Calabrese sits as the 24th ranked Angels Prospect

As the MLB and MiLB off-season begins to heat up, let's take a look at an Ontario Blue Jays alumnus who's currently amongst some of the most talented in the Los Angelos Angels organization, outfielder, David Calabrese. 

Calabrese was selected in the 3rd Round, 82nd Overall by the Angels in what will always be a memorable MLB First-Year Players Draft. Calabrese grew up playing his early years for High Park Little League in Toronto before transitioning to the Ontario Blue Jays as a 13-year-old joining the, then, OBJ Prep Programs. Calabrese excelled with OBJ, showcasing his athleticism and talent during his high school career, leading into an opportunity to join the Canadian Junior National Team in March 2020 prior to the pandemic shutdown.

Per MLB.com: A 5-foot-10, left-handed-hitting outfielder, Calabrese’s top tool is his speed. It’s received an 80 on the 20-80 scale from some scouts, the kind of top-of-the-scale wheels that should allow him to steal bases and have plus range in the outfield. He definitely has a hit-over-power profile at the plate, with a loose and easy swing that makes consistent hard contact. He should grow into more ability to drive the ball, but is more likely to have gap-to-gap extra-base authority than over-the-fence pop, though some see a little Andrew Benintendi in his profile if he gets stronger.

This past year, Calabrese spent his season in Arizona, playing for the AZ Angels (Rookie) as most young high school selections do in the early professional careers. David put together a strong season, playing in 42 games collecting 29 hits including 8 doubles, 2 triples and a home run. He looks to make the jump out of the desert this coming year as he continues to climb the Angels depth charts year-after-year.