The Angels gave out five six-figure bonuses to hitters at the top of their list at the start of the 2023 international signing period before they got to their first pitcher. Soto received $250,000 to be that arm and he was still only 16 when he made his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League. While his surface numbers looked good (like his 1.64 ERA), his youth and lack of velocity led to the Angels erring on the side of caution and sending him back to the DSL, where added strength and stuff led to even better results in 2024.
After packing some weight onto his 6-foot-2 frame, Soto's velocity jumped from sitting 86-89 mph and touching 92 to more in the 92-94 mph range and topping out at 97. At first it seemed like his 82-85 mph changeup was his best secondary offering, but more power behind his curve -- now up to 77-80 mph from the low 70s in 2023 -- might have caught it up to the cambio. Both have chances to be solid-to-average pitches for the right-hander.
In addition to missing a fair amount of bats overall, Soto improved his feel for the strike zone, cut his walk rate down considerably in 2024 and is showing some feel for pitch usage. All of this has added excitement over what he might do for an encore as he pitches in the United States for the first time this season.
The 2023 international signing class could end up being a very productive one for the Angels. The top prospect acquired, shortstop Felix Morrobel, is having a fine U.S. debut this summer and is in the top half of the organization’s top 30. Catcher Juan Flores has already hit full-season ball and isn’t far behind. And now there’s Soto, who signed for $250,000, and after getting his feet wet at age 16 in the Dominican Summer League, took a step forward in terms of stuff and strength with a repeat DSL stint this year.
When the 6-foot-2 Soto started out after joining the Angels, he was throwing his fastball in the 86-88 mph range and topping out at 92. He’s now sitting 92-94 mph and touching as high as 97 after focusing on adding strength to his frame. He backs up the improved heater with a 78-81 mph curve and an 82-85 mph changeup that has the chance to one day be a plus offspeed pitch.
Soto does an excellent job pitching with his fastball and has shown some early acumen for mixing his entire arsenal well. Assuming he continues to trend in this direction, including in his strike-throwing ability, he could start climbing this list as he keeps adding strength and gaining more experience.
