Jared

Grindlinger

Gridlinger heads to Los Angeles on a full-slot deal worth $5.88 million following an impressive showing as a two-way prep star in California. The 17-year-old is pretty much all projection at this stage in his development, but his left-handed swing makes it easy to envision him growing into plus raw power. He also flashed mid-90’s fastball velocity on the hill. It’s a bit unclear how the Angels will proceed with his development, but he’s a fascinating talent and figures to open his career on a two-way trajectory. We’ve seen this story before in Los Angeles.

Grindlinger reclassified from the 2027 draft to join this year’s class, and immediately became the top two-way prospect eligible. There’s added intrigue in his profile as a player who doesn’t turn 18 until next April, so it’s very unlikely we’ve seen anything close to the best of the 6-foot-3 southpaw as of yet. As a hitter, he shows a swing from the left side that suggests he could have a plus hit tool, and while there’s not much power present, there’s enough bat speed to project average -- perhaps better -- pop in the coming years. He’s more advanced as a pitcher who touches the mid 90s with his heater with plenty of projection left, and he also shows a quality change and above-average slider at times, too. Whether he focuses on one side or does both, Grindlinger is certainly a fantasy prospect that is worth keeping an eye on, even acknowledging that it could be half a decade before he reaches the majors.