Fireballer Chris Cortez selected in second round by Los Angeles Angels

Three-digit numbers with an unbeatable slider?

That will work.

The Los Angeles Angels agreed, so the organization selected Chris Cortez from Texas A&M with the 45th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.

This honor comes after a brilliant 2024 season in which Cortez developed into one of the best bullpen weapons in the country as a medium- to long-term reliever.

In 64.2 innings, Cortez combined his deadly 100-mph punch with a wipeout slider to strike out 102 batters while allowing just 37 walks. Opponents batted just .187 against him, and he posted a 2.78 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP.

Cortez was selected to the third team All-American by D1Baseball, but was surprisingly left off all All-SEC teams at the end of the season.

However, on April 15, he was named the SEC’s Pitcher of the Week after throwing 15 strikeouts in 8.1 scoreless innings in two relief games against UTSA and Vanderbilt. For these dominant performances, he was named the Dick Howser National Pitcher of the Week by the NCBWA.

Cortez was a member of two Men’s College World Series clubs during his three seasons with Maroon & White, recording 173 strikeouts in 150.1 innings while posting a 19-7 record and a career ERA of 4.67.

With his massive right arm, Cortez could soon make waves in Major League games.

Ryan Brauninger’s Scout by Chris Cortez

“Powerful right-handed stuff coming from a minimal, simple presentation. Not a lot of moving parts in the delivery. Has seen steady improvements in control during his time in college and took a big step in that regard in 2024. Sturdy frame with a short, explosive arm swing. Two-seam fastball/sinker has been as fast as 101 mph, making for one of the best sliders in college baseball. Has made a big jump in efficiency as a full-time reliever, but can still improve there. Has some starter profile tendencies.”