Xavier Mitchell Signs with the Los Angeles Angels
Xavier Mitchell, a left-handed pitcher from Plano Prestonwood Christian, has officially signed with the Los Angeles Angels for a contract worth $872,500. This deal marks a significant moment in Mitchell’s career as he becomes the No. 379 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. The amount he received surpasses the slot value typically associated with the No. 90 pick, highlighting the Angels’ strong interest in securing his services.
The Angels were able to offer Mitchell this substantial bonus because of the flexibility provided by their first-round selection, Tyler Bremner. Bremner, a right-handed pitcher from UC Santa Barbara, was selected No. 2 overall and signed for $2.6 million under the draft’s slot value. This allowed the Angels to allocate additional funds toward Mitchell’s contract, demonstrating their commitment to building a strong pitching roster.
Mitchell’s decision to sign with the Angels was not entirely unexpected. Earlier in the draft, General Manager Perry Minisian, a native of the Metroplex area who attended Arlington Lamar High School and the University of Texas at Arlington, made a direct call to Mitchell. During that conversation, Minisian expressed the team’s deep interest in Mitchell, telling him, “We really want you and we’re gonna give you everything we’ve got.” This message from the organization clearly resonated with Mitchell, who was eager to take the next step in his baseball journey.
“I just had to get the offer and get the opportunity, so I’m very thankful,” Mitchell said, reflecting on the significance of signing with the Angels. His gratitude underscores the importance of this opportunity, which represents a major milestone in his development as a professional athlete.
Despite being ranked as the No. 168 prospect in the draft by MLB.com, Mitchell faced some challenges in the lead-up to the draft. He initially had interest from the Texas Longhorns, who hoped to recruit him to play college baseball. However, concerns about his signability—meaning the likelihood that he would accept a professional contract rather than attend college—led to some uncertainty about his future.
Ultimately, the offer from the Angels proved too tempting to ignore. The financial incentives, combined with the team’s clear investment in his potential, convinced Mitchell that signing with the Angels was the best path forward for his career. His decision reflects a growing trend in the MLB draft, where top prospects are increasingly choosing professional contracts over college opportunities, especially when the offers are competitive and the long-term benefits are clear.
As Mitchell prepares to join the Angels’ organization, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he develops at the professional level. His performance in the minor leagues could determine whether he becomes a key player for the team in the coming years. For now, however, Mitchell can take pride in making the decision that aligns with his goals and aspirations in baseball.
