Right now, Mason McGwire is probably more well-known as the son of MLB legend Mark McGwire. But the 22-year-old is working to make a name for himself in pro ball, and he took another step toward doing that on Saturday.
McGwire, a right-handed pitcher, made his debut in the Angels' organization by throwing four innings of one-run ball for High-A Tri-City in its 8-2 win over Hillsboro at Gesa Stadium. McGwire got the start for the Dust Devils and allowed four hits with four strikeouts and one walk.
Acquired from the Cubs as part of last week's Ryan Zeferjahn trade, McGwire is a local product; he grew up in Irvine -- a short drive south from Angel Stadium -- and was an eighth-round Draft pick in 2022 out of Capistrano Valley High School in Mission Viejo. Now he's the Angels' No. 15 prospect and looking to build on a season in which he has recorded a 3.55 ERA through 19 appearances (12 starts). He has struck out 76 batters in 63 1/3 innings this year.
COMPLETE ANGELS PROSPECT COVERAGE
It's been a solid bounce-back campaign for McGwire, who missed all of 2025 due to an elbow injury. His fastball tops out at 99 mph and has good movement. His tight, upper-80s slider is his most-used non-fastball, although his best such pitch is a 55-grade curveball that can reach into the low 80s and breaks well.
His father knew a little something about hitting home runs, but Mason has done a decent job of keeping opposing hitters in the park while at High-A. He has permitted only three homers through 33 1/3 innings at that level in 2026.