Mar. 11, 2026 at 10:39pm
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The Los Angeles Angels are looking to bounce back in 2026 with a revamped roster, and one player generating early buzz is 24-year-old pitcher George Klassen. ESPN analyst Kiley McDaniel has listed Klassen as the No. 3 prospect on his preseason top-10 list and tagged him as a potential breakout candidate for the Halos, noting that he “should be a solid rotation option by midseason, bringing plus, power stuff to a staff in need of upgrades.”
Why it matters
The Angels are hoping to rebound after a disappointing 2025 season, and Klassen’s emergence could provide a major boost to their starting rotation, especially if fellow young pitchers Grayson Rodriguez and Alek Manoah struggle or get injured.
The details
Klassen may not crack the Angels’ Opening Day rotation, but he could work his way into a starting role by the midpoint of the 2026 season. His plus stuff and power pitching could help solidify the Angels’ rotation, which is in need of upgrades after some uneven performances from Rodriguez and Manoah.
Klassen is expected to join the Angels’ starting rotation by midseason 2026.
The players
George Klassen
A 24-year-old pitcher who is generating early buzz as a potential breakout star for the Los Angeles Angels in 2026.
Grayson Rodriguez
A young pitcher acquired by the Angels in an offseason trade, who has struggled with injuries but has high potential.
Alek Manoah
A former All-Star pitcher who signed a one-year deal with the Angels, but is looking to bounce back after a down 2025 season.
Kiley McDaniel
An ESPN analyst who has ranked George Klassen as the No. 3 prospect on his preseason top-10 list and tagged him as a potential breakout candidate for the Angels.
Kurt Suzuki
The new manager of the Los Angeles Angels, who replaced Ron Washington.
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What they’re saying
“The No. 3 prospect on my preseason team top-10 list, the 24-year-old Klassen should be a solid rotation option by midseason, bringing plus, power stuff to a staff in need of upgrades.”
— Kiley McDaniel, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)
What’s next
Klassen will look to earn a spot in the Angels’ starting rotation during spring training, and if he performs well, he could be in line for a midseason call-up to the big league club.
The takeaway
The Angels are hoping that young pitchers like Klassen, Rodriguez, and Manoah can help revitalize their starting rotation and lead the team to a bounce-back season in 2026. Klassen’s potential breakout could be a key factor in the Angels’ success.