Prospects To Watch In The Upcoming College Baseball Season

Written By Brayden Zielke

Angels Prospects

February 2, 2026 - Written by Brayden Zielke

With the College Baseball season quickly approaching, it’s time to take a look at some players to watch as we look towards the 2026 MLB Draft in July. As many of you know, the Angels almost exclusively draft college athletes in the 1st Round, with the last six drafts going in that direction. With the Angels picking 12th this year, there should be no shortage of great college athletes for the Angels to select.

Cameron Flukey, RHP, Coastal Carolina, #9

Cameron Flukey was part of the Coastal Carolina team that lost to LSU in the College Baseball World Series Finals last season. Flukey struggled as a Freshman in 2024, but had a 3.19 ERA in 2025 along with a 10.4 K/9 in 17 starts. His most memorable start was during the World Series, when he went toe to toe with Kade Anderson in what ended up as a 1-0 win for LSU. Flukey pitched valiantly against the eventual champs, tossing 6.0 innings and giving up just 4 hits, 1 run, and 2 walks, along with 9 strikeouts. If Flukey pitches like he did last season, he will almost definitely be a top-15 pick.

A.J. Garcia, OF, Virginia, #15

A.J. Garcia is one of my absolute favorite prospects in this class. During his first 2 college seasons at Duke, he put up .299/.445/.559 with 29 HR and 112 RBI in 120 games. He also walked a whopping 105 times compared to only 91 walks. Garcia is looking to cement himself as a top prospect this season after transferring to Virginia, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he snuck into the top 10 if he has another great season.

Chris Hacopian, SS, Texas A&M, #16

Chris Hacopian spent his first 2 years of college ball at Maryland, where he slashed .347/.465/.614 with 29 home runs and 103 RBI in 107 games. He spent his freshman season at 3B, but moved to SS in his sophomore season. However, most experts don’t think he could handle SS or 3B in the professional ranks. Despite being one of the best hitters in the country, questions about his future position could allow him to be on the board at pick 12 and allow the Angels to develop him as an outfielder.

Eric Becker, SS, Virginia, #21

Eric Becker is one of the few college hitters that experts don’t completely rule out as a future 3rd Baseman. He’s been a great hitter in two seasons at Virginia, slashing .366/.459/.637 with 17 home runs and 98 RBI in 95 games. Becker played 3B for Team USA last summer, but he would probably need to start hitting for more power this year for a team to consider moving him off of SS and to the hot corner.

Ethan Norby, LHP, East Carolina, #70

We all know the Angels like going under-slot in the first round, and Ethan Norby would be a great option if they go that route. Norby doesn’t have insane stuff like many college pitchers ranked higher than him, but he is significantly more proven. He has been extremely consistent in both of his seasons at East Carolina and became a full time starter in 2025. In 38 appearances (24 starts), Norby has a 3.80 ERA and 11.0 K/9. If Norby is able to improve this season and get his ERA under 3.40, taking him in the first round as an under-slot pick is reasonable.

Andrew Williamson, OF, Central Florida, #89

Andrew Williamson is another under-slot option that could come into play if he has a strong season in 2026. Williamson didn’t play very well as a freshman, but burst onto the scene as a sophomore in 2025, slashing .352/.448/.662 with 13 home runs and 53 RBI in 50 games. Williamson walks almost as much as he strikes out, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he got 1st round consideration if he has another standout season.

Disclaimer : (1) All photos are not owned by InsideHalos and have been given proper credit beneath each photo. (2) Links of players are property of MLB, MiLB, and Baseball Reference. (3) InsideHalos is a fan-made site not affiliated with Angels Baseball.

Brayden Zielke
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