Late-round signee Trey Gregory-Alford shines after record bonus signing

Trey Gregory-Alford arrived in professional baseball carrying two heavy tags: high school standout and late-round sleeper, then left last season with results that justified both labels. After signing for a record bonus for a player drafted after the 10th round, Gregory-Alford turned that investment into on-field momentum, delivering a strong pro debut split between the Arizona Complex League and Single-A Inland Empire.

The Angels committed to Gregory-Alford because of a blend of physical profile and pitchability that projects beyond a typical late-round pick. Scouts and the organization pointed to his ability to generate whiff stuff with a fastball that plays, a sharp breaking ball and a serviceable secondaries package. He pairs an athletic arm with a lean, projectable frame and the kind of feel for sequencing that helps young pitchers get ahead of hitters.

On the field, Gregory-Alford backed up the scouting reports. Across his appearances in the ACL and at Inland Empire, he showed above-average strikeout ability for a transitory debut and the level of command that allowed him to attack both sides of the plate. Early statistical and scouting indicators — swings and misses, first-pitch strikes, and a willingness to work deeper counts — invited positive attention from the organization and the broader prospect community. More importantly, he handled the increased spotlight from the bonus and the late-round novelty with a professional approach in the clubhouse and on the mound.

For Inland Empire fans, the sight lines were tangible: a young arm that can miss bats and settle into innings, not just flash for a few pitches. For Angels brass, the short-term payoff is a reinforced belief that money allocated late in the draft can speed up a prospect’s timeline when the profile and polish are present. For opponents and scouts, Gregory-Alford now appears on the map as a name to track through 2026.

The practical implications are straightforward. Gregory-Alford’s immediate goal is to build workload and refine command across a full season. Expect the organization to emphasize consistent pitch sequencing, innings accumulation, and development of his secondary offerings before considering higher levels. A methodical jump to High-A and then Double-A would be the typical next steps if he repeats and refines his 2025 results.

Our two cents? Keep an eye on the innings and the walks. If Gregory-Alford continues to miss bats while trimming free passes, he’s the kind of late-round flame thrower who can change how front offices view draft-market value. For fans in Southern California and beyond, this is a prospect worth tracking — not just for the bonus line, but for the real baseball he showed when it mattered.