Angels News: Halos Select College Infielder with First Pick in 2023 Draft

This new Halo seems very happy to join the Angels.

The Los Angeles Angels began their day in the war room by drafting FAU first baseman, Nolan Schanuel, with the 11th pick of the 2023 MLB Draft. 

Schanuel was deemed as the #26 prospect on MLB.com, making some surprised that he was selected higher than expected. 

A happy Halo 😇#MLBDraft | @NSchanuel pic.twitter.com/kK2qdCIzCq

— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) July 10, 2023

Schanuel is the reigning C-USA Player of the Year, having one of the best offensive seasons in college baseball this year. 

Schanuel's unique swing helped him lead the nation in batting average (.447), on-base percentage (.615) and walks (71), and led his conference (C-USA) in slugging percentage (.868) and hits (88).

The Angels decided to go with Schanuel for their first pick because they recognized how MLB ready he is compared to the rest of the draft class, and his strike zone awareness is incomparable to the rest of the class, as well. 

There's a possibility that Schanuel will be getting a head start in seeing some Major League innings a lot sooner than most, and his numbers say a lot more about that as well. 

The 6-foot-4 left-handed hitter talked with The Palm Beach Post, stating that he wasn't paying attention to all the pre-draft hype and mock drafts that all had him going in the first round - just not that high.

"I try not to pay attention to it, try not to get a big head," he said. "I hope I go first round — that would just put the icing on the cake — but just being able to play professional baseball is something I've wanted to do my whole life. Being given a shot would mean the world to me."

Nolan Schanuel - The Palm Beach Post