Angels prospect Chase Shores' journey from LSU champ to spring training

The 6-foot-8 right-hander's competitiveness and perseverance have defined his path to the pros.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:49pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the motion of a baseball pitcher in a dynamic, abstract style, conveying the energy and intensity of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a rising Angels pitching prospect's competitive drive and determination on the mound.Phoenix Today

Chase Shores, a pitching prospect for the Los Angeles Angels, is known for his 100 mph fastball and competitive spirit that has driven him from being a standout high school player in Texas to a national champion at LSU and now a non-roster invitee at the Angels' spring training camp. Coaches and family say Shores' determination and willingness to overcome adversity, including recovering from Tommy John surgery, have been key to his development.

Why it matters

Shores' journey highlights the importance of mental toughness and perseverance in a player's path to the major leagues. His story also showcases the Angels' focus on drafting players with the right combination of physical tools and intangible qualities like competitiveness.

The details

Shores was a dominant high school pitcher in Midland, Texas, known for his size (6-foot-8) and velocity (low 90s as a junior). His competitiveness showed up both on the mound and at the plate. That drive carried him to LSU, where he was part of a national championship team, though he had to sit out a year due to Tommy John surgery. Shores pitched the final 2⅔ innings of the College World Series final to earn the save and help LSU win the title. After being drafted by the Angels in the second round in 2025, Shores reported to their complex in Tempe, Arizona, and was later invited to major league spring training as a non-roster player, taking another step toward his goal of reaching the big leagues as soon as possible.

  • Shores was part of LSU's national championship team in 2025.
  • Shores was drafted by the Angels in the second round of the 2025 MLB Draft.
  • Shores reported to the Angels' complex in Tempe, Arizona after being drafted.
  • Shores was invited to the Angels' major league spring training camp as a non-roster player in 2026.

The players

Chase Shores

A 6-foot-8 right-handed pitching prospect in the Los Angeles Angels organization, known for his 100 mph fastball and competitive spirit that has driven his journey from standout high school player to national champion at LSU and now a non-roster invitee at the Angels' spring training camp.

Eric Garcia

Shores' high school coach at Legacy High School in Midland, Texas, who first saw Shores' obvious physical tools and competitive nature as a junior.

Perry Minasian

The general manager of the Los Angeles Angels, who said the organization was drawn to Shores not just for his talent but also for his character and competitiveness.

Bryan Shores

The father of Chase Shores, who has described his son as a 'fierce competitor'.

Nicole Shores

The mother of Chase Shores, who said the family never doubted her son would return stronger after his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

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What they’re saying

“He's probably one of the most competitive kids I've ever been around. Sometimes, you know, to a fault.”

— Eric Garcia, Shores' high school coach

“What drew us to him was the makeup, and what kind of person he is, and how important he takes this, and how much he loves it, and how good he wants to be at it. Anybody can see the talent. It was the intangibles that really made him stand out.”

— Perry Minasian, General manager, Los Angeles Angels

“Once he finds his role, whether they end up using him as a starter, as a closer, I think they're going to get a guy that has potential to play in the league for quite a while. I don't doubt him for one minute in anything that he sets his mind to.”

— Eric Garcia, Shores' high school coach

What’s next

Shores is scheduled to make his first start of the season for the Angels' High-A affiliate Tri-City Dust Devils against the Everett AquaSox on Tuesday, marking the next step in his progression toward the major leagues.

The takeaway

Chase Shores' journey from standout high school pitcher to national champion at LSU and now a rising prospect in the Angels' system showcases the importance of mental toughness and perseverance in a player's path to the big leagues. His competitiveness and determination to overcome adversity have been key factors in his development, and the Angels believe those intangible qualities, combined with his physical tools, make Shores a promising young talent with the potential to contribute at the major league level.