Angels select INF Nolan Schanuel with First Pick (11th Overall) in 2023 MLB First-Year Player Draft
ANAHEIM - The Angels selected INF Nolan Schanuel from Florida Atlantic University as their first pick (1st round, 11th overall) in the 2023 First-Year Player Draft. The announcement was made by Angels Director, Amateur Scouting Tim McIlvaine.
Schanuel, 21, (pronounced: SHAN-yew-EL) completed his third year at Florida Atlantic University in 2023, where he hit .447 (88/197) with 18 doubles, four triples, 19 home runs and 64 RBI and was named Conference USA Player of the Year. He led all of Division I in on base percentage (.615), was tied for first in the nation in walks and ranked second in batting average and slugging percentage (.868). Additionally, he went 14-for-15 in stolen base attempts and reached base safely in 58 of 59 games played, including a streak of 54 consecutive games (longest streak in DI in 2023).
A First Team All-American selection by multiple outlets, Schanuel, compiled a .386 (239/620) career average, with 46 doubles, five triples, 46 home runs, 176 RBI and 31 stolen bases across his three seasons with the Owls. The native of Boynton Beach, Fla., prepped at Park Vista HS (Lake Worth, Fla.), where he was a First Team All-American and was named the Class 9A-10 Hitter of the Year in his junior season.
The Angels held the 11th overall pick in the Draft for the second time in franchise history. Schanuel joins All-Star infielder Jim Spencer (1965) as Angels selections with the #11 pick. After selecting SS Zach Neto (13th overall) last year, the Angels have drafted infielders with their initial first round pick in consecutive seasons for the first time since taking Kaleb Cowart (18th overall) in 2010 and C.J. Cron (17th overall) in 2011. Additionally, he is the highest pick for an Angels position player since Jo Adell went 10th overall in 2017.
The Halos 40-man roster currently features 12 players who were first round selections, including seven who were first round picks by the Angels: Jo Adell (10th overall by Angels - 2017), Tyler Anderson (20th overall by Rockies - 2011), Sam Bachman (9th overall by Angels - 2021), Reid Detmers (10th overall by Angels - 2020), Mickey Moniak (1st overall by Phillies - 2016), Mike Moustakas (2nd overall by Royals - 2007), Zach Neto (13th overall by Angels - 2022), Anthony Rendon (6th overall by Nationals - 2011), Hunter Renfroe (13th overall by Padres - 2013), Matt Thaiss (16th overall by Angels - 2016), Mike Trout (25th overall by Angels - 2009) and Taylor Ward (26th overall by Angels - 2015).
Schanuel is the Angels only selection on the first day of the 2023 First-Year Player Draft. The Club does not have a 2023 second round pick after signing Tyler Anderson in November. The Halos will make eight selections tomorrow in rounds 3-10 and will have 10 selections on Tuesday to conclude the Draft.