​The Los Angeles Angels have long built a reputation for doing things differently, and they kept that streak intact by drafting Jared Grindlinger of Huntington Beach High School with the No. 12 pick in yesterday’s MLB draft, according to a report by Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. After nearly a decade of prioritizing college players, the Angels once again turned to a high school standout, signaling a deliberate shift in the organization’s drafting approach. Grindlinger isn’t just a talented amateur; he is a genuine two-way prospect who could eventually pitch at the professional level or settle in as a first baseman or a corner outfielder. And perhaps the most striking fact about Grindlinger is his age—he is just 17 years old.
Yes, that’s a bold move, but it’s consistent with how the Angels operate, and there appears to be a clear plan for how they intend to develop Grindlinger going forward. “We are going to run him out as a hitter to start with, and then we will see where that takes us,” scouting director Tim McIlvaine explained. “And I’ve had some conversations with player development about him as a pitcher as well at some point, but for right now, we’re going to run him out as a hitter, let him play the outfield, and run from there.” The emphasis on letting Grindlinger begin as a hitter underscores the organizational strategy of evaluating a young talent across multiple possible paths before mapping a long-term role.
What stands out even more is the fact that Grindlinger is already a fan of the team he just joined. In a sign that sometimes manifests as good fortune, Grindlinger spoke about how special it feels to be drafted by the Angels. “It’s definitely a dream come true, especially growing up an Angels fan,” Grindlinger said. He shared a personal memory of attending games with seats behind the third-base dugout at his uncle’s house, a detail that adds color to a selection now tied to his professional future. “I’m at my uncle’s house right now, and growing up, we had Angels seats right behind the third-base dugout. So it’s a dream come true and I’m ready to go.”
This selection story stands out in a season where front offices are frequently measured by the weight of their decisions. Interim GM John Mozeliak’s leadership in the pre-draft period has been described as empowering, allowing the scouting and development teams to pursue a path that reflects their own judgment while respecting the broader organizational philosophy. “Since Mo has come in, you know, he really empowered me to run the room the way I want to run the room,” McIlvaine said. “Perry did it his way, which was a good way, and everything he did was fine as well. Mo came in, and he basically said, ‘It’s yours.’”
From a scouting perspective, Grindlinger’s profile suggests a potential fit as a mound option given the Angels’ current depth of pitching talent and the need for more help on the position-player side. However, because he’s still a high school athlete with a broad skill set, most evaluators acknowledge that predicting his ultimate path is premature. His two-way upside remains a central talking point as development progress unfolds.
Grindlinger has been clear about his willingness to adapt to whatever role the organization envisions. “I’m ready to do both, it’s just whatever the organization needs,” he said of the two-way plan. “I’m just ready to go out there and compete and give it my all for the Angels.” That readiness to contribute in multiple ways aligns with the Angels’ broader developmental philosophy, which seeks to maximize a young player’s value by exploring multiple avenues on the path to the majors.
In the short term, Grindlinger’s introduction to professional baseball will focus on hitting and fielding, particularly his abilities in the outfield and at first base, along with a potential future on the mound. Long-term projections will depend on a variety of factors, including how his bat translates against higher-level pitching, how quickly he can adapt defensively to the positions he may handle, and how his arm velocity and mechanics respond to continued instruction and competition. Given his age, there is ample time for the Angels to shape a comprehensive development plan that leverages Grindlinger’s two-way potential while preserving his health and long-term athletic prospects.
As the Angels chart their course forward, Grindlinger’s draft selection signals a broader willingness to invest in versatile, young talent with high ceilings. Whether he becomes a power-hitting corner outfielder, a first baseman with a polished bat, or a right-hander who can contribute on the mound, the organization appears poised to nurture his growth with a multi-faceted approach. The path from a 17-year-old high school prospect to a major league contributor is never straightforward, but the early indications from the Angels’ plan suggest a thoughtful, patient, and adaptable strategy aimed at extracting maximum value from Grindlinger’s diverse skill set. With a fan’s heart and a professional mindset, Grindlinger has the opportunity to live out a dream while helping the Angels build the kind of depth that can sustain competitive teams for years to come.