The Angels are adding left-hander Reid Detmers, the tenth overall pick in last month’s draft, to their 60-man player pool, general manager Billy Eppler told reporters today (Twitter link via MLB.com’s Rhett Bollinger). That brings their player pool up to a total of 56.
Detmers, 20, was regarded as one of the most polished arms in this year’s draft class and is considered by many to be a potentially fast mover. He boasted a ridiculous 215-to-39 K/BB ratio in 135 1/3 innings with Louisville from 2019-20 and is lauded for plus command that’s well ahead of most of his draft peers. Detmers doesn’t have the power fastball and arsenal of plus secondary pitches to be considered a future ace, but most scouting reports tab him as a strong bet to be a mid-rotation arm. Detmers’ curveball, in particular, is a formidable offering that FanGraphs’ Eric Longenhagen called “arguably the best pitch in the entire draft.”
Obviously, Detmers being added to the Angels’ pool doesn’t mean that he’ll jump right into the big leagues. Most teams are including their most promising prospects on their 60-player pools in order to afford them some developmental opportunities at alternate camp sites. Players not on the active Major League roster will continue to train together and participate in simulated games with instruction from club personnel and minor league coaches, so it’s understandable that the Angels want Detmers to have that benefit.
Still, given the polished nature of his arm and the seemingly perennial injuries that plague the Angels pitching staff, it’s hard not to wonder whether Detmers could skyrocket to the big leagues and debut just months after being drafted.
So you’re saying there’s a chance… I feel like he has as much if not better chance than other young arms in our system. Why not just give him a shot and throw him out there. “Go get em kid…” I am curious to also see how my Halos do with a shorter season. If pitching holds up I see at least a Wild Card…as long as there is baseball in a few weeks then I am excited! Go Halos!
You should be the manager.
Are player pools in the list of pools going to be updated as players are added?
The Angels did not sign an ace in the off season. Nor did they trade for one. And there were legitimate reasons why they were unable to do so.
In the draft, the Angels did not acquire an ace. Instead, they went after a mid rotation arm that may reach the big club sooner rather than later. Again, for good reason.
I’m going to give Eppler the benefit of the doubt and assume he has seen enough to know that Ohtani will be the Angels ace of the future. Hopefully, they can find a co-ace or legit #2 to back up Ohtani at the trade deadline or next off season.
I would think most clubs (at least those with a Top 50 ranked draftee) will add their new, high profile draft pick(s) to their 60 man pool. While very few will see action, they will at least get some very important development time with the bottom 30. With the minor league season officially cancelled, they can’t afford to let their future rot on the vine for a full year.
Wise words. Expect nothing less from a saint
This kids dad was also drafted. Kris Detmers.