2025 Angels mock draft first 5 picks

With the 2025 MLB Draft just a week away (July 13–14), the Los Angeles Angels are sitting in a prime position to inject high-upside talent into the farm system. Armed with the #2 overall pick and two additional selections inside the top 100, this year’s draft could be a pivotal step in reshaping the franchise’s future.

The Angels hold a total bonus pool of $16,656,400, third-highest in the draft, giving them the flexibility to get creative — and aggressive — with their selections. Here’s a look at how the Angels could maximize value and upside across their first five picks.

Pick #2 Overall

• Slot Value: ~$10.2 million

• Projected Pick: JoJo Parker, SS (Projected bonus: $7.5 million)

• Savings: ~$2.7 million

• 
  

This pick is all about upside and long-term ceiling. JoJo Parker, a 5-tool high school shortstop from Southern California, fits the mold of the dynamic prep bat the Angels have often avoided in recent years — but can no longer afford to.

Why JoJo Parker? Parker has one of the best pure hit tools in the entire draft class. According to FutureSox, his ability to “adjust mid-at-bat, drive the ball to all fields, and project 15–20 HR power” makes him a potential top-of-the-order anchor. MLB Pipeline also raves about his “elite bat speed and above-average footwork at shortstop,” hinting he could stick at the position long term. Lone Star Ball compares him favorably to Marcelo Mayer and suggests he has “All-Star upside” if developed patiently.

By signing Parker for around $7.5M, the Angels not only land a potential franchise cornerstone but also free up valuable money for aggressive over-slot moves later.

Pick #47 Overall

• Slot Value: ~$2.0 million

• Projected Pick: Dean Curley, SS

• Projected Bonus: Full slot

• 
  

Curley, a projectable high school shortstop out of Utah, might have been a borderline first-rounder in previous years. This is a pick that balances tools and projection with a reasonable timeline to the bigs.

What’s to like? Per Jacob Maxwell Scouting, Curley shows “pro-ready plate discipline and surprising pop to the gaps,” while defensively he’s already flashing above-average actions and instincts. Mack’s Mets notes that his “bat has improved each year,” and he’s the type of player who could grow into a 15–18 HR threat with sneaky athleticism and a chance to stick in the middle infield.

Pick #79 Overall

• Slot Value: ~$1.0 million

• Projected Pick: Johnny Slawinski, LHP

• Projected Bonus: ~$2.2 million (Over-slot by $1.2M)

• 
  

With some of the savings from Parker, the Angels can take a big swing on a high-upside prep arm here. Slawinski has the makings of a potential mid-rotation starter with serious projection left.

Why Slawinski? MLB Pipeline lists Slawinski as one of the most athletic pitchers in the class, with a “fastball that touches 95, a sweepy slider, and a changeup that flashes plus.” Prospects Worldwide loves his “repeatable delivery and mound presence,” projecting him as a starter with three legit pitches if developed carefully. A lefty with that arsenal at this point in the draft? That’s how you win Day 1.

Pick #109 Overall

• Slot Value: ~$600K

• Projected Pick: Jacob Parker, OF

• Projected Bonus: ~$1.5 million (Over-slot by $800K)

  
  

After grabbing JoJo, why not complete the set with Jacob Parker, the other Parker brother? Like his brother, Jacob offers upside — but with a more power-focused game.

Scouting Summary: Perfect Game notes that Jacob has “plus raw power, quick hands, and a solid athletic frame.” While his hit tool isn’t as advanced as JoJo’s, he’s got the kind of raw tools and twitchiness that scream projection. He profiles as a corner outfielder with a potential 25+ HR ceiling.

Pick #140 Overall

• Slot Value: ~$500K

• Projected Pick: Jack Gurevitch, 3B

• Projected Bonus: ~$700K (Over-slot by $200K)

With much of the draft pool accounted for, the Angels still make a savvy move here by nabbing a safe but productive college bat in Jack Gurevitch.

Why Gurevitch? A polished hitter from the Pac-12, Gurevitch brings a solid approach, above-average contact skills, and sneaky pop. While he doesn’t have loud tools, he’s the type of player who could hit his way to the big leagues — and quickly. Ideal depth and upside combo at this point in the draft.

Final Thoughts: Strategy & Outlook

With about $13.2 million of the $16.6 million signing pool used in the top 5 picks, the Angels retain ~$3.4 million to spread across the next rounds more than enough to target:

• A high-risk, high-reward prep player

• Another over-slot arm in the TGA/Jordan mold

  
  

This draft strategy represents a refreshing change: investing in upside-heavy prep talent early, while blending in safe college depth and preserving flexibility for Day 2 surprises.

The hope? In 2–3 years, some of the high school player all ranked Top 100 prospects.