Ranking the Los Angeles Angels' Top 5 Prospects Heading Into 2016

By Jeff Henning

Ranking the Los Angeles Angels' Top 5 Prospects Heading Into 2016

David Freese, Mike Trout
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It’s no secret that the Angels have a very thin farm system. However, although they lack a lot of depth in terms of top prospects, there are certainly some hidden gems on the Angels farm. Here are the top five prospects for the Angels as they enter the 2016 season.

5. Joe Gatto

Salt Lake Bees
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5. Joe Gatto

Salt Lake Bees
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The 6-foot-3, 20-year-old Joe Gatto may have the highest ceiling of any pitcher in the Angels' farm system. A second-round draft pick in 2014, Gatto has shown all of the skills that make scouts drool. His fastball has been clocked in the low 90s, and as he fills out and matures he should see an increase in his velocity. While he may not be ready for the majors just yet, he has a promising future ahead of him.

4. Roberto Baldoquin

Taylor Featherstone
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4. Roberto Baldoquin

Taylor Featherstone
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Roberto Baldoquin was supposed to be the shortstop of the future for the Halos, but that was before the team went out and landed the best defensive SS in baseball when they acquired Andrelton Simmons. Baldoquin is projected as both an above average hitter and defensive player, but as previously noted, Simmons puts his future with Angels in a precarious spot.

3. Kyle Kubitza

Kyle Kubitza
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3. Kyle Kubitza

Kyle Kubitza
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Perhaps the most MLB ready prospect in the Angels' system, Kyle Kubitza may be in line to start at third next season if the team decides to end the marriage with the underperforming David Freese. A left-handed bat, Kubitza could be exactly what the Halos need in a predominately right-handed lineup. Kubitza has already seen MLB time, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up at the hot corner for the Halos in 2016.

2. Nate Smith

Kole Calhoun
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2. Nate Smith

Kole Calhoun
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The 6-foot-3 lefty Nate Smith was drafted in the eighth round of he 2013 draft out of Furman College. While Smith isn’t known to have the filthiest shutdown pitches in his repertoire, what he does have is a firm knowledge of his craft. Smith is a student of the game and can use his understanding of pitching to confuse batters. In 17 starts with Arkansas in the Texas league, Smith posted an 8-4 record with a 2.48 ERA.

1. Victor Alcantara

Perez
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1. Victor Alcantara

Perez
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Alcantara takes over the spot of the Halos' No. 1 prospect after the departure of LHP Sean Newcomb. Alcantara is a right-handed power pitcher who's been clocked throwing a 98 mph heater. His 2015 stats my not leave you drooling, but Alcantara has the potential and arsenal to become a strong starter at the top of the rotation.

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