The Angels' top prospect, Tyler Bremner, is on the cusp of his MLB debut, but the wait is proving to be a test of patience! It's a familiar feeling for any aspiring athlete, watching teammates get their chance while you're still in the wings. That's precisely where Tyler Bremner, the Angels' highly touted No. 1 prospect, finds himself. He eagerly watched Chase Shores and Nate Snead, pitchers drafted by the Angels with high picks last year, take the mound in a Cactus League game. While they've already made their MLB debuts, Bremner is still anticipating his own moment in the spotlight.
"Those are my brothers," Bremner shared, his voice filled with camaraderie. "I want to see them succeed, and they went out there and did great. It’s cool to see them make their MLB debuts and fit in just fine. I’m pretty confident I can do the same behind them." This sentiment highlights the strong bond within the team, even among those competing for opportunities.
But here's where it gets interesting: Bremner, who is widely considered the Angels' top prospect, believes his turn is fast approaching. "I’m planning on getting out there in the next week," the right-hander revealed. "It’s kind of a day-to-day thing. They don’t tell you the exact day you’re going to throw, but I’m thinking pretty soon here I’ll get out there." This anticipation is palpable, and fans are just as eager to see him perform.
Manager Kurt Suzuki explained that the Angels are strategically holding Bremner back, allowing him more time to fine-tune his pitch repertoire. While his fastball and changeup are already in top form, Bremner is actively working on refining his slider and adding a cutter. "I just wanted something that’s maybe a little more horizontal, so I can run that into lefties and get some easy outs," Bremner elaborated on his desire for a cutter, assuring that his slider remains a key weapon. This dedication to perfecting his arsenal speaks volumes about his commitment to excellence.
Bremner's impending debut has been a major talking point. He represents the Angels' highest draft pick since they selected Darin Erstad as the No. 1 overall pick in 1995. In the 21st century, the team has only picked in the top 10 on two other occasions, underscoring the significance of Bremner's selection.
And this is the part most people miss: When the Angels selected Bremner, it wasn't without its critics. Experts were surprised, with more highly regarded players still available. However, the 21-year-old Bremner isn't letting the external noise affect him. "It’s obviously easy to get caught up in stuff like that and I’m not blind," he admitted. "I see stuff like that. At the end of the day, it’s not my problem where I got picked. I pitched how I wanted to in college and that’s how the cards fell, you know? It would be stupid of me to go out there and try and be like, ‘I need to prove this to people and I need everyone to see how good I am and I need to show them I’m better than (Kade) Anderson, who went right after me.’"
Instead, Bremner focuses on his own game: "No, just stay within yourself. I know what I can do, and I know I can have success in the game. Just don’t try to think too big picture of it. Try to stay present and take it day by day." This mature approach is truly inspiring.
Last spring at UC Santa Barbara, Bremner posted a 3.49 ERA with 111 strikeouts and just 19 walks in 77⅓ innings. While these numbers were impressive, the Angels saw immense potential, especially considering he was pitching while his mother was in the final stages of her battle with breast cancer. Sadly, Jen Bremner passed away on June 11, just a month before her son was drafted.
A touching tribute: You'll often spot Bremner on the Angels' practice fields by his distinctive pink shoes, worn in his mother's memory. "You show up to big-league camp as a rookie with some bright pink shoes, you might get a couple chirps from the older guys," Bremner chuckled, "but for the most part, it’s been so positive with the feedback on those. I feel like most people kind of realize that connection. If not, they ask about it and I’m able to kind of share that message with them. It’s definitely something I plan on continuing in my career and hopefully maybe implementing it into the glove or um something like that and just kind of showing people that matters to me. Trying to spread some awareness around breast cancer in general."
Veteran players have embraced Bremner, with Alek Manoah being particularly supportive. "He’s done a good job at just kind of welcoming the younger guys," Bremner said. "If he’s not giving advice on pitches, he’s still being supportive and kind of talking us through and saying that he believes in us as players and that we’re going to have long careers in the game. It’s just nice to hear that from someone who’s already been doing it."
Even those who have faced him are impressed. First baseman Nolan Schanuel noted, "He’s got good stuff. He’s got some good life on the fastball … I hope we get to see him throw this week or next week." Manager Suzuki echoed this sentiment, stating, "He knows what he’s doing. He knows what he’s trying to do. He came from a great program that pumps out pitchers constantly. This guy is definitely on the right track."
Now, let's shift gears to another pitcher making waves: Mitch Farris. This left-hander has added 10 to 15 pounds of muscle this winter, and it's showing in his fastball velocity, now averaging 93 mph, an increase from 90 mph last season. He even touched 95 mph in a recent outing. "(Velocity) is not everything," Farris wisely commented. "There’s still ‘pitchability.’ It’s just good to see the work I put in this offseason is coming to fruition."
Farris, 25, made his major-league debut last season with a 6.66 ERA in five starts. His impressive 142 strikeouts in 116 innings at Double-A, however, painted a more promising picture than his ERA. His changeup is considered his best pitch, and the hope is that an improved fastball will make it even more devastating. Interestingly, his changeup has seen a similar velocity increase, maintaining a 13 mph differential with his fastball.
But here's a crucial point: Farris's first spring outing was a tough one, giving up five runs in six batters faced. However, his second outing was a stark contrast, retiring six of seven batters faced with just one walk. "The first game was a little sped up," Farris explained. "That’s pretty normal for a first outing. And I was a little sore from live ABs prior to that too. Got back in the training room. Got healthier. Feeling better. Slowed the game down and just worked on locating the fastball and throwing inside a little more, establishing the inner half of the plate to complement my changeup better." This demonstrates his ability to learn and adapt.
Manager Suzuki noted Farris's progress, stating, "Yesterday’s outing was very positive. Everything was looking really good, even more than what had been." While Farris might be a long shot for the Opening Day roster, he's certainly on the radar for a call-up when the Angels need pitching reinforcements.
In other news:
- Mike Trout played left field for the first time in 13 years without any issues, though he did lose a ball in the sun. His preference remains center field, and the focus is currently on left and center field.
- The Angels have a 53% success rate on their 15 ABS challenges, which is on par with the major-league average.
- Rehabbing pitchers Ben Joyce, Robert Stephenson, and Nick Sandlin are throwing bullpen sessions. Joyce is slightly behind the other two but all have a chance to be ready for Opening Day.
What are your thoughts on prospects waiting for their MLB debut? Do you think teams should be more patient with young pitchers, or should they be pushed to prove themselves quickly? Share your opinions in the comments below!
