In a league where large spending frequently controls the route to October, the Los Angeles Angels are quietly exploring a whole new formula: build from within, spend moderately, and believe in development. It’s not fast, and it’s not glamorous either. However, it is starting to exhibit indications of life in 2025.
Two Teams in Los Angeles, But Different Philosophy
The Los Angeles Dodgers spend like a streaming behemoth on deadline day, allocating $1.6 billion over just four players. On the other hand, the Angels are counting on a far smaller $30 million investment in eight recent first-round draft picks.
Additionally, instead of adding expensive veterans to their squad, they are rapidly advancing their best prospects through the pipeline and providing them with a chance, belief, and practical instruction.
This isn’t a desperate cost-saving measure. It’s a deliberate shift in philosophy, a bet that polished college players, if placed in the right environment, can contribute sooner and reshape a franchise without blowing up the payroll.
That environment is what sets the Angels apart.
Shaikin: Why many cost-conscious MLB owners are rooting for Angels’ success https://t.co/3aKCxOWGac
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) June 13, 2025
The Angels are not merely hoping for the best while hurrying prospects to the bigs. This development model has been combined with a leadership culture that prioritizes belief, accountability, and preparation.
Manager Ron Washington personifies that culture.
Known for his ability to relate to athletes and help them reach their full potential, he has aided up-and-coming players like Jo Adell and Taylor Ward in establishing themselves in the major leagues. More significantly, though, he has reaffirmed that this domestic core is capable of competing, despite the league’s frequent indications to the contrary.
Only Time Will Tell If Strategy Pays Off
Yes, it’s a dangerous strategy. There is very little room for error. If a draft pick is missed, there won’t be a $300 million backup. For small- and mid-market teams that cannot or will not spend like the Dodgers, New York Mets, or New York Yankees, it is also a very sustainable concept.
There’s a unique aspect about a team aiming to outdevelop the league rather than outbid it in order to win. That takes time. It calls for a system based on assessment rather than excess. Most importantly, it calls for a strong belief that in a time of quick results, the longer, more methodical approach can still be successful.
Christian Moore will bat 9th and start at 2B in his MLB debut tonight!
Here’s what to expect from the @Angels‘ No. 1 prospect and 2024 No. 8 overall pick: https://t.co/kXeNGroCpU pic.twitter.com/P1tdKpJz3c
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) June 13, 2025
The Angels have a record below .500. They haven’t demonstrated that this model results in titles. However, they have also demonstrated that there are multiple approaches to building a baseball team.
Additionally, what the Angels are doing could serve as a model, or at the very least, a topic of discussion, for teams sick of being priced out of contention before the season even starts.