Angels giving 18-year-old top prospect a look in spring training

Nelson Rada is just 18 years old but he is firmly on the radar of the Los Angeles Angels.

Sam Blum of The Athletic reported on X that the Angels are inviting Rada to the major league portion of spring training. This comes just one year after his first full season stateside.

Rada was ranked as the Angels' top position player prospect and third overall in their system by MLB.com. He is considered a toolsy prospect, making plenty of contact and spraying line drives around the field. 

He has excellent instincts, allowing him to steal bases and perform well defensively in center. Rada is expected to add more power as his frame fills out, potentially making him a solid all-around player.

He showed signs that he could exceed expectations in 2023. Rada posted a .276/.396/.346 batting line in his 540 plate appearances despite his youth. Although he had just 21 extra-base hits, Rada drew 73 walks while striking out just 98 times. 

He also stole 55 bases, with his ability to take a walk and steal a base potentially making him a dynamic leadoff hitter for the Angels in the future.

The Angels have been aggressive with their prospects, partially out of necessity. Nolan Schanuel made his major league debut just two months after being drafted. Zach Neto had 37 games in the minors before being included on the 2023 Opening Day roster. 

Rada will not find himself in Anaheim to start the 2024 campaign but a strong showing could get him on the fast track as well. His ascension through the system is just beginning.