Tyler Bremner: Why the Angels’ Bold MLB Draft Pick Could Reshape Their Pitching Future

The Los Angeles Angels made waves in the 2025 MLB Draft by selecting flame-throwing Canadian pitcher Tyler Bremner with the No. 2 overall pick. This surprising move defied projections and marks a bold pivot toward rebuilding their pitching corps.

Bremner’s triple-digit fastball and polished secondary pitches represent exactly what the Angels crave in a future ace. His rapid collegiate development and Team USA experience suggest he could follow the franchise’s aggressive promotion path of recent top picks.

While skeptics question passing on SEC star Kade Anderson, the Angels clearly prioritized Bremner’s electric arsenal and injury-free track record. As baseball’s global spotlight grows, all eyes are now on when this Canadian phenom will take the mound in Anaheim.

Why Tyler Bremner is the Angels’ Most Important Draft Pick in a Decade

The Los Angeles Angels’ selection of Canadian right-hander Tyler Bremner with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft represents a strategic shift toward prioritizing premium pitching talent. While many analysts expected the Angels to select LSU’s Kade Anderson, Bremner’s triple-digit fastball and advanced changeup made him impossible to ignore. What makes this pick particularly fascinating is how perfectly Bremner fits the Angels’ recent pattern of fast-tracking college pitchers to the majors.

The Angels haven’t had this caliber of pitching prospect since selecting Reid Detmers in 2020. Bremner’s rapid ascent at UC Santa Barbara – culminating in his 19-strikeout no-hitter during the College World Series – demonstrates the kind of dominant stuff that could see him in Anaheim by late 2026. His clean mechanics and repeatable delivery suggest fewer injury concerns than many hard-throwing prospects, making him potentially more bankable long-term than other draft-eligible pitchers.

The Angels clearly learned from missing on past pitching prospects. Bremner represents something they haven’t had in years – a power arm with both ace potential and durability.

Breaking Down Bremner’s Elite Pitching Arsenal

At first glance, Bremner’s 98-101 mph fastball jumps off the radar gun, but scouts note that it’s his tunneling ability with secondary pitches that makes him truly special:

• Fastball: 98-101 mph with late rising action
• Changeup: 88-90 mph with screwball-like movement
• Slider: 85-87 mph with plus break

This combination allows Bremner to dominate both right-handed and left-handed hitters. His changeup in particular grades as potentially MLB-ready now, which explains why the Angels were comfortable making him such a high pick despite competition from SEC powerhouses like Anderson.

That changeup reminds me of prime Pedro Martinez – you simply don’t see college pitchers with that level of feel for their offspeed. That’s why he won’t need years in the minors.

How Quickly Could Bremner Impact the Angels’ Rotation?

Examining recent Angels prospect timelines gives us clues about Bremner’s path:

Potential Minor League Stops

The Angels will likely start Bremner at High-A Tri-City before promoting him to Double-A Rocket City by midseason 2026. The organization has shown no hesitation pushing top prospects aggressively, and Bremner’s college experience at UCSB means he’s more prepared for pro ball than most draft picks.

Expect Bremner to follow the Neto model rather than Schanuel. The Angels will want him facing better hitters in the minors first, but don’t be surprised if he skips Triple-A entirely.

Canadian Phenom: What Bremner Means for Baseball North of the Border

Bremner instantly becomes Canada’s highest-drafted pitcher ever, surpassing Jeff Francis’ No. 9 selection in 2002. His success could accelerate baseball’s growing popularity in hockey country. Already, scouts report increased interest in British Columbia’s baseball programs where Bremner honed his skills.

Canada keeps producing elite arms like James Paxton and Nick Pivetta. Bremner might be the best of all if he reaches his potential.

The Risks: Why Some Scouts Questioned This Pick

While Bremner’s upside is undeniable, several concerns caused some organizations to rate him lower:

• Only one full dominant season of college ball
• Short track record against elite competition
• Angels’ mixed history developing pitchers

The Angels clearly believe the upside outweighs the risks. But if Bremner struggles initially, expect second-guessing about passing on Anderson.

Comparing Bremner to Recent Top Pitching Prospects

How Bremner stacks up against other recent high picks: