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Hurtado: The Next Angels Pitching Phenom?
26 Oct
Summary
- Joel Hurtado shows explosive development, mirroring Walbert Urena's path.
- Hurtado's fastball reaches upper 90s, touching triple digits with late life.
- He aims for 200 innings, demonstrating competitive drive for future success.
Joel Hurtado, an LA Angels pitching prospect, is generating significant buzz for his development trajectory, which strongly resembles that of fellow Angels pitcher Walbert Urena. Both pitchers, signed from the Dominican Republic, relied initially on high-velocity fastballs and have since focused on refining command and secondary pitches.
Hurtado's arsenal features a four-seam fastball that frequently registers in the upper 90s and can reach triple digits, delivered with late life that generates swings and misses. This mirrors Urena's powerful fastball that was key to his AA breakout. Hurtado also demonstrated an impressive ability to limit hard contact, striking out 83 batters in 101.2 innings in AA last season with a 3.63 ERA.
Reflecting on his development, Hurtado expressed a strong desire to pitch closer to 200 innings, showcasing a competitive mindset akin to Urena's major league intensity. This ambition highlights his confidence in his durability and long-term goals within the Angels organization.
Hurtado, along with George Klassen, represents high-upside prospects bolstering the Angels' rotation depth for 2027, which also includes arms like Reid Detmers and Walbert Urena. Despite a challenging stint in the Pacific Coast League at the end of the season, his tools and drive suggest he is on track to replicate Urena's successful rise.
