The 2024 MLB All-Star Future Games was held on Saturday at Globe Life Field, which saw the National League Futures earn a 6-1 win over the American League Futures.
Representing the Los Angeles Angels was No. 1 prospect and No. 90 overall MLB prospect Caden Dana. Dana was the first pitcher out of the bullpen for the American League after Texas Rangers prospect Emiliano Teodo began the game with two perfect innings.
Dana gave up two hits, including a home run to Cincinnati Reds top-100 prospect Cam Collier. He also struck a batter out in one inning of work.
The 20-year-old pitcher found his way to top prospect status after the team traded several of their best young pieces at the last trade deadline and graduated players like Nolan Schanuel. But Dana has also earned the title with his play, hence his place in the top 100.
In 16 starts for Double-A Rocket City this season, Dana has a 2.99 ERA and 1.030 WHIP. He has 97 strikeouts in 90.1 innings and has allowed only 6.2 hits per nine innings. The Angels have been more patient with Dana than they have been with many of their top prospects in recent years.
He has steadily climbed through the system at a rate similar to most top prospects. But that’s not how the Angels have approached things. Dana may eventually make the climb to the Majors at some point this season, especially if the team trades away pitchers like Tyler Anderson at the deadline.
Angels fielding calls on Carlos Estévez
If there is one pitcher the Angels are likely to trade, it’s less so Anderson and more so Carlos Estévez. The closer has been on one of the best runs of his career and is an expiring contract. Relievers on expiring deals on bad teams are generally the first to be dealt at the deadline.
