MLB Network Insiders Express Shock at Los Angeles Angels Decision to Promote 2023 Draft Pick

The Los Angeles Angels shocked baseball on Friday by calling up 2023 first-round draft pick Nolan Schanuel just six weeks after being drafted. The MLB Network crew, including World Baseball Classic manager Mark DeRosa, was also shocked.

The Los Angeles Angels shocked everyone in baseball on Friday when they called up top prospect Nolan Schanuel just six weeks after being drafted.

He was taken No. 11 out of Florida Atlantic just last month and will now join the Angels regular rotation at first base as they try to make one last push for the playoffs.

The MLB Network crew, led by Team USA World Baseball Classic manager Mark DeRosa was also surprised as they discussed the news. You can watch the segment below:

DeRosa said: "Good lord, they (the Angels), they are pulling out all the stops here...."

The @Angels have reportedly called up 1B Nolan Schanuel from Double-A, less than 6 weeks after he was drafted!#MLBCentral | #GoHalos pic.twitter.com/1u9VMarQRX

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) August 18, 2023

Schanuel is ranked the No. 2 prospect in the organization by MLB.com. Here's a portion of his MLB.com prospect profile:

After an outstanding high school career in the region, he stayed in his own backyard for college ball and has been raking ever since. A starter from the get-go, Schanuel slashed .357/.462/.619 in his first two years with FAU, positioning himself as one of the better offensive performers among the college set in this class. After a lackluster showing in the Cape Cod League last summer, he was one of the nation’s top collegiate hitters during the 2023 season, leading all Division I players in average, on-base percentage and walks. He was taken No. 11 overall by the Angels, who gave him full slot ($5.25 million) and pushed him to Double-A during his summer debut.

The Angels enter play on Friday at 60-62 on the season. They are 7.0 games back of the third and final wild card spot.

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