​The Los Angeles Angels selected Jared Grindlinger, a left-handed pitcher and outfielder from Huntington Beach, California, with the No. 12 pick in the 2026 MLB Draft on Saturday. Grindlinger hails from Orange County and is a standout talent from Huntington Beach High School, where he has built a reputation as a versatile two-way player. The Angels’ selection was announced with excitement, signaling a strong belief in Grindlinger’s potential at the next level.
Grindlinger has committed to the University of Tennessee, where his older brother Trent Grindlinger currently plays, raising the possibility of a college route if professional opportunities with the Angels don’t come to fruition. He faces a pivotal decision between signing with the Angels now or continuing his development with the Vols. As the draft approached, Grindlinger carried considerable hype: he was ranked MLB’s No. 16 overall prospect and was listed by Perfect Game as the No. 5 overall high school prospect entering the draft. After reclassifying from the 2027 class to the 2026 class, Grindlinger became one of the youngest players in the draft, turning 17 in April.
This season at Huntington Beach, Grindlinger showcased his two-way prowess by hitting .376 with two home runs and 22 RBIs. On the pitching side, he posted a standout 0.85 ERA and compiled 66 strikeouts over 57.1 innings. He also can bring velocity to the mound, with a fastball that can reach up to 95 mph. His athleticism and versatility have led to recognition beyond the high school level as well, with Grindlinger earning appearances on USA Baseball national teams across three different age groups, underscoring his status as a highly regarded emerging talent.
Huntington Beach head coach Benji Medure emphasized Grindlinger’s exceptional dedication and focus. “There is nothing that’s going to get him off of his focus,” Medure told The Sporting Tribune. “He is dedicated to his craft. He knows he needs to get better, and that’s kind of scary thinking about how good he is and how much he has to improve. He wants to be the best of the best, and I don’t know if they’re going to let him two-way, wherever he goes, but in his mind he can do it and I won’t count him out on that.” These sentiments reflect the belief that Grindlinger’s two-way potential could be a defining asset for whatever path he chooses, whether in the Angels’ system or at Tennessee.
The announcement of the pick was celebrated by the Angels and their fans, with social media posts highlighting Grindlinger’s hometown roots and his high ceiling as a professional prospect. The image accompanying the coverage captured the moment of the selection, underscoring the optimism surrounding Grindlinger’s future in professional baseball. The broader reaction has centered on the excitement of a local talent stepping onto the national stage and the possibilities that lie ahead as he navigates college commitments, the possibility of signing with the Angels, and the chance to contribute both on the mound and in the outfield at the highest level.
In the immediate term, grinders and scouts alike will be watching how Grindlinger develops as he negotiates the choice between college baseball in Knoxville and a potential pro career in Anaheim. If he follows his current trajectory, Grindlinger could bring elite athleticism, a proven hitting ability, and an arm capable of heavy workload in the professional ranks. The 2026 draft class has added a dynamic young player who could become a cornerstone piece for the Angels or a star in college baseball, depending on the decision he makes in the coming months. The story of Jared Grindlinger is just beginning, and his emergence as a top talent from Huntington Beach has already left a lasting impression on fans and analysts who are eager to see how his career unfolds. The Angels’ No. 12 selection marks the start of what many expect to be a promising journey for this multi-talented southpaw.