​ANAHEIM, Calif. – In the initial draft under interim general manager John Mozeliak, the Los Angeles Angels selected two-way standout Jared Grindlinger from Huntington Beach High School. A local product who grew up an Angels fan and whose uncle holds season tickets behind the third-base dugout at the Big A, Grindlinger’s high first-round selection marks the culmination of years of diligence and a bold self-imposed move to reclassify as a high school senior this past year, bringing him closer to the next phase of his development.
“This has always felt like the dream,” Grindlinger said. “When I started reclassifying, there were moments of doubt about whether it was the right decision. I stayed confident, stayed true to it, and I feel like it paid off in a big way.”
Grindlinger turned 17 in April after reclassifying as a senior, but his youth doesn’t deter him from embracing the challenge of Major League Baseball. In high school, he excelled as a two-way player, pitching, hitting, and patrolling the outfield. While the Angels officially drafted him as an outfielder, Grindlinger isn’t closing the door on potentially handling multiple roles if the organization asks, and he’s prepared to compete in any capacity the team envisions.
As a hitter, Grindlinger may not boast towering power, but he possesses a quick, expansive swing and strong plate discipline. During his senior season, his approach at the plate reflected a commitment to making opposing pitchers work. “I’d say I’m a hard out. I’m going to make the guys earn it. I’m not going to swing and miss or chase much,” Grindlinger explained. “I’m going to stay with my plan, let them come to me, and they’ll have to throw their best stuff in the zone to get me out.”
Drafting a high school player of Grindlinger’s profile—especially one so young—signifies a notable departure from the Angels’ recent draft strategy, which has leaned toward college-age talent that could be rapidly promoted to the big leagues. Mozeliak’s leadership clearly signals a willingness to pursue the best available talent at any given point in the draft and to invest in developing that talent for the long haul.
Any MLB debut Grindlinger eventually makes will be years down the line, allowing ample time for further growth—both skill-wise and physically—as he evolves into a player the Angels can rely on in the years ahead. For now, Grindlinger can look forward to donning an Angels uniform and pursuing a future with a franchise he’s long admired. The Angels, meanwhile, will be watching a young talent—brimming with competitive fire and a serious desire to win—grow within their system.
“Growing up in a household with two older brothers, if you lose a game, you’re ready for a fight,” Grindlinger noted. “It’s always been incredibly competitive, and that’s exactly what I’m prepared for.”