It took a little more than a month for former FAU standout Nolan Schanuel to make it to the Majors. The Angels have reportedly summoned Schanuel from AA, which would make him the first player from the 2023 MLB Draft tot make it to the Majors. Here’s a closer look at Schanuel.
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A Look at Schanuel
Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel was selected 11th overall by Los Angeles after what was an incredible junior season at FAU.
Schanuel hit .447 in 2023, second in the NCAA behind potential 2024 first-round pick in J.J. Wetherholt (.449). Additionally, he belted 19 home runs and 41 extra base hits in 59 games with the Owls.
The 21-year-old spent just five games between the ACL and A ball before the Angels promoted him to Rocket City (AA). He did well with the Trash Pandas, as he hit .339/.480/.475 with a home run, five extra base hits, and an impressive 9:16 K:BB ratio.
As we mentioned in our look at the five 2023 MLB Draft first round picks that stood out, Schanuel has an unconventional stance at the plate. It doesn’t really affect him, though, as the 21-year-old possesses good bat control and a knack for making contact.
He’s also got plenty of strength, as can be seen in his first pro home run that went to the opposite field.
MLB.com projects Schanuel’s contact tool to grade out at a 60 when it’s all said and done and 50 for power. Between his prowess at the plate with his bat and eyes, he does have the potential to be a hitter that could slot into the top of the Angels’ lineup for years to come.
Defensively, Schanuel is a primary first baseman. He did, however, see some time in the outfield in the Cape Cod League last summer and it is possible he could see time there in the future.
Peter Gammons first reported the promotion of Schanuel.
What it Means for the Angels and Fantasy Outlook
This is quite the aggressive move for the Angels, a team well-known for pushing prospects up quickly. Shortstop Zach Neto was the first player from the 2022 MLB Draft to make it to the Majors, while Chase Silseth became the first from the 2021 Draft to make his MLB bow last year.
Now, Schanuel will be the first from the 2023 Draft to head to The Show. And, he’ll get the opportunity to not only play with Shohei Ohtani, but also to push for a role on the 2024 roster for an Angels team that’s dealt with production issues at first.
Just before the Trade Deadline, the Angels acquired OF Randal Grichuk and 1B C.J. Cron from the Rockies to beef up an injury-depleted lineup. Neither of the two have performed great with Anaheim. Grichuk owns a .582 OPS over his first 16 games as a Halo, while Cron, who’s now on the IL, hit just .217/.280/.283 with one extra base hit (1 HR) over 14 games.
Los Angeles’ first base situation has been in flux thanks to the struggles of Jared Walsh and most recently, Cron. Schanuel could be the Halos’ answer at first for the long-term.
As far as fantasy is concerned, it’s likely a good idea to take the “wait and see” approach with Schanuel. He showed a penchant for making good contact in college and in his brief time in the Minors, but the Majors are a different story.