Angels Pitching Strategy
Angels' Tyler Bremner Endures Minor League Journey Amidst Noteworthy Draft Choices
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The Los Angeles Angels had their pick of any pitcher in America in the 2024 MLB Draft. They chose Tyler Bremner, a right-hander from UC Santa Barbara, with the second overall pick — making him the first pitcher taken that year. The State reported that Bremner has yet to rise above Class A ball, but he is still developing and showing enough to keep the organization's faith intact.
A year later, the Angels watched another UC Santa Barbara pitcher, Jackson Flora, become the first pitcher selected in the 2025 Draft. The back-to-back UCSB pitchers going first at their position is a rare twist — and it keeps Bremner's story in the spotlight.
Angels Passed on LSU's Kade Anderson for Bremner
The Angels' choice was not without debate. Kade Anderson of LSU was widely seen as the most polished pitcher available in the 2024 Draft, according to Star-Telegram. Anderson was considered more ready to move quickly through the minor leagues. The Angels went a different direction, betting on Bremner's raw upside over Anderson's polish.
That kind of bet carries risk. High draft picks are judged quickly in the court of public opinion. Every month Bremner stays in Class A — the lowest full-season level — adds pressure to the decision. Still, the Angels appear committed to letting him grow at his own pace.
Bremner Shines on the Futures Game Stage
One highlight of Bremner's young career came at the MLB Futures Game, a showcase for the sport's top prospects. He took the mound and threw a scoreless inning, according to San Luis Obispo. It was a small but important moment — proof he can handle a big stage even while still working through the lower levels of the minors.
Flora, the new UCSB draftee, also pitched in the Futures Game and matched Bremner with a scoreless inning of his own. The two former Gauchos sharing that moment added an unusual storyline to what is already a quirky draft footnote.
Angels' Draft Strategy Under Perry Minasian
Former Angels general manager Perry Minasian had a clear philosophy: push top prospects to the majors fast. His approach meant short stints at each minor league level before a call-up, according to Kentucky.com. Under that model, staying in Class A for a full season would be unusual for a second overall pick.
Bremner's slower path suggests the current front office may be more patient. Rather than rushing a young arm, the Angels seem willing to let him build strength and refine his craft. That patience will define how this pick is judged in the years ahead.
UCSB Becomes Unlikely Pipeline for Top Draft Arms
UC Santa Barbara is not a traditional powerhouse in college baseball. Yet back-to-back years, the school produced the first pitcher taken in the MLB Draft. Bremner in 2024, Flora in 2025. That kind of consistency from a mid-major program is extremely rare, according to The News Tribune.
For Bremner, Flora's arrival keeps the pressure on. Every step Flora takes through the minors will be compared to Bremner's progress. The Angels drafted one. History handed them a measuring stick a year later. How Bremner responds will define the legacy of the 2024 Angels pick.
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