make contact, steal bases, defend their positions, and support the pitching staff.

Here is your full preseason breakdown of the 2025 Angels lineup.

⭐ Core Offensive Identity

We’re aiming for a lineup that:

Combines power + speed

Plays strong defense (especially C/SS/CF)

Avoids strikeouts

Creates pressure on the bases

Has multiple players capable of stealing 20+ bags

Protects Trout with competent on-base threats

This isn’t a home run derby team—it’s a pressure offense designed to complement a pitching-and-defense roster.

Table-Setters & Spark Plugs
Luis Rengifo – The Catalyst

The engine of our lineup begins with our switch-hitting leadoff man.

Contact: 60

Avoid K’s: 65

Speed/Baserunning: 50 / 65

Defense: Plus at 2B and 3B

Rengifo fits the identity perfectly—contact, speed, versatility, and above-average defense. He puts the ball in play, sprays line drives, and can steal 20–25 bags with our stolen base–heavy strategy.

He leads off vs RHP and LHP for a reason:
He’s our tone-setter.

Nolan Schanuel – The On-Base Machine

One of the smartest hitters on the roster.

Eye: 75

Avoid K’s: 60

Contact: 50

Schanuel doesn’t chase, doesn’t strike out, and defines our philosophy of controlling the strike zone. He’s not a 40-homer bat—but he doesn’t have to be. He gets on base, lengthens at-bats, and gives Trout traffic on the bases.

Long-term, he profiles as a 2-hole fixture.

Middle of the Order Power
Mike Trout – The Franchise Pillar

The center of everything we do.

Overall: 75

Power: 80

Speed: 65

Defense: Above average in RF

Even as he ages, the power remains elite, the discipline is elite, and the speed still makes him a stolen base threat. With our emphasis on stealing bases, we may see Trout run more than he has in years.

He’ll anchor the lineup from the 3 or 4 spot all season.

Logan O’Hoppe – The Emerging Star

O’Hoppe is our offensive weapon at catcher—a rare luxury.

Power: 60

Contact: 50

Defense: Solid across the board

Speed: Surprisingly good for a catcher (60)

With 75 potential, he’s poised to become one of the best two-way catchers in the league. His bat offers legitimate 25+ HR potential, and his defense stabilizes the staff.

He’s our cleanup hitter against lefties and a top-5 bat against righties.

Taylor Ward – The Steady Producer

A professional hitter with balanced ratings:

Contact: 55

Power: 55

Speed: 50

Defense: Strong corner outfielder

Ward brings stability and production. He’s a gap-power hitter who can hit in the middle or lower third depending on matchups.

Athletes, Defense, and Speed
Jo Adell – The Wild Card with Upside

Few players have more pure athleticism than Adell.

Power: 60

Speed: 70

Defense: 65 in CF

Stealing Ability: 55

Adell is the definition of the power/speed profile we value. His defensive improvement in center makes him a perfect fit for our up-the-middle priority.

If his contact skills hold, he could become one of our most dynamic players.

Nicky Lopez – The Glue Defender

Lopez is not here to slug—he’s here to defend.

Defense: 75 at SS

Contact: 45

Speed: 55

Baserunning: 65

He fits our philosophy perfectly:
elite defense at SS + speed + situational hitting.

Lopez helps convert our groundball-heavy pitching staff into outs. A vital role player.

Travis d’Arnaud – Veteran Stability

As our catching tandem’s right-handed half, d’Arnaud offers:

Solid contact

Good gap power

Strong game-calling

Experience in big moments

He’s perfect for the bottom of the lineup and for mentoring O’Hoppe.

Bench / Role Players
J.D. Davis – RH Platoon Bat

A strong bat off the bench with 55 power and solid discipline. He’ll spell Rengifo at 3B and play DH vs tough lefties.

Kevin Newman – Utility Specialist

Elite contact profile, strong situational bat, and competent defense at 2B/SS. Fits our speed-and-defense identity.

Evan White – Defense-First 1B

Strong glove, athletic defender, and occasional power. Valuable late-game replacement.

Jorge Soler – RH Power Option

A bench weapon with 60 power and the ability to hit lefties. Provides instant slugging off the bench.

Lineup Identity for 2025

This offense reflects our core values:

✔ Strong up-the-middle defense

C: O’Hoppe
SS: Lopez
CF: Adell

✔ Power + speed threats throughout

Trout, Adell, O’Hoppe, Ward, Rengifo

✔ Great baserunning

Rengifo, Trout, Adell, Lopez, O’Hoppe

✔ Disciplined approach at the plate

Schanuel’s OBP skills
O’Hoppe’s balanced profile
Trout’s elite discipline

✔ Pressure baseball

We expect to finish top 3 in MLB in stolen bases.

✔ A lineup built to complement pitching

Good defense, high athleticism, situational hitting.

Final Outlook

This lineup may not lead the league in home runs, but it will win games through:

Speed

Defense

Pressure

Smart at-bats

Timely power

It’s a roster built to support the pitching staff we’ve constructed—and to return Angels baseball to a dynamic, competitive brand.

[XxVols98xX]

As a GM committed to scouting well, drafting well, and developing talent from within, the Angels’ farm system is more than a pipeline—it’s the backbone of the organizational vision. And while our system sits at 26th in MLB heading into 2025, the headline does not capture the reality:

This is a system transitioning from thin depth to high-impact potential.
The philosophy is clear: stockpile young, athletic, toolsy players and pitchers with strong foundations in movement/control while betting on projection.

The 2025 farm doesn’t yet have star power at the top, but it has a wave of 50–55 potential prospects who fit our blueprint and are approaching critical development years.

Let’s break down the system.

⭐ System Overview

MLB Pipeline Ranking: 26th
Top 100 Prospects:

#43 SP Ryan Johnson

#65 SP George Klassen

#95 3B Joswa Lugo

Farm Strengths:

Athletic outfielders

Multiple groundball-heavy SP prospects

Several high-floor, system-fitting pitchers

A rising international presence

Farm Weaknesses:

Lacks elite (60–70 potential) prospects

Very young players still years away

Low star-level upside at the top

But with a pipeline focused on pitchers who limit home runs and hitters who can run/defend, this system is built for organizational compatibility, not flash.

🔥 Top Prospects
1. CF Nelson Rada – The Future Leadoff Man (Potential 55)

At age 19, Rada is the crown jewel of the system—an athletic, high-speed, high-defense outfielder.

Tools:

Speed: 65

Stealing Ability: 70

Baserunning: 75

Defense (CF): 65 range / 65 error

Eye: 50/65

Avoid K’s: 50/70

Rada fits our offensive philosophy perfectly:
speed, contact development, elite defense, baserunning IQ, and the attitude to do whatever helps the team.

The bat is still coming along, and the power may never fully show up, but his floor as a plus defender and disruptive baserunner makes him a future everyday centerfielder.

2. SP Ryan Johnson – Groundball Monster (Potential 50)

Johnson, our highest-ranked pitching prospect, mirrors the type of starter we value:

Movement: 45/50

Control: 45/50

Velocity: 94–96

Arsenal: Sinker / Slider / Changeup / Cutter

GB Tendency: Groundball

He’s the prototype for our rotation philosophy—solid stuff, above-average movement, and developing control. Johnson projects as a back-end innings-eater with upside if his slider jumps.

He should debut no later than 2026.

3. SP Caden Dana – The High-Character Workhorse (Potential 50)

Dana’s profile is remarkably steady:

Stuff: 40/55

Movement: 45/50

Control: 45/50

Velocity: 94–96

Pitch Mix: Fastball / Slider / Curveball / Changeup

What separates him is makeup:
A captain-level personality with leadership traits.
Teammates respect him, and he fits the “hands-on development” culture we’re creating.

With his durability, he projects as a future mid-rotation stabilizer.

4. 3B Joswa Lugo – The High-Risk, High-Upside Bat (Potential 50)

Lugo is the organization’s most intriguing young hitter:

Contact: 25/50

Power: 25/55

Defense: 55 range, 60 arm at 3B

Speed: 45

OPS at DSL: .836 with 11 doubles and 5 HR

At only 18 years old, Lugo shows emerging power and legitimate defensive potential at third. His self-confident personality and pull-heavy swing profile give him a chance to grow into a middle-of-the-order bat.

He is raw, but the ceiling is real.

📈 Other Notable Prospects
SP George Klassen (Potential 50)

A live-armed righty with:

55 stuff

50 movement

50 control

He fits the exact mold of “stuff-first but stable enough to start.” Projects best as a high-K middle-rotation arm or multi-inning relief weapon.

RHP Dylan Jordan (Potential 50)

Another strong movement/control pitcher with developing command. Fits perfectly in our “groundball + low HR” development focus.

CF Jorge Ruiz (Potential 50)

Athletic outfielder with:

Speed: 60

Defense: 55–60

Profiles as a potential 4th OF at minimum, with everyday potential if the bat grows.

RHP Caden Dana / LHP Hince / RHP Flores (All 50/45 potentials)

A cluster of young arms with similar traits: solid movement, decent control, and enough stuff to project as future rotation depth. This group embodies the “build from within” plan.

🧨 System Themes & Organizational Direction
1. Pitcher Identity: Groundballs + Command

At every level, the Angels are loading up on arms with:

Above-average movement

Sinker/slider profiles

Projectable control

Velocity potential into the mid-90s

This matches our major-league philosophy exactly.

2. Athletic Outfielders Everywhere

Rada, Ruiz, Mershon, and Acosta all offer:

Speed

Range

Projection

The farm is positioning itself to produce long-term CF/LF depth.

3. Youth Movement

Many key prospects are:

18 to 22 years old

Far from MLB but with strong development windows

High-makeup, high-effort players

This ensures the system will look very different in 12–24 months.

🔭 Long-Term Outlook

While the overall ranking of 26th may seem underwhelming, the reality is this:

This farm system is entering its growth phase.

We’ve moved away from older, low-ceiling organizational filler and shifted toward:

Young, toolsy hitters

Strong-movement SP prospects

Athletic defenders

High-character, moldable players

International investments

This system is built to blossom in 2026–2028, not immediately.

With our hands-on approach—DS through AAA—this farm will become the engine that sustains the Angels’ identity for the next decade.

📝 Final Thoughts

The Angels’ 2025 farm system is not about star power—it’s about alignment.
For the first time in years, the minors are built around a unified vision:

Build pitching with movement and control.

Develop athletes who defend and run.

Draft and sign players with high upside and strong makeup.

Grow a sustainable core, not chase short-term fixes.

The seeds have been planted.
Now it’s about nurturing, patience, and the right development environment.

The future begins here.

[XxVols98xX]

Rebuilding the Halo – Front Office Shake-Up Marks New Era for Angels

Preseason News & Transactions Report – March 2025

The first week of March has brought sweeping and decisive changes to the Los Angeles Angels organization. Under new leadership, the franchise has made it abundantly clear that complacency—and the patterns that have defined past failures—will no longer be tolerated. The Angels have initiated a top-to-bottom staff overhaul, reshaping virtually every layer of baseball operations from the major-league dugout to the Dominican Summer League.

This is not a tweak.
This is a culture reset.
And it signals the beginning of a new philosophy for Angels baseball.

March 6, 2025 – The Day Everything Changed

In a dramatic and wide-ranging move, the Angels dismissed several key members of the major-league staff, including:

Bench Coach: Ray Montgomery

Hitting Coach: Johnny Washington

Scouting Director: Tim McIlvaine

Team Trainer: Mike Frostad

The organization’s message was unmistakable:
if you don’t fit the new identity, you don’t have a seat.

For a team in the midst of redefining its roster, pitching philosophy, and developmental focus, the leadership group believed the coaching, scouting, and medical infrastructure needed a hard reset as well.

And it didn’t stop there.

Promotions from Within – A New Voice in the Dugout

Rather than turning solely to outside hires, the Angels strategically promoted several internal staff members who have already been developing talent within the system.

Eric Young Sr. → Promoted to MLB Bench Coach

The longtime 3B coach brings energy, communication skills, and experience working directly with both veterans and young players. His leadership style aligns with the club’s renewed emphasis on accountability and player development.

Alonzo Powell → Promoted from AAA Hitting Coach to MLB Hitting Coach

Powell’s work at AAA turned heads. Under his guidance, multiple prospects showed improved discipline, hard-contact rates, and approach—traits the MLB club desperately needs. Promoting Powell solidifies a consistent hitting philosophy from AAA to the majors.

Andy Schatzley → Promoted to MLB 3B Coach

The former AA manager has been recognized as one of the most progressive and player-focused leaders in the organization. His ability to connect with young athletes and translate data into actionable on-field adjustments made him an ideal fit for the MLB coaching staff.

These promotions also create a “development alignment” the Angels have been missing for years:
the same voices who build players in the minors now help guide them at the major-league level.

System-Wide Staff Overhaul

The coaching shake-up wasn’t limited to the MLB staff.

Across AAA, AA, A+, A, and DSL affiliates, the Angels launched a comprehensive restructuring effort, firing or reassigning numerous staff members and promoting others from within the developmental ladder.

This organization-wide movement reflects the GM’s stated philosophy:
from DSL to MLB, one unified identity, one unified message.

No more fractured coaching philosophies.
No more disconnected instruction.
No more outdated development methods.

This is an organization rewriting the manual on player growth.

March 8, 2025 – Key Hires Complete the Overhaul

Just two days after the sweeping dismissals, the Angels filled two of the most critical roles in the front office:

Rick Jameson – Hired as Team Trainer (5-Year Deal)

Jameson joins with a reputation for modern recovery methods, preventative biomechanics work, and athlete-specific conditioning plans. For a team looking to reduce IL stints—and with several players carrying injury histories—this hire is arguably as important as any player acquisition.

Brodie Van Wagenen – Hired as Scouting Director (5-Year Deal)

The Angels bring in Van Wagenen to lead their amateur and international scouting operations. His profile fits perfectly with the GM’s stated goals:

aggressive talent acquisition

a willingness to bet on tools

a strong presence in the drafting room

assertive international scouting strategies

From the upcoming draft to long-term farm system building, this is a foundational hire.

A Clear Message: The Angels Are Reborn

The front office, coaching staff, scouting department, and player development infrastructure have been completely rebuilt within a span of 72 hours. Few teams have attempted changes this sweeping in such a tight window.

But the message is simple:

The Angels are no longer patching holes.
They are building a new organization from the ground up.

From:

modern analytics

unified development philosophies

a new medical direction

aggressive scouting strategies

improved communication from DSL → MLB

…the Angels now have the structural backbone needed to support their pitching-first, defense-focused, athletic identity.

This is the beginning of a new chapter.

The Angels aren’t just rebuilding the Halo on the field—
they’re rebuilding it behind the scenes as well.

[XxVols98xX]

2025 ACL ANGELS SEASON REPORT
A Year of Developmental Breakouts, Hard Lessons, and Foundational Growth in the Desert

The 2025 Arizona Complex League season has officially wrapped, and for the Los Angeles Angels’ rookie-level affiliate, the campaign can best be described as a year of meaningful individual progress within an inconsistent team environment. Despite a 23–29 record and a fourth-place finish in the ACL East, the Angels leave the summer with several standout performers, a clearer sense of organizational direction, and newfound optimism surrounding a handful of emerging young talents.

This is the complete breakdown of the 2025 ACL Angels season.

TEAM IDENTITY & SEASON OVERVIEW

The ACL Angels played exactly like a developmental squad — raw, athletic, and often volatile — but with enough flashes of upside to keep coaches and scouts intrigued throughout the season.

The offense carried the club, finishing:

2nd in the league in OPS (.847)

Top 3 in stolen bases

Near the top in ISO and batting average

The pitching, on the other hand, battled inconsistencies all season and ultimately finished near the bottom in ERA and WHIP. For a roster built on teenage arms and converted pitchers, this was expected, but still highlighted areas for organizational focus moving forward.

HITTING REPORT – SEASON CONCLUSIONS
Samil Dishmey — RF | Team MVP

AVG: .371

OPS: 1.262

HR: 7 | RBI: 25
Dishmey’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. His contact ability, patience, and growing power thrust him into the conversation as one of the Angels’ most exciting lower-level bats. A promotion in 2026 feels inevitable.

Felix Morrobel — SS

AVG: .410

OPS: 1.048
The most polished hitter on the roster. Morrobel controlled the strike zone, found gaps consistently, and showed improved footwork at shortstop. His all-around growth is one of the biggest wins of the ACL season.

John Wimmer — 2B

AVG: .332

HR: 9 | RBI: 47
The team’s RBI leader and a steady middle-of-the-order presence. Wimmer showed advanced run-production instincts and emerging pop.

Victor Rodriguez — 3B

AVG: .284

OPS: .880
Rodriguez paired power with speed (17 SB) and displayed some of the highest offensive upside on the roster. Defensively, he made strides but still profiles long-term at 3B or RF.

Logan Britt — CF

AVG: .309
A quiet but vital contributor to the lineup, Britt proved himself as a reliable on-base presence and a capable defensive outfielder.

PITCHING REPORT – SEASON REVIEW

The staff struggled, but development — not dominance — is the name of the game in rookie ball.

Starting Rotation
Dylan Jordan (SP1)

ERA: 5.77
Jordan took all his turns and gained valuable innings. While the ERA was high, the raw stuff remains intact, and his workload increase is an encouraging development milestone.

Adrian Acosta (SP2)

ERA: 4.00 | WHIP: 1.07
The breakout starter of the season. Acosta’s command improved dramatically, and his efficiency deep into games earned him internal praise. A rotation slot at Low-A in 2026 feels likely.

Barrett Kent (SP3)

ERA: 3.66
The team’s best overall pitcher. Kent controlled at-bats, limited damage, and consistently worked deep into starts. He exits the ACL looking like a legitimate rotation prospect for the organization.

Zach Redner & Kyle Roche (SP4/SP5)

Both arms flashed interesting traits — strikeout ability for Redner, athletic mechanics for Roche — but struggled with run prevention. They remain long-term developmental projects.

Bullpen Overview
Jaren Warwick — Setup

ERA: 2.25
Warwick was the brightest spot in the bullpen, showing control far beyond his age and consistently missing bats.

Fran Oschell — Setup / High Leverage

ERA: 3.38
A reliable late-inning option who kept the ball on the ground and handled pressure well.

Trey Gregory-Alford — Closer

ERA: 5.98
The ERA was inflated, but coaches remain high on his fastball/slider combo. Consistency is the next step.

Middle Relief Core

Many relievers showed flashes but lacked the command needed for stable outings. Several will transition roles or work under more structured pitch-design programs next spring.

TEAM STATISTICAL RECAP
OFFENSE – Strength of the Club

OPS: 2nd

ISO: 2nd

Team AVG: .289

Stolen Bases: 3rd

This group could hit. Run sequencing lagged, but the raw production was among the ACL’s best.

PITCHING – An Area for Improvement

Team ERA: 5.77 (bottom third)

Bullpen ERA: 5.94

Walk Rate: too high across the board

The raw talent is there — the command is not. Expected at this level, but still a priority heading into 2026.

DEFENSE – Below Average

Inexperience at premium positions led to errors and extra bases allowed. Several players will undergo offseason defensive specialization.

END-OF-SEASON SUPERLATIVES
Team MVP: Samil Dishmey
Pitcher of the Year: Barrett Kent
Breakout Prospect: Adrian Acosta
Most Reliable Veteran Player: Logan Britt
Biggest Riser in Organizational Rankings: Felix Morrobel
OVERALL ORGANIZATIONAL TAKEAWAY

The 2025 ACL Angels season finishes not with a playoff berth, but with something far more important for a rookie-level affiliate: tangible developmental wins. The emergence of high-upside hitters, the stabilizing performances of Kent and Acosta, and the refinement of several bullpen arms provide a strong foundation for the Angels’ lower minors moving forward.

This group’s progress — especially in the batter’s box — represents a meaningful step in the rebuild-from-within philosophy driving the Angels’ farm system.

2026 should see many of these players graduate to Low-A Inland Empire, where their next developmental test awaits.

[XxVols98xX]

2025 Los Angeles Angels – Mid-Season Report

Record: 39–54 (.419), 19 GB, 4th in the AL West
As of July 11, 2025

The 2025 season has reached its midpoint, and the Los Angeles Angels find themselves in a familiar place: fighting to stay afloat in a brutally competitive AL West while navigating injuries, roster instability, and inconsistent production. Yet despite the sub-.500 record and a widening gap in the standings, this season has also delivered meaningful development, standout individual performances, and a clearer organizational direction following sweeping front-office changes earlier in the year.

Below is a complete breakdown of where the Angels stand at mid-season.

Front Office Overhaul Still Shaping the Season

March brought one of the most dramatic staff restructurings in franchise history. On March 6, the Angels dismissed bench coach Ray Montgomery, hitting coach Johnny Washington, scouting director Tim McIlvaine, and team trainer Mike Frostad.

Promotions soon followed:

Eric Young Sr. → Bench Coach

Alonzo Powell → MLB Hitting Coach

Andy Schatzley → 3B Coach

And two weeks later, the Angels made major external hires:

Rick Jameson (Team Trainer, 5-year deal)

Brodie Van Wagenen (Scouting Director, 5-year deal)

The organizational philosophy is still settling, but early signs suggest improved scouting depth and stronger injury-management systems moving forward—both glaring weaknesses entering 2025.

TEAM PERFORMANCE
Offense: Mixed Results, Led by Young Core Growth

The Angels rank:

11th in OPS (.690)

12th in AVG (.232)

13th in Runs (396)

13th in HR (89)

13th in OBP (.302)

Despite middling team numbers, several players are shining:

Jo Adell – Breakout Season

.267 AVG | 12 HR | 62 RBI | .739 OPS | 1.8 WAR

One of the brightest points of 2025, Adell is finally delivering the consistent contact and plate discipline the club has long hoped for.

Taylor Ward – Quietly Excellent

.263 AVG | 19 HR | 50 RBI | .820 OPS | 2.0 WAR

Ward remains the team’s most reliable bat and offers strong defensive versatility.

Mike Trout – Still Dangerous

.240 AVG | 10 HR | 29 RBI | .777 OPS in limited time

After a late-May IL stint, Trout has returned and resumed his role as the team’s stabilizing offensive threat.

Zach Neto – Developing Power and Defense

.250 AVG | 7 HR | .820 OPS | Strong defense

Neto continues trending upward, and his glove remains among the better shortstops in the AL.

Jorge Soler – Slugging But Streaky

13 HR | .745 OPS

Stretches of power mixed with long slumps; still a valuable middle-order bat.

Inconsistent complementary hitting—especially from Kevin Newman, Nicky Lopez, and Yoan Moncada—has limited the team’s offensive ceiling.

Pitching Staff: Highs, Lows, and a Potential Ace

Team pitching ranks:

12th in ERA (4.72)

12th in Bullpen ERA (4.81)

13th in Runs Allowed (439)

13th in HR Allowed (118)

Despite team struggles, individual pitchers are excelling.

Yusei Kikuchi – Staff Ace

8–4 | 2.76 ERA | 104.1 IP | 115 K | 1.15 WHIP

One of the AL’s most effective starters this season. His command, swing-and-miss profile, and durability make him the clear #1 in the rotation.

Reid Detmers – Solid Mid-Rotation Piece

3–6 | 4.19 ERA | 96.2 IP | 113 K

Flashes dominance but battles inconsistency. Still trending upward.

Jack Kochanowicz – Rookie Breakthrough

5–0 | 5.73 ERA (results inconsistent, but promising peripherals)

Win total is inflated, but he’s showing legitimate MLB-caliber stuff.

Bullpen Notes

Robert Stephenson: 8 SV, 4.70 ERA – Formidable strikeout numbers but homer-prone.

Kenley Jansen: 10 SV as setup, 3.34 ERA, strong WHIP – A steady veteran presence.

Ben Joyce: 3.31 ERA, elite velocity, improving control.

The relief corps remains volatile, with several arms cycling between Salt Lake and the big-league roster throughout May and June.

INJURY BUG: THE CONSTANT FOE

The IL has been a revolving door:

Major MLB Injuries

José Soriano – Torn elbow ligament (8–9 months)

Luis Rengifo – Fractured rib

Anthony Rendon – Torn hip flexor tendon

Logan O’Hoppe – Concussion

Mike Trout – 10-day IL stint (returned)

Zach Neto – IL stint in June (returned)

Notable MiLB Injuries

Ryan Johnson (oblique)

Charles Edwards Jr. (torn flexor tendon)

Several DSL/ACL pitchers with long-term elbow injuries

The trend of high-impact injuries continues to derail consistency and lineup stability.

TRANSACTIONS: CONSTANT ROSTER SHUFFLING

From April through July, the Angels made dozens of roster moves, including:

Key Promotions

Ryan Johnson to MLB rotation (later injured)

Sam Bachman recalled in July

Multiple bullpen arms cycling up from Salt Lake

Optioned/Demoted

Zach Neto (rehab)

Scott Kingery

J.D. Davis

Hans Crouse

Frequent IL placements

Dozens of short- and long-term IL moves, heavily impacting lineup continuity.

The roster has rarely been fully healthy at any point in 2025.

OVERALL MID-SEASON OUTLOOK
Record Analysis

The Angels sit at 39–54, and though the postseason is highly unlikely, the organization is clearly shifting toward:

Player development

Roster evaluation

Youth movement

Financial reset ahead of the deadline

Bright Spots

Jo Adell’s breakout

Kikuchi emerging as a legitimate ace

Neto and Schanuel forming a young infield core

Improved farm leadership under Brodie Van Wagenen

Bullpen upside with Joyce, Jansen, Stephenson

Areas of Concern

Injury crisis across all levels

Lack of lineup depth

Underperformance from Moncada, Newman, Robinson

Aging veterans blocking younger talent

Starting rotation depth behind Kikuchi/Detmers

REST OF SEASON OUTLOOK

The final months should prioritize:

Youth development – Giving consistent playing time to Schanuel, Neto, Adell, Joyce, and Kochanowicz.

Trade deadline strategy – Potentially moving veterans such as Soler, Stephenson, Burke, Hendricks, even Trout depending on direction.

Stabilizing the rotation – Integrating Bachman and Ryan Johnson once healthy.

Rebuilding identity – Implementing Van Wagenen’s scouting structure and Powell’s hitting philosophy.

Despite the record, the Angels have meaningful pieces in place and appear committed to building a more sustainable long-term model.

If you'd like, I can also write:

A trade deadline preview

A top prospects mid-season organizational report

A magazine-style feature focusing on Kikuchi or Adell

A front-office overhaul analysis

[XxVols98xX]

2025 Los Angeles Angels Draft Class Report
A Comprehensive Look at a Deep, Toolsy, and Pitching-Forward Haul

The 2025 First-Year Player Draft marked the first full amateur draft under your leadership as GM/Manager of the Los Angeles Angels, and the organization came away with one of its deepest, most strategically aligned classes in years. With a philosophy centered on stuff-first pitching, premium athleticism, and up-the-middle positional value, this draft directly reflects the identity you’re building across the system.

This incoming group features top-of-the-draft impact talent, numerous potential MLB contributors, and a clear pipeline of players who match the organizational mold: speed, defense, and high-upside arms with movement and projectable secondary offerings.

Below is a pick-by-pick breakdown of the key players and overall class themes.

⏫ First Round, Pick 2 (Overall): CF Brendan Summerhill

Age: 21 | School: University of Arizona
Bats/Throws: L/R
Overall/Potential: 35 / 75
Scouting Accuracy: High | Dev. Risk: Medium

The Angels’ draft instantly became one of the headlines of 2025 when the club selected Brendan Summerhill second overall. A rare blend of speed (60/70), defense (65–80 in LF/CF), and projection, Summerhill fits perfectly into the Angels’ organizational blueprint. His offensive profile boasts above-average contact potential (40/55), emerging power (40/65), and solid plate discipline.

A polished defender with real CF chops and one of the safer athletic profiles in the class, Summerhill projects as a future cornerstone outfielder. If the bat develops to even 60% of its projected ceiling, he’s an All-Star threat.

Organizational Fit: Elite up-the-middle athlete with speed and defense — ideal for a stolen-base-heavy, run-creation approach.

⏫ Third Round, Pick 79: SP Zach Root

Age: 21 | School: Arkansas
Throws: L
Ovr/Pot: 35 / 80
Pitch Mix: FB 45, SL 45, CB 45, CH 45, Cutter 45
Velocity: 92–94 mph
GB/FB: Flyball | Stamina: 55

Your scouting department may have uncovered a gem here. Root’s 80 potential is the highest of the entire class outside Summerhill. A switch-hitting lefty pitcher with a deep four-pitch foundation and promising command (40/60), Root profiles as a potential mid-rotation or better starter.

While the velocity is only average currently, his projected gains and excellent work ethic give reason to believe he may climb into mid-90s more consistently.

Organizational Fit: Root checks every box for your pitcher blueprint — high stuff potential (70), solid movement, and above-average future command.

⏫ Round 4, Pick 109: SP Hayden Cuthbertson

Age: 21 | Throws: L
Ovr/Pot: 30 / 50

One of the safer arms selected, Cuthbertson offers a strong movement foundation (50/55), high scouting confidence, and a well-rounded projection. His velocity (89–91 mph) may limit upside, but there’s clear backend durability here.

Organizational Fit: A clean, low-risk developmental lefty with starter traits — exactly the type of pitcher who tends to flourish in your pitching-focused farm model.

⏫ Round 5, Pick 140: CF Gavin Guidry

Age: 21 | Bats/Throws: R/R
Ovr/Pot: 30 / 55
A prototypical Angels-style player: speed (65), defense (up to 70), and positional value. Offensively, he’s raw, but his athleticism and defensive ceiling give him a strong chance to advance into at least a 4th outfielder role, with a possibility of more if the bat blooms.

⏫ Round 6, Pick 169: CF William Patrick

Age: 19 | Ovr/Pot: 25 / 55
Elite speed (75), strong instincts, and surprising power projection for a lean frame. Patrick is a developmental project with one of the highest athletic ceilings in the middle rounds of the draft.

⏫ Round 7, Pick 199: C Peter Mershon

Age: 19 | Bats/Throws: R/R
Ovr/Pot: 25 / 55

One of the most interesting positional players of the class. Mershon’s 55 future power, agility behind the plate, and switch-hitting profile make him one of the top long-term catching prospects in the system. His framing and blocking need refinement, but the athletic tools hint at a legitimate everyday catcher upside.

⏫ Round 8, Pick 229: SS Jackson Chirello

Age: 21 | Ovr/Pot: 25 / 45

A glove-first infielder with 55 infield range, 65 arm, and the athleticism to stay at short. The bat lags behind, but if he hits at all, he becomes a viable utility infielder with defensive value.

⏫ Round 9, Pick 259: SP Matt Barr

Age: 19 | Ovr/Pot: 25 / 45
Barr is a potential late-round steal with the best individual pitch in the class: a future 80-grade changeup. While he currently lacks command polish, the fastball plays well off the change and gives him a real role as a future multi-inning relief weapon or dark-horse starter.

⏫ Round 10, Pick 289: SS CJ Hughes

Age: 17 | Ovr/Pot: 25 / 45
One of the youngest players in the entire draft. Hughes is an advanced defender (65 range, 60 arm) with the tools to stick at shortstop long-term. The bat is raw, but his youth buys time — a perfect Angels-style development pick.

⏫ Round 11, Pick 319: SS Diego Velazquez

Age: 17 | Ovr/Pot: 25 / 45
A similar profile to Hughes: rangy, instinctual, and defense-first. Drafting both gives the organization valuable depth and a long runway for development.

⏫ Round 12, Pick 349: SP Anthony Frobose

Age: 18 | Ovr/Pot: 25 / 45
Solid movement and a 55-grade potential slider give him RP upside. Good fit for the Angels’ stuff-first bullpen philosophy.

⏫ Round 13, Pick 379: C Truitt Madonna

Age: 18 | Ovr/Pot: 25 / 45
Another catcher with premium arm strength (55) and solid defensive projection. With two strong catching prospects added this year, the Angels have reloaded a position that had been thin.

⏫ Round 14–20: Final Rounds Overview
Key Arms

RP Tyler Dietz (97–99 mph, 75-grade future fastball) – prototypical Angels bullpen flamethrower.

RP Toran O’Harran (94–96 mph, 70-grade future fastball) – another high-octane late-inning track.

RP Patrick Spencer — solid pitchability with multiple 55+ projected secondaries.

SP Sean Finn — excellent movement, fits the Angels’ preference for pitchers who generate weak contact.

Position Player Highlights

1B/OF Austin Weiss — intriguing 55 power upside.

OF Vaughn Neckar — huge athlete with 60 potential in multiple offensive categories; raw but toolsy.

Overall Class Evaluation
Grade: A–

The 2025 Angels draft is one of the organization’s most tool-heavy and upside-rich hauls in recent memory. The class is built around three pillars:

1️⃣ Elite Center Field Talent

Brendan Summerhill + Gavin Guidry + William Patrick = a new wave of speed and defense.

2️⃣ High-Stuff Pitching Depth

Zach Root is a legitimate Top 50 prospect candidate.
Dietz, O’Harran, Spencer, Barr, Cuthbertson, and Finn give the org Bullpen Factory potential.

3️⃣ Up-the-Middle Defense for the Future

Hughes, Velazquez, Chirello, plus two catchers, reinforce your preference for defense-first development.

This class aligns perfectly with your stated organizational philosophy:
Pitching dominance, elite defensive athletes, and development-focused upside.

The 2025 draft will likely be remembered as the moment the Angels’ farm system truly turned the corner.

[XxVols98xX]

2025 Los Angeles Angels Trade Deadline Report
A Franchise Hits Reset: The Angels Sell Big and Rebuild Their Foundation

On July 31st, 2025, the Los Angeles Angels—sitting at 44–65 with the division out of reach—went all-in on a full-scale organizational reset. The front office executed one of the most aggressive sell-offs in club history, converting veterans into a wave of pitching prospects and young infield talent.

1. Major Trades
🔄 TRADE: Yusei Kikuchi → Yankees

Angels TRADED AWAY:

LHP Yusei Kikuchi

Angels RECEIVED:

RHP Trystan Vrieling (24)

RHP Henry Lalane (21)

RHP Luis Serna (21)

Analysis

Lalane is the gem: left-handed, mid-90s velo, legitimate starter traits.

Vrieling brings plus control and mid-rotation pitchability.

Serna profiles as a future middle reliever with upside.

🔄 TRADE: Jorge Soler → Padres

Angels TRADED AWAY:

DH/OF Jorge Soler

Angels RECEIVED:

SP Humberto Cruz (18)

C Dylan Fien (19)

A high-upside return focusing on youth and long-term development.
Cruz is a raw but intriguing 18-year-old with a full pitch mix, and Fien strengthens the catching depth chart.

🔄 TRADE: Robert Stephenson → Cubs

Angels TRADED AWAY:

RP Robert Stephenson

Angels RECEIVED:

2B Jefferson Rojas (20)

2B Juan Cabada (17)

This may still be the most impactful deal Anaheim made:

Rojas looks like a future MLB infielder with a contact-driven profile and advanced defense.

Cabada, at just 17, has standout speed, bat-to-ball skill, and strong makeup—possibly the highest ceiling of the entire deadline class.

🔄 TRADE: Yoan Moncada → Cubs

Angels TRADED AWAY:

3B Yoan Moncada

Angels RECEIVED:

SP Kohl Franklin (25)

A practical salary dump that clears a roster spot and brings in a controllable depth starter.

🔄 TRADE: Jose Quijada → Yankees

Angels TRADED AWAY:

LHP Jose Quijada

Angels RECEIVED:

RHP Jose Acuna (22)

He has late-inning relief potential with a fastball/slider combo and mid-90s heat.

🔄 TRADE: Nicky Lopez → Mariners

Angels TRADED AWAY:

SS Nicky Lopez

Angels RECEIVED:

CF Rhylan Thomas (25)

Thomas projects as a high-contact, high-defense depth outfielder.

🔄 TRADE: Detmers, Ward, Flores → Rays

Angels TRADED AWAY:

SP Reid Detmers

OF Taylor Ward

OF prospect Randy Flores

Angels RECEIVED:

UTIL Christopher Morel (26)

One of the most surprising moves of the deadline, the Angels converted an underperforming starter, an aging corner bat, and a mid-tier prospect into:

A 26-year-old with 50 hit / 60 power,

Speed,

Defensive versatility,

Three more years of team control.

A legitimate everyday bat and arguably the lone “win-now” piece acquired during the sell-off.

2. Summary of Incoming Talent
💎 Highest Ceilings

Juan Cabada (2B, 17) — 60 potential

Jefferson Rojas (2B/SS, 20) — 55 potential

Henry Lalane (SP, 21) — 50 potential

🔧 Pitching Rebuild Pieces

Humberto Cruz

Trystan Vrieling

Luis Serna

Jose Acuna

Kohl Franklin

🧱 MLB-Ready Foundation

Christopher Morel

[XxVols98xX]

2025 DSL LOS ANGELES ANGELS — END OF SEASON REPORT

Record: 21–39 (.350)
Division: 6th Place — Central Division

The 2025 DSL Angels concluded their campaign with a 21–39 record, finishing 22 games behind the frontrunner in a highly competitive Central Division. While wins were difficult to come by, the season was still productive from a developmental standpoint, with several young players showing meaningful growth and flashes of long-term promise.

TEAM PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW
Offense

The DSL Angels’ lineup battled inconsistencies but featured a few bright, high-ceiling performers who carried the load offensively:

Alexis Cantu (CF, 17) posted the team’s best overall offensive season. Cantu slashed .380/.504/.558 with strong on-base skills, gap power, and notable plate discipline. He led the club in:

Average (.380)

OBP (.504)

OPS (1.061)

WAR (2.3)

Runs (51)

RBI (49) (tied)

Jóswa Lugo (LF, 18) contributed multi-category value with a .340 AVG and a team-leading 35 RBI, emerging as another cornerstone bat.

Bryon Castillo (RF, 18) showed flashes of raw power, hitting 8 HR with a solid .358 BABIP, though with swing-and-miss concerns.

Yilver De Paula (SS/2B, 17) hit .294 with 21 RBI, while showcasing defensive versatility and strong future potential.

The core of Cantu–Lugo–Castillo–De Paula offers emerging promise, even if the lineup lacked consistent depth around them.

Pitching

As is typical in the DSL, pitching was volatile—stretches of strong outings mixed with developmental struggles.

Rotation

Ubaldo Soto (SP, 19)
The staff leader and top innings-eater posted a 4.60 ERA across 47 IP with elite scouting marks (High/Very High). His 92–94 mph fastball, decent movement, and early strikeout ability make him one of the most promising arms at the level.

Fabian Gallardo (SP, 19)
A more inconsistent season (6.85 ERA), but maintained a workable combination of stuff and stamina. He projects as a developmental mid-rotation/long-relief candidate.

Jhon Almonte (SP, 18)
Despite an 11.46 ERA, Almonte’s raw scouting report remains intriguing—projects 35–45 across the board, with 91–93 mph velocity. His potential (35) indicates he’s still early in his refinement.

Andres Cova (SP, 19)
Posted a 7.20 ERA, though limited walks and solid FIP suggest poor defense and bad batted-ball luck played a role.

Bullpen

Sebastian Caseres (CL, 17)
One of the bright spots on the pitching side. Caseres recorded a 5.64 ERA, but with 14.0 K/9, 5 saves, and Very High scouting accuracy, he may become one of the more meaningful bullpen prospects in the lower minors.

Ronaldo Anzola (RP, 20)
4.24 ERA and 13.2 K/9 in setup duty. Quality swing-and-miss, but inefficiency with walks remains an issue.

Overall, the pitching staff ranked near the bottom of the league in ERA, WHIP, and strikeout-to-walk ratio, but several young arms showed clear tools worth nurturing.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT & PROSPECT NOTES
Top Emerging Prospects

1. Alexis Cantu (CF, 17)

Potential: 60 (All-around bat-first OF)

Elite contact projection, advanced plate approach, and gap power. Defensive tools lag behind but improving.

2. Juan Cabada (2B, 17)

Potential: 60

Recently acquired at the trade deadline. Already hitting well in limited DSL time. Strong speed, baserunning, and projection across his batting tools.

3. Yilver De Paula (SS/2B, 17)

Potential: 45–50 range

Emerging defender with solid hit tool projection and speed.

4. Sebastian Caseres (CL, 17)

Potential: 35 (for a closer) but with elite K% traits. Could climb quickly if command sharpens.

5. Ubaldo Soto (SP, 19)

Potential: 45

The closest to stateside ball among pitchers. Profiles as a possible No. 4–5 starter or multi-inning reliever.

TEAM IDENTITY

The 2025 DSL Angels were a youthful roster skewed toward age 17–18 players, many newly signed or recently acquired. The team’s focus this season was clearly on development:

Offense: Athletic, contact-oriented, and with several promising up-the-middle profiles.

Pitching: Raw but toolsy. Many arms sat 89–94 mph with flashes of movement and projectable stamina.

Defense: Below-average as a unit, often contributing to inflated ERAs and long innings.

Despite the record, the underlying talent trending upward is meaningful.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Strengths

Strong top-of-the-lineup production led by Cantu and Lugo

Several high-potential teenagers gaining full-season reps

Bullpen arms with high strikeout upside

Improved baserunning, speed, and athleticism across the roster

Weaknesses

Starting rotation struggled to pitch deep into games

Defense frequently cost extra outs

Lineup depth remains thin behind the top contributors

Lack of power outside of Castillo and occasional flashes from Lugo

ORGANIZATIONAL OUTLOOK

The 2025 DSL Angels should be viewed as a success from a prospect development standpoint:

Multiple long-term assets emerged, particularly Cantu, Cabada, and De Paula.

Pitching remains raw, but several arms show enough velocity and projection to continue climbing.

Roster expected turnover next season as some players move to the ACL while a new international class arrives.

A 21–39 record does not reflect the underlying progress of a young, tool-rich roster. The 2025 DSL Angels laid a solid foundation for future developmental success.

[XxVols98xX]

2025 Tri-City Dust Devils (A+) End-of-Season Report

Record: 54–78 (.409) • 6th Place, Northwest League

The 2025 season was a challenging but informative year for the Tri-City Dust Devils, who finished 28 games out of first place and struggled to gain traction in a highly competitive Northwest League. Despite the final standings, the season offered meaningful player development, key breakouts, and a clear picture of organizational depth as the Angels continue to reshape the farm system.

Team Overview
Season Summary

Tri-City ended the year at 54–78, finishing last in a strong division. The team was streaky, and while the offense often kept them competitive, the pitching—especially in the rotation—never found consistent footing.

Best Month: July (12–12, .500) — the team’s only break-even month

Worst Month: June (7–18, .280) — a brutal stretch driven by pitching struggles

One-Run Games: 12–17 (.414) — competitive but unable to finish

Extra-Inning Games: 1–6 — bullpen depth issues were exposed late in games

The Dust Devils posted competitive offensive numbers but were often sunk by an underperforming rotation and a defense that could not consistently support the pitching staff.

Team Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
1. On-Base Skills & Speed

OBP: .353 (3rd)

Stolen Bases: 161 (T-2nd)
The lineup showed discipline, athleticism, and an ability to pressure defenses.

2. Solid Contact-Oriented Offense

AVG: .257 (3rd)

Hits: 1,176 (3rd)
A high-contact lineup gave Tri-City a reliable offensive floor.

3. Bullpen Bright Spots

Several relievers delivered strong seasons, most notably Luis Serna and Keythel Key, giving the Angels a few bullpen arms of interest.

Weaknesses
1. Starting Pitching

Starters’ ERA: 5.11 (6th)

Runs Allowed: 653 (6th)
Inconsistent command, high walk totals, and limited swing-and-miss stuff plagued the rotation all year.

2. Defense

Defensive Efficiency: .652 (2nd-worst)

Zone Rating: -2.9 (5th)
The defense struggled, particularly in the infield corners and some outfield spots.

3. Power Output

HR: 110 (6th)

ISO: .098 (7th)
Contact skills were good, but impactful power was limited outside a few players.

Individual Player Breakdown
Top Performers — Hitting
⭐ Werner Blakely — Team MVP

.260 AVG | .434 OBP | .418 SLG | .852 OPS

32 SB | 3.4 WAR (team leader)
Elite plate discipline, strong baserunning, and defensive versatility made Blakely the most complete player on the roster.

⭐ Joe Redfield (Short Stint Monster)

.282 AVG | .431 OBP | .440 SLG | 2.4 WAR
Excellent OBP machine in his limited time; showcased MLB-caliber zone control.

⭐ Rio Foster — Power Bat

10 HR | 55 RBI | .267 AVG | .811 OPS
Provided much-needed middle-of-the-order production.

⭐ Mac McCroskey — Contact Specialist

.238 AVG | 58 RBI | 38 BB | Solid defense
Not a high-power bat, but contributed in run production and stability.

Other Notables

Arol Vera — bounced back with a .291/.360/.439 slash line

Caleb Ketchup — 15 HR + athletic upside

Randy De Jesus — 7 HR and strong summer finish

Pitching Staff Review
Rotations
⭐ Jack Kartsonas — Best Starting Pitcher

10 GS | 55.0 IP | 3.93 ERA | 1.23 WHIP
The only rotation arm with consistent run prevention; command and pitch mix took a step forward.

⭐ Peyton Olejnik — Strikeout Arm With Upside

116.1 IP | 5.65 ERA | 167 K
Huge K totals show real pitch quality, but home runs (18) and walks kept his ERA high. Still one of the highest-upside arms in the system.

⭐ Yeferson Vargas

83.2 IP | 4.41 ERA | Strong late-season command improvement
Steady presence; projects well as a multi-inning reliever or back-end starter.

Bullpen
⭐ Luis Serna — Team Cy Young (Reliever)

13 SV | 1.23 ERA | 14.2 IP | 8.6 K/9
Dominant in the closer role and one of the best bullpen seasons in the league.

⭐ Keythel Key — Setup Ace

83.2 IP | 4.41 ERA | 102 K
Heavy usage and held up well; projects as a possible future MLB reliever.

⭐ Carlos Espinosa — Late-Inning Reliability

39.0 IP | 3.46 ERA | 51 K
Consistent, efficient, and dependable.

Player Development Notes
Biggest Risers

Werner Blakely — solidified himself as a legitimate MLB-track prospect

Lui Almedya (18) — breakout tools, 60 potential contact, 60 speed

Peyton Olejnik — pitch potential grades jumped (up to 70 potential on main pitch)

Randy De Jesus — put together strong late offensive growth

Areas of Concern

Some college-aged players stagnated or regressed (Duarte, Daly).

Starting pitching control issues continue to plague developmental timelines.

Organizational Impact

While the Dust Devils’ final standings were disappointing, the season was productive in terms of player growth. Multiple players emerged as future contributors to Double-A and beyond. The offensive core showed real promise, and several pitchers flashed traits that could translate with refinement.

The key takeaway: Tri-City produced more prospect momentum than their record indicates, and the Angels have several players who took meaningful steps forward.

Looking Ahead to 2026
Projected Promotions

Likely to AA Rocket City:

Werner Blakely

Caleb Ketchup

Arol Vera

Peyton Olejnik

Yeferson Vargas

Candidates to Repeat A+

Jake Smith

Houston Harding

Dario Laverde

Must-Watch Breakout Candidates

Lui Almedya (19)

Felix Morrobel (19)

Randy De Jesus (20)

Final Summary

The Tri-City Dust Devils’ 2025 season may have ended with a 54–78 record, but beneath the surface was a season rich with development wins. Emerging hitters, a few standout pitching arms, and the continued growth of younger talent set the stage for a stronger 2026. This was a foundational year in the Angels’ long-term farm rebuild — and a step forward for several players who could eventually impact the MLB club.

[XxVols98xX]

2025 Inland Empire 66ers – End of Season Report

Final Record: 107–25 (.811)
Finish: 1st Place – California League, Southern Division
Playoff Berth: Clinched (Opening Round vs. Visalia Rawhide)

The 2025 Inland Empire 66ers put together one of the most dominant seasons in franchise history, overwhelming the California League with elite offense, balanced pitching, and MVP-caliber performances up and down the roster. A 107-win campaign not only secured the Southern Division crown but firmly established the 66ers as the league’s clear championship favorite heading into the postseason.

Team Performance Overview
Offense: The Best in the League

Inland Empire led—or nearly led—the league in nearly every major offensive category:

Runs Scored: 1,079 (1st)

Team AVG: .301 (1st)

OPS: .963 (1st)

Home Runs: 156 (3rd)

wOBA: .438 (1st)

Stolen Bases: 156 (3rd)

WAR: 46.0 (1st)

The lineup blended high-average contact hitters, disciplined approaches, and elite power—resulting in a perfectly calibrated offensive machine.

Individual Offensive Standouts
⭐ Niko Kavadas – The League’s Most Dangerous Bat

.370 / .443 / .740 (1.183 OPS)

49 HR • 164 RBI • 8.5 WAR

Kavadas delivered one of the most dominant minor league seasons in recent memory, leading the league in AVG, OBP, SLG, HR, RBI, OPS, and WAR. His left-handed power was the anchor of a high-octane lineup.

⭐ Adrian Placencia – The Complete Hitter

.333 AVG • 28 HR • 118 RBI • 8.7 WAR

Placencia provided exceptional consistency with elite bat-to-ball skills, plus strong defense and baserunning. He was arguably the most complete player on the roster.

⭐ Sonny DiChiara – Power Behind Power

37 HR • 156 RBI • .756 SLG

DiChiara formed the third pillar of Inland Empire’s devastating heart of the order, pairing elite power with high-level run production.

Other Key Contributors

Capri Ortiz (.317 AVG) – Table-setting machine with speed and bat control.

Kevyn Castillo (19 HR, 18 SB) – Strong two-way CF with projectable growth.

Jackson Chirello (.305 AVG) – Quality LF bat with upside.

Ramon Ramirez (.300 AVG) – Productive all-around contributor in limited time.

Pitching Staff Overview

Despite the offensive firepower, the 66ers also fielded one of the best pitching units in the California League:

Team ERA: 3.38 (1st)

Starters’ ERA: 3.74 (1st)

Bullpen ERA: 3.03 (1st)

Strikeouts: 1,545 (1st)

Pitching WAR: 18.2 (1st)

The rotation wasn’t flashy but was incredibly effective and consistently delivered quality innings, backed by a dominant bullpen.

Pitching Standouts
⭐ Leonard Garcia – Ace of the Staff

2.77 ERA • 124.2 IP • 157 K • 3.8 WAR

Garcia’s combination of swing-and-miss stuff and durability made him Inland Empire’s top arm.

⭐ Austin Gordon – Breakout Performer

2.66 ERA • 50.2 IP • 33 K • .213 AVG Against

Gordon excelled in multiple roles, proving to be a reliable stabilizer for the staff.

⭐ Zach Root – Headliner with Future Value

2.88 ERA • 25 GS • 2.4 WAR

70 Potential

Root projects as the organization’s top long-term pitching prospect and delivered a standout first full season.

⭐ Gavin Guidry – Dominant Closer

17 SV • 1.74 ERA • 14.3 K/9

Guidry was one of the most overpowering relievers in the league and shut the door whenever called upon.

Strong Contributions From:

Bridger Holmes (2.06 ERA, 17 SV) – Elite setup presence.

Yendy Gomez (1.86 ERA) – Shutdown arm in late innings.

Francis Texido – Durable long reliever with 62.2 IP of quality work.

Prospect Development Highlights
📈 Zach Root (SP)

Elite rise in 2025:

70 Pitch Potential

65 Stuff Potential

He emerges as the premier pitching prospect at the A-ball level.

📈 Kevyn Castillo (OF)

Fast, athletic CF with:

75 Speed

70 Stealing

55 Contact Potential

A projected top-of-order threat.

📈 Capri Ortiz (2B/SS)

Strong hit tool development and middle infield versatility make him a high-upside mover.

📈 Adrian Placencia

Already dominant, but also still showing upward trajectory in contact and power projection.

Summary & Postseason Outlook

The 2025 Inland Empire 66ers enter the playoffs as the overwhelming favorites after:

✔ Leading the league in offense
✔ Leading the league in pitching
✔ Featuring the top three MVP candidates
✔ Possessing elite prospect depth
✔ Winning 107 games—one of the best seasons in modern California League history

With a lineup that wears pitchers down and a bullpen that shortens games, Inland Empire is built for postseason baseball. The only remaining question:
Will they finish the job and bring home a championship?

[XxVols98xX]

2025 Salt Lake Bees – End of Season Report

Record: 73–77 (.487) • 4th in West Division
• Home: 40–35 • Road: 33–42

Executive Summary

The Bees’ 2025 season was a tale of inconsistency finally stabilizing late. After spending most of the year hovering below .500, Salt Lake surged in September, finishing 14–6 and showing strong indicators of roster growth, especially from the top prospects pushed aggressively to Triple-A.

Offensively, Salt Lake was one of the league’s more productive lineups (4th in runs, 6th in HR) highlighted by a breakout MVP-caliber campaign from Matthew Lugo, steady run production from Carter Kieboom, and the arrival of elite prospect Nelson Rada. Defensively and on the mound, the team struggled—finishing bottom 2 in ERA, BABIP-against, defensive efficiency, and zone rating.

The strong finish, promising youth movement, and several AAA-ready depth pieces position the Bees as a stronger pipeline to the Angels entering 2026.

OFFENSIVE REVIEW
Team Offensive Rankings

Runs Scored: 872 (4th)

AVG: .263 (8th)

OBP: .350 (5th)

SLG: .454 (8th)

OPS: .814 (8th)

HR: 209 (T-6th)

BB: 682 (2nd)

SB: 213 (3rd)

Base Running: -25.2 (4th worst)

Key Standouts
⭐ Matthew Lugo – Team MVP

.306 / .393 / .574 • 31 HR • 120 RBI • 10.0 WAR (AAA-level scale)
Easily the Bees’ best all-around player. Lugo was a force in the middle of the lineup with elite power and plate discipline. His 120 RBI led the team by a huge margin, and he ranked near the top of the league in HR and OPS.

He played his way into serious MLB consideration.

⭐ Carter Kieboom – Veteran Stability

.276 / .351 / .500 • 21 HR • 73 RBI
One of the best OBP sources on the roster and a valuable multi-position depth piece.

⭐ Nelson Rada – The Franchise Prospect Arrives

.289 / .392 / .422 • 33 SB • 4.1 WAR
Rada held his own despite being dramatically young for AAA at 19 years old.
Elite OBP skills, speed, and defense already grade out at MLB-ready levels. Power is still developing but trending up.

Other Notes

Juan Flores (C): Solid pop (22 HR) but inconsistent OBP.

Cole Fontenelle: Strong 2nd half, improving contact/power blend.

Jefferson Rojas (20 years old): Flashed projectable tools (.235 AVG but strong ratings & upside).

PITCHING REVIEW
Team Pitching & Defense Rankings

ERA: 5.62 (6th)

Starter ERA: 5.67 (5th)

Bullpen ERA: 5.57 (7th)

WHIP: High due to BABIP (.330 – 10th)

Opponents AVG: .275 (7th)

Defensive Efficiency: .658 (10th)

Zone Rating: -39.0 (10th)

The numbers show it:
Pitching wasn't the only problem. Defense significantly contributed to runs allowed.

Rotation Overview
Sammy Natera – Workhorse

142.2 IP • 5.99 ERA • 99 K
Led the team in innings but struggled with HR/BB issues. Stuff remains promising (95–97 mph, 70 stuff potential) and he still projects as a viable depth starter.

Victor Mederos – Best True Starter Performance

133.0 IP • 5.14 ERA • 78 K • 64 BB
Strong K/BB improvement late in the year. Has MLB-caliber pitches (FB 95–98, CH 55, SL 60) but command remains the blocker.

A.J. Block & Shaun Anderson

Both provided innings but finished with ERA near or above 5.7+.
More AAA depth than MLB candidates.

Bullpen Review
⭐ Camden Minacci – Closer of the Future?

21.0 IP • 13 SV • 4.29 ERA • 8.6 K/9
Huge stuff (70 fastball, 50 slider, 45 CH).
Command is his limiting factor, but he projects as a potential MLB late-inning arm.

Ryan Zeferjahn

71.0 IP • 9.4 K/9 • 6.34 ERA
High stuff, low command, classic “AAA reliever” profile—but good upside if command ever clicks.

Connor Brogdon / Michael Darrell-Hicks

Serviceable depth but not MLB-impactful.

DEFENSE & BASERUNNING
Defensive Issues

League worst in defensive efficiency

Large negative zone rating

Multiple below-average defenders forced into starting roles

This heavily amplified the already shaky pitching staff.

Baserunning

Despite 213 steals (3rd), the Bees had a -25.2 baserunning WAR, indicating:

Poor jump decisions

Too many CS

Extra bases not taken

Over-aggression by younger players

This is a development area for 2026.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Biggest Risers

Nelson Rada – elite plate discipline & defensive tools

Jefferson Rojas – contact & gap power trending upward

Victor Mederos – slider/cutter breakout late season

Camden Minacci – legitimate closer upside

Needs Improvement

Multiple pitchers’ control ratings stalled

Team-wide defensive grades are poor, especially in the IF corners

Young hitters struggling vs. LHP (notably Crouch, Fontenelle early on)

Season Narrative
Early Season (March–May)

Slow start, pitching staff in constant flux

April (10–16) & May (11–16) put team deep in the standings

Midseason (June–August)

Rada arrives and impacts immediately

Lugo becomes the team’s offensive engine

Pitching rotation stabilized somewhat

Still inconsistent (combined 35–38 over June–Aug)

September Surge

14–6 record

Lugo on fire

Mederos stabilized

Team finally played cohesive baseball
A very encouraging finish.

ORGANIZATIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Improve Infield Defense

Salt Lake’s horrific zone rating suppressed pitcher development.
Target:

A glove-first SS/2B

Better 1B/3B depth

2. Promote Matthew Lugo

He has nothing left to prove in AAA.

3. Consider MLB Cups of Coffee for:

Victor Mederos

Sammy Natera

Camden Minacci

4. Keep Rada & Rojas in AAA to open 2026

They need:

More repetition vs. LHP

Improved game power

Continued approach refinement

5. Add at least one veteran innings-eater

To prevent overworking prospects.

Final Outlook

The Bees ended 2025 as a sub-.500 team on paper, but developmentally it was an extremely successful year:

A breakout superstar candidate in Lugo

Rada proving he can handle advanced levels

Several pitchers trending positively

A strong September pointing toward upward momentum

The Angels system is clearly strengthening, and many of these Bees players should impact the MLB roster over the next 1–2 seasons.

[XxVols98xX]

🚀 2025 Rocket City Trash Pandas End-of-Season Report

Record: 71–67 (.514)
Finish: 2nd place – North Division, 4 GB
Playoffs: Did not qualify

The 2025 Rocket City Trash Pandas wrapped up their season with a strong late push, but ultimately came up just short of a postseason berth. Despite inconsistent stretches, the club showcased notable individual breakthroughs, a powerful offense, and encouraging development from several key prospects.

📈 Team Overview

The Trash Pandas were one of the best offensive teams in Double-A all season:

Offensive Rankings

1st – OBP (.371)

1st – OPS (.794)

1st – Runs Scored (757)

1st – Walks (676)

2nd – Home Runs (162)

5th – AVG (.267)

The lineup was a force, combining discipline, power, and speed. However, base running inefficiency (–33.8 BsR, 3rd worst) cost the team meaningful runs.

Pitching & Defense

ERA: 4.75 (8th)

Starters’ ERA: 4.60 (3rd)

Bullpen ERA: 4.95 (7th)

Home Runs Allowed: 153 (8th)

Opponent AVG: .280 (8th)

Defensive Efficiency: .642 (8th)

The pitching staff was durable and occasionally dominant, but too often undermined by high contact allowed and defensive struggles. The team simply gave up too many hard-hit balls and too many extra outs.

🏆 Team MVP Candidates
1. Christian Moore – 2B

.273 / .361 / .515 – 37 HR – 100 RBI – 5.1 WAR

A monster season. Moore was arguably the best hitter in the entire Southern League:

Led team in wRC, extra-base hits, and HR

Elite plate discipline and power

Only 22 years old
He firmly established himself as one of the Angels' most exciting upper-level bats.

2. Ryan Nicholson – 1B

.358 AVG – .747 SLG – 35 HR – 97 RBI – 4.8 WAR

A breakout of historic proportions. Nicholson:

Led the team in AVG, SLG, OPS, and wOBA

Crushed both RHP and LHP

Was the league’s most feared hitter for months

A 2025 revelation.

3. Denzel Guzman – SS

.290 / .374 / .402 – 66 RBI – 102 R – 5.2 WAR

Quietly the most complete position player on the team:

Above-average contact and defense

Excellent speed and baserunning instincts

Solid OBP skills

Extremely reliable SS glove
A "glue" player who performed in all facets of the game.

🔥 Breakout Players
Tucker Flint – RF

.259 / .409 / .422 – 22 HR – 80 RBI – 2.1 WAR
Finally tapped into his raw power. His patience + pop combo is now a legitimate big-league-projectable skillset.

David Calabrese – LF/CF

.287 AVG – 21 SB – .830 OPS – 3.2 WAR
Best year of his career. Showed:

Improved contact

Plus defense

Above-average speed

Real on-base gains

A future fourth-outfielder floor with a chance for more.

Alberto Rios – C/UTIL

.316 AVG – .491 SLG – 175 OPS+
Small sample, big impact. Versatile, hits for average, and has real role-player upside.

⚾ Pitching Staff Review
Rotation
George Klassen – SP1

30 GS – 9–9 – 4.49 ERA – 158 IP – 187 K – 4.0 WAR

A rock-solid season:

Elite stuff flashes

Good strikeout rates

Occasional volatility
He continues progressing toward an SP3/SP4 projection.

Henry Lalane – SP

10 GS – 5.74 ERA – 42 IP
Inconsistent but projectable. The stuff is real; command is not.

Trystan Vrieling – SP

9 GS – 2.72 ERA – 36.1 IP – 47 K
Outstanding performance. Maintained high strikeout totals and credibility as a long-term SP candidate.

Joel Hurtado – SP

10 GS – 4.27 ERA – 52.2 IP – 49 K
Underrated contributor with signs of continued growth.

Jose Acuna – SP

11 GS – 5.77 ERA
Mixed results. Hard contact was an issue, but his underlying pitch modeling shows a potential future middle reliever role with a strong FB/SL foundation.

Bullpen
Brady Choban – CL

9 SV – 3.78 ERA – 19.2 IP – 12.2 K/9
Quality closer with strikeout power.

Brett Kerry – SU

18 holds – 4.73 ERA – 114 K
Reliable setup weapon.

Ryan Costeiu

3.99 ERA – 99.1 IP
Workhorse reliever.

📉 Areas of Concern
1. Defense

Among the weaker defensive clubs in the league. Cost the pitching staff a lot of extra stress.

2. Base Running

Despite 113 steals, the team ranked near the bottom in BsR.
Speed ≠ efficiency.

3. Bullpen Inconsistency

Middle relief was the main weakness that prevented a playoff push.

🔮 Organizational Impact / Prospect Development

This team successfully developed several players who are legitimately close to MLB call-up consideration:

Christian Moore

Ryan Nicholson

Denzel Guzman

George Klassen

David Calabrese

Tucker Flint

Trystan Vrieling

Many others improved enough to maintain upward trajectory, including Anthony Scull, Bryce Teodosio, and Sebastian Rivero.

Rocket City is firmly establishing itself as one of the most productive development pipelines in the Angels system.

🏁 Final Thoughts

The 2025 Rocket City Trash Pandas season should be viewed as a success despite missing the playoffs. The offense was elite, several prospects broke out, and the rotation showed meaningful growth. With better bullpen results and defensive improvement, this club could easily win the division next year.

[XxVols98xX]

California League Playoffs – Round 1 Recap & Championship Preview

Date: September 28, 2025

The opening round of the 2025 California League postseason delivered everything fans hoped for—momentum swings, breakout stars, and two hard-fought series that showcased the depth and talent of the league’s top clubs. When the dust settled, the Inland Empire 66ers and the San Jose Giants emerged as the last two teams standing, setting up a compelling championship showdown between the league’s two premier regular-season powers.

ROUND 1 RECAP
Inland Empire 66ers defeat Visalia Rawhide, 4–2

The 66ers entered the postseason as the league’s best regular-season team (107–25), and while Visalia put up a fight, Inland Empire’s overwhelming offense and clutch pitching pushed them through in six games.

Series Highlights

Game 2 set the tone for the series—a 12–0 demolition featuring home runs from Adrian Placencia and Cristofer Ortiz.

The series turned in Game 4, when the 66ers stole a tense 1–0 pitcher’s duel led by L. Garcia and capped by a late RBI single from Gavin Guidry.

Inland Empire closed the door in Game 6, scoring seven unanswered runs in a dominant 7–0 victory.

Series MVP: SS Adrian Placencia

Placencia was unstoppable, hitting for average and power while supplying strong defense at shortstop. Across the series he delivered multi-hit games, key RBI, and game-changing extra-base knocks.

Why the 66ers advanced

Elite lineup depth: Placencia, Sonny DiChiara, Ethan Anderson, and Colin Summerhill all produced.

Stifling pitching: Inland Empire allowed just 491 runs all season, and the staff showed why—holding Visalia under three runs in four of six games.

Playoff poise: The 66ers responded to losses with convincing wins, showcasing a veteran group built for a title run.

San Jose Giants defeat Fresno Grizzlies, 4–3

The other side of the bracket delivered a dramatic, seesaw battle that went the distance. Fresno pushed the division-winning Giants to the brink, but San Jose held on and claimed Game 7 at home.

Series Highlights

Fresno stunned the Giants early with a 7–6 win in Game 2, riding homers from Y. Reyes and J. Thomas.

San Jose regained control with a 7–2 win in Game 3 behind a lockdown performance from R. Verdugo.

Fresno forced Game 7 with an emphatic 12–6 victory in Game 6, powered by big nights from Jace LaViolette and Aidan Longwell.

In Game 7, San Jose shut out the Grizzlies 2–0, riding a clutch performance from A. Fuentes and flawless bullpen execution.

Series MVP: 1B Guillermo Williamson

Williamson was a steady force all series long, delivering contact, RBI production, and leadership at the heart of the Giants' lineup.

Why the Giants advanced

Pitching depth: San Jose allowed just 617 runs during the regular season, 2nd best in the league.

Timely hitting: Williamson, Morales, and Level came through in the biggest moments.

Resilience: San Jose twice responded to Fresno wins with strong performances, closing the decisive Game 7 without allowing a run.

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND PREVIEW
Inland Empire 66ers (107–25) vs. San Jose Giants (76–56)
Best of 7

This is the matchup the California League has been building toward all year—its most dominant team versus its most battle-tested.

Inland Empire 66ers: Keys to Victory
1. Unmatched Offense

The 66ers scored 1,079 runs, the most in the league by an enormous margin.
With Placencia scorching hot, DiChiara driving in runs, and a deep core including Anderson, Castillo, and Cuthbertson, Inland Empire can beat opponents one through nine.

2. Elite Run Prevention

A league-low 491 runs allowed says it all.
If the rotation continues its strong form and the bullpen maintains command, they will be extremely difficult to unseat.

3. Momentum & Confidence

Winning 107 games doesn’t happen by accident. Inland Empire dominated all year and played like it in Round 1.

San Jose Giants: Keys to Victory
1. Pitching Has to Set the Tone

San Jose’s path to a championship runs through its arms. Verdugo, Vanderhei, Strickland, and the bullpen must limit extra-base hits and keep Inland Empire from snowballing innings.

2. Middle-of-Order Pressure

Williamson and Morales will need to replicate their Round 1 success. Against a machine-like 66ers offense, San Jose cannot afford empty innings.

3. Experience in Tight Games

San Jose just survived a grueling 7-game series, while the 66ers cruised. That battle-tested grit could prove invaluable in pivotal late-inning moments.

Final Outlook

This series features:

The league’s best lineup (Inland Empire)

One of the league’s strongest pitching groups (San Jose)

Two red-hot teams meeting at exactly the right time

If Inland Empire’s offense continues to fire on all cylinders, they have the upper hand—but San Jose’s pitching depth and clutch DNA give them a real chance to steal games late.

Prediction: A competitive, momentum-swinging series where both teams trade blows. Inland Empire enters as favorites, but San Jose has the ingredients for an upset.

[XxVols98xX]

2025 Los Angeles Angels – End of Season Report

Record: 64–98 (.395)
AL West Finish: 5th place
AL Wild Card Standing: 11th
Pythagorean Record: 69–93 (.426)
Runs Scored: 690 (8th in AL)
Runs Allowed: 815 (14th in AL)

The 2025 season concludes with the Angels once again outside the postseason picture, finishing with 64 wins and firmly in the midst of a multi-year rebuild. Despite sweeping changes to the roster, multiple promotions from the minors, and strong individual performances from key players, Los Angeles never mounted a meaningful run in the AL West race.

This season was defined by offensive inconsistency, rotation instability, and a bullpen that improved but was still overworked. Even so, several important building blocks emerged, giving the front office legitimate optimism entering 2026.

OFFENSE – Mixed Production With Clear Bright Spots
Team Rankings – AL

AVG: .227 (14th)

OBP: .302 (13th)

SLG: .392 (11th)

OPS: .694 (13th)

WAR: 11.9 (14th)

Home Runs: 205 (4th)

Stolen Bases: 149 (4th)

The offense remained volatile, producing good power totals but ranking near the bottom of the American League in on-base skills and overall efficiency. Strikeouts were high, and the club often struggled to string together quality plate appearances.

Individual Standouts

Mike Trout – .311/.392/.754, 37 HR, 69 RBI, 5.7 WAR
Trout returned to MVP-caliber production. He was one of MLB’s most dangerous hitters again and served as the lone stabilizing force in the middle of the order.

Logan O’Hoppe – .243/.285/.469, 17 HR, 65 RBI
A step forward in power and durability. His bat remained streaky, but at 25 years old he still projects as a long-term core catcher.

Nolan Schanuel – .239/.340/.353, 13 HR, 67 RBI
Showed growth in discipline and plate coverage. Not a finished product, but trending the right direction.

Luis Rengifo – .249/.298/.409, 20 HR, 58 RBI, 16 SB
Sneaky value player and one of the better Angels in both WAR and versatility.

Zach Neto – .209/.293/.416, 21 HR, 58 RBI
Power jumped significantly, but strikeouts ballooned. Remains a strong defender and long-term shortstop.

Underperformance

Jo Adell, Christopher Morel, and several bench bats struggled. Depth remained thin, especially after mid-season injuries and roster churn.

PITCHING – Rotation Woes and Bullpen Bright Spots
Team Pitching – AL Ranks

ERA: 4.80 (14th)

Starters ERA: 5.06 (15th)

Bullpen ERA: 4.46 (14th)

Runs Allowed: 815 (14th)

Opponents AVG: .264 (15th)

Home Runs Allowed: 230 (15th)

The Angels’ biggest weakness was once again the starting rotation. Injuries, regression, and lack of stability forced constant reliance on Triple-A arms.

Starting Rotation Summary

Tyler Anderson – 10–12, 5.41 ERA, 161.1 IP
Ate innings, but struggled with consistency.

Jack Kochanowicz – 9–20, 5.98 ERA
Full rookie workload: flashes of promise mixed with command issues and home-run troubles. Still a long-term piece.

Sam Aldegheri – 3–6, 6.35 ERA (56.2 IP)
Raw but intriguing; needs refinement.

Sam Bachman – 1–2, 6.63 ERA
Missed time and never settled in.

Kohl Franklin – 3.00 ERA in relief
Strong debut in a small sample; possible rotation or multi-inning role in 2026.

Bullpen Highlights

Ben Joyce – 2.73 ERA, 73 K, 9 SV
Emerged as a legitimate closer option with electrifying velocity.

Angel Perdomo – 4.66 ERA, 13 HLD
Useful high-leverage left-hander.

Angel Felipe – 2.77 ERA
Best pure results among the relievers; breakout candidate.

Hans Crouse & Chase Silseth both provided quality innings when available.

The bullpen isn't finished, but it’s far closer to being a competitive unit than the rotation.

DEFENSE & BASERUNNING

Defensive Efficiency: .672 (15th)

Zone Rating: –34.2 (15th)

Defense was a major issue across multiple positions, especially in the outfield corners and third base. Improved glove-first depth will be essential.

Baserunning (Team): +4.9 (2nd in AL)
One of the few clear team strengths. Smart and aggressive.

MINOR LEAGUE SYSTEM – Reasons for Optimism
Inland Empire 66ers: 107–25, CAL League Champions Appearance

A dominant season from the organization's future core.

Key performers:

Adrian Plascencia – CAL Playoffs MVP

Sonny DiChiara, Jackson Chirello, Luis Rodriguez, Caleb Pendelton provided major offensive production.

Young arms like Najer Victor, Max Gieg, Yendy Gomez flashed real upside.

ACL & DSL Clubs

Developmentally focused seasons with notable progress across the lower levels.

Top Prospects on the Rise

George Klassen (AA) – Elite strikeout stuff.

Christian Moore (AA) – High-ceiling power bat.

Dylan Jordan (ACL) – Strong rookie-year pitching foundation.

Juswa Lugo (DSL) – Advanced plate approach for his age.

The farm system is trending upward after years of stagnation.

TRANSACTIONS – Season Overview

Notable 2025 transactions included:

Several MLB promotions (Gustavo Campero, Chuckie Robinson, Angel Felipe, others).

Moves to replenish pitching depth.

Ryan Johnson's season-ending IL stint.

Failure to sign 12th-round pick Anthony Frobose.

Minor trade and roster churn as the year closed.

The front office clearly pivoted to long-term evaluation over short-term results.

OVERALL ORGANIZATIONAL OUTLOOK

The 64–98 record is disappointing, but the context suggests meaningful progress under the surface. The Angels now have:

✔ A healthy superstar in Trout playing at an elite level
✔ A rising core of young MLB contributors (O’Hoppe, Schanuel, Neto, Rengifo)
✔ The best farm performance in the organization in over a decade
✔ Several promising young pitchers close to MLB readiness

The 2026 roster still needs substantial rotation help, improved defense, and more OBP-focused hitters—but the foundation is clearer than in recent seasons.

Closing Summary

The 2025 Angels season was not successful in the standings, but it represented a turning point: a difficult but necessary transitional year that gave young players extended MLB time, showcased strong minor-league development, and positioned the organization for a smarter, deeper rebuild moving forward.

If Los Angeles can add real starting pitching, improve defensive efficiency, and continue developing the next generation of prospects, the club could take a meaningful step forward as early as next season.

[XxVols98xX]

2025 MLB Playoffs – Full Preview & Analysis

With the regular season officially in the books, the 2025 MLB Postseason bracket is locked in. Twelve teams enter with dreams of a championship—some familiar October regulars, some surprise contenders—each carrying unique strengths and weaknesses into what promises to be a highly competitive postseason.

Below is a complete breakdown of every matchup, key storylines, and what to watch for as the playoffs begin on October 1st.

AMERICAN LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
AL Wild Card: Houston Astros vs. Boston Red Sox
Season Records

Houston: 80–82 (2nd in AL West)

Boston: 87–75 (2nd in AL East)

Season Series: Boston leads 4–2
Game 1 Matchup:

HOU: Framber Valdez (8–16, 4.95 ERA)

BOS: Garrett Crochet (12–9, 3.64 ERA)

Key Storylines

Houston limped into October, finishing below .500, carried most of the year by Yordan Alvarez, Jake Meyers, and a patchwork rotation. Their bullpen was the biggest liability.

Boston enters hot, with Rafael Devers, Masataka Yoshida, and a deep lineup leading the charge. The Red Sox pitching staff also outperformed expectations, especially Crochet, Whitlock, and Winckowski.

X-Factors

Astros: Yainer Diaz must spark the offense; Hunter Brown must pitch like a frontline arm in Game 3.

Red Sox: Ceddanne Rafaela’s defense and speed, plus Triston Casas as a power threat.

Advantage: Boston

AL Division Series Matchup (awaiting WC winner)
Texas Rangers

Record: 94–68 (AL West Champions)

Texas watched from a distance after earning a bye. Their combination of elite offense and strong rotation depth will make them heavy favorites vs. HOU or BOS.

AL Division Series: New York Yankees vs. Cleveland Guardians
Season Records

New York: 80–82

Cleveland: 89–73 (AL Central Champions)

Season Series: Cleveland leads 4–2
Game 1 Pitching:

NYY: Clarke Schmidt (6–3, 4.07 ERA)

CLE: Tanner Bibee (13–9, 3.15 ERA)

Key Storylines

The Yankees underperformed, barely scraping into the playoffs. Injuries and inconsistency plagued them, but Judge, Volpe, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. remain dangerous.

Cleveland’s pitching is elite, and they enter with the AL’s best home record and a balanced roster highlighted by José Ramírez and Steven Kwan.

X-Factors

Yankees: Max Fried (Game 2) — the one ace who can flip a series.

Guardians: Emmanuel Clase locking down tight games.

Advantage: Cleveland

NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
NL Wild Card: Atlanta Braves vs. San Diego Padres
Season Records

Atlanta: 91–71 (2nd in NL East)

San Diego: 97–65 (2nd in NL West)

Season Series: 5–2 Braves
Game 1 Pitching:

ATL: Spencer Schwellenbach (10–12, 4.47 ERA)

SD: Michael King (11–10, 2.82 ERA)

Key Storylines

Atlanta is deep but flawed, especially in the bullpen, but they still boast Strider, Olson, Riley, Harris II, and plenty of power.

San Diego is loaded, finishing with 97 wins thanks to elite production from Tatis, Machado, Jackson Merrill, and an underrated rotation.

X-Factors

Braves: Spencer Strider must dominate Game 3 if it reaches a deciding game.

Padres: Manny Machado—still the heartbeat of the lineup in big moments.

Advantage: San Diego

NL Wild Card: New York Mets vs. Chicago Cubs
Season Records

New York: 86–76 (3rd in NL East)

Chicago: 96–66 (NL Central Champions)

Season Series: Tied 3–3
Game 1 Pitching:

NYM: Clay Holmes (11–11, 4.29 ERA)

CHC: Ben Brown (17–7, 2.61 ERA)

Key Storylines

The Mets offense is star-powered—Lindor, Soto, Alonso, Nimmo—and may be able to carry them past tougher pitching staffs.

The Cubs pitching is the story, with Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, Ben Brown, and a bullpen that ranked near the top of the NL.

X-Factors

Mets: Juan Soto’s ability to take over a short series.

Cubs: Kyle Tucker (trade deadline addition) — a massive weapon.

Advantage: Cubs

PROJECTED DIVISIONAL MATCHUPS
If favorites advance:

ALDS: Rangers vs. Red Sox; Guardians vs. Orioles

NLDS: Padres vs. Dodgers; Cubs vs. Braves

These would all be electric matchups, and several could swing on bullpen performance alone.

FINAL OUTLOOK

The 2025 postseason is unusually balanced. No team feels invincible, and nearly every playoff club has a glaring weakness:

Rangers: Injuries + streaky bullpen

Orioles: Young pitching untested

Guardians: Streaky offense

Dodgers: Bullpen instability

Padres: Inconsistent bottom of lineup

Cubs: Playoff inexperience for several stars

Braves: Pitching depth concerns

Red Sox/Mets/Astros: Hot and cold all season

Most likely World Series matchup:

San Diego Padres vs. Baltimore Orioles

Dark Horse:

Cleveland Guardians — pitching wins in October.

[XxVols98xX]

2025 MLB Playoffs Report — Wild Card Round Recap & Division Series Preview

The 2025 postseason opened with a dramatic, fast-moving Wild Card round featuring surprising sweeps, powerhouse performances, and the early elimination of several high-profile teams. With every matchup a best-of-three, urgency shaped every inning — and several series ended before they truly began.

Below is a full recap of Wild Card action and a preview of the Division Series ahead.

AMERICAN LEAGUE WILD CARD ROUND
Boston Red Sox sweep Houston Astros (2–0)

The Red Sox wasted no time punching their ticket to the ALDS, outslugging an Astros team that never found its footing.

Game 1: BOS 7, HOU 6

Boston’s offense answered every Houston push, with Jeremy Peña and Jake Meyers homering for the Astros and Romy González answering for Boston.
Garrett Whitlock secured the win, while Houston’s bullpen faltered late.

Game 2: BOS 8, HOU 2

Houston ace Lance McCullers Jr. imploded (3.0 IP, 5 R), and Boston put the game away early behind a deep lineup attack.
The star of the series was, surprisingly, Jeremy Peña — FOR THE ASTROS, who hit two home runs but couldn’t carry Houston alone.

Series MVP: SS Jeremy Peña (HOU), an extremely rare result for a player on the losing side.

New York Yankees sweep Cleveland Guardians (2–0)

The Yankees brought thunder, hammering Cleveland pitching and advancing with confidence.

Game 1: NYY 4, CLE 2

Aaron Judge homered, and the Yankees bullpen shut the door after Clarke Schmidt’s solid start.

Game 2: NYY 6, CLE 5

A back-and-forth battle ended with another Judge homer and a clutch blast from Jasson Domínguez. Cleveland’s rotation — one of the best in the AL — had no answers.

Series MVP: RF Aaron Judge (NYY).

NATIONAL LEAGUE WILD CARD ROUND
San Diego Padres sweep Atlanta Braves (2–0)

The biggest shock of the round: the 97-win Padres crushed a Braves team known for playoff resilience.

Game 1: SD 9, ATL 3

San Diego demolished Spencer Schwellenbach early.
Manny Machado, Tatis, and Xander Bogaerts all contributed big swings.

Game 2: SD 1, ATL 0

A pitchers’ duel decided by a solo homer from Jackson Merrill.
Yu Darvish outdueled Chris Sale, sealing the sweep.

Series MVP: 3B Manny Machado (SD).

New York Mets defeat Chicago Cubs (2–1)

The only Wild Card series to reach a winner-take-all Game 3.

Game 1: NYM 8, CHC 4

The Mets' offense exploded, with Francisco Lindor delivering the key blow.

Game 2: CHC 4, NYM 2

Chicago’s bullpen stepped up, and Justin Steele contained the Mets’ power.

Game 3: NYM 7, CHC 5

A wild, back-and-forth elimination game ended with the Mets pulling away late behind Reed Garrett and a clutch go-ahead moment from Lindor, who dominated the series.

Series MVP: SS Francisco Lindor (NYM).

DIVISION SERIES PREVIEW
AMERICAN LEAGUE DS
(1) Texas Rangers vs. (4) Boston Red Sox

The 108-win Rangers enter as World Series favorites, armed with elite offense and a deep rotation featuring Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, and Detmers.
Boston comes in hot, but their pitching matchups are brutal:

Projected Games:

Game 1: Houck vs. deGrom

Game 2: Bello vs. Eovaldi

Game 3: Crochet vs. Kumar Rocker

Edge: Rangers

(2) Baltimore Orioles vs. (3) New York Yankees

This is the must-watch AL matchup: young powerhouse vs. established giants.

Baltimore brings elite balance and a deep lineup headlined by:

Gunnar Henderson

Cedric Mullins

Adley Rutschman

The Yankees counter with:

Aaron Judge (red-hot)

Jasson Domínguez

Max Fried and Carlos Carrasco in the rotation

Edge: Slightly Orioles, but very close.

NATIONAL LEAGUE DS
(1) Los Angeles Dodgers vs. (4) San Diego Padres

A heated rivalry — and a rematch of multiple modern postseason battles.

The Dodgers’ rotation:

Blake Snell

Yu Darvish

Clayton Kershaw

San Diego’s red-hot lineup must continue overpowering pitching to keep pace.
Watch out for Tatis/Machado/Bogaerts combination.

Edge: Dodgers, but Padres are dangerous after a dominant Wild Card sweep.

(2) Philadelphia Phillies vs. (3) New York Mets

Two of the NL’s top offenses collide.

The Phillies boast:

Bryce Harper

Kyle Schwarber

Alec Bohm

Elite rotation led by Zack Wheeler and Ranger Suárez

The Mets ride in behind Lindor's incredible Wild Card run, plus Juan Soto and Pete Alonso.

Edge: Phillies, but this could easily go five games.

SUMMARY OF POSTSEASON SO FAR

All four Wild Card sweeps except one series

Astros and Braves eliminated early

Yankees and Padres look significantly better than expected

Rangers and Dodgers remain the top seeds to beat

Phillies vs. Mets will be a slugfest

Orioles vs. Yankees might be the best series of the round

[XxVols98xX]

66ers Capture CAL League Crown Behind Dominant Offense, Clutch Pitching

San Bernardino, Calif. — October 7, 2025
The Inland Empire 66ers are champions of the California League, finishing off a remarkable postseason run with a 4–2 series victory over the San Jose Giants in the CAL Championship Round. The title marks the culmination of a 107-win season in which Inland Empire showcased the league’s deepest lineup, most complete pitching staff, and a flair for big moments when it mattered most.

Championship Series Recap: Inland Empire 66ers def. San Jose Giants, 4–2

The series had all the makings of a classic—two 100-win teams, two high-powered offenses, and the league’s top players going head-to-head. But in the end, Inland Empire’s balance proved too much.

After San Jose stole Game 3 to take a surprising 2–1 series lead, Inland Empire answered with authority, winning three straight behind explosive hitting and shutdown bullpen work.

Key Performances

Adrian Placencia (66ers) — The clear star of the postseason, he delivered clutch hit after clutch hit and earned Series MVP honors. His combination of power, discipline, and timely execution relentlessly punished Giants pitching.

Caleb Pendleton & Colin Summerhill — Consistent run producers who kept the middle of the order moving.

Luis Rodriguez & Caprí Ortiz — Provided key sparks in the lower half of the lineup, including multiple RBI hits in late-game situations.

The 66ers Pitching Staff — A true committee effort.

Nájer Victor and Max Gieg delivered crucial multi-inning outings.

Fulton Lockhart and Bridger Holmes provided shutdown relief in high-leverage spots.

The staff held San Jose to three runs or fewer in four of the final five games.

San Jose Fought, But Inland Empire Had Answers

San Jose leaned on the heart of its order—Harrison Didialwick, Miguel Blanco, and Drew Cavanaugh—but ultimately couldn’t match Inland Empire’s depth. Their bullpen, which had been a strength early, unraveled under the constant traffic and pressure generated by Inland Empire’s offense.

Pitching faltered late as Inland Empire tagged Giants relievers for multiple game-changing rallies, including three straight late-inning wins to close out the series.

Why Inland Empire Won the Championship

1. Depth from top to bottom
Every starter in the 66ers lineup contributed at some point in the series. There were no easy outs.

2. Lockdown relief
Inland Empire’s bullpen—especially Victor, Lockhart, Gieg, and Holmes—was lights out. The Giants simply couldn’t put rallies together in the late innings.

3. Placencia’s MVP campaign
He was the best player on the field in both rounds of the playoffs. His combination of contact, pop, and poise at the plate changed the series.

4. Momentum and confidence
Once the 66ers tied the series at 2–2, you could feel the shift. San Jose had no answer for the 66ers’ late-inning execution.

Final Word

A 107-win regular season, a dominant postseason, and now a championship trophy—this Inland Empire squad was built for October. From lineup depth to bullpen power to an MVP shortstop leading the way, the 66ers were the best team in the California League all year, and they proved it one last time on the biggest stage.

The 66ers are your 2025 CAL League Champions.