Ryan Johnson: From DBU to MLB
Mar 27, 2025 - Written by Kian Behravan
Photo Credit : @MLBTradeRumors - X
In 2024, the Angels drafted right-handed pitcher Ryan Johnson out of Dallas Baptist University. In 2025, he’s on their Opening Day roster, despite having zero games played in the minors. What exactly makes Ryan Johnson so special? What puts him in the company of only 23 drafted players, with notable pitchers such as Garrett Crochet and Mike Leake?
During his freshman and sophomore years at Dallas Baptist University, Johnson was like most pitchers: A hard thrower with an ERA north of 4. However, there was one thing that stood out: His walk rate. In 2022, Johnson’s BB/9 hovered around 3, which is already considered good for these Division I pitchers. However, compared to a median strikeout rate, it only made for a SO/W ratio just above 2. In 2023, he became a regular starter, posting a 4.43 ERA in 16 games (15 starts). His K/9 shot up to 12, and he also lowered his walk rate by more than one point. Even with those improved numbers, he still gave up 13 homers and let up 44 runs in just over 87 innings (4.53 RA9). It seemed like he was going to live the same story as most college pitchers–until something clicked in 2024.
In his junior year, Ryan Johnson finished with an 11-3 record in 16 games (all starts), completing two of them, posting a 2.21 ERA and a WHIP below 1. He struck out 151 batters, setting a single season school record, in 106 innings of work while only walking 14, making for an astounding BB/9 of just 1.2. His K-rate rose once again making for a SO/W ratio of 10.79. He finished his college career with the school record for most strikeouts (314), 6th-least ERA (3.46), and the third-least BB/9 (2.07 per DBU’s website). This resulted in him being the compensation pick for the Angels in the 2nd round, being drafted 74th overall with a $1.74MM signing bonus. At just 22 years old with no minor league experience, MLB fans are wondering why he’s being fast-tracked to the show.
Ryan Johnson’s delivery is not one that’s seen in most pitchers. He has an arm slot like former Angels pitcher Jimmy Herget, except he can sit in the low-to-mid 90s while being able to run it up to triple digits at times. He doesn't have a traditional leg kick, instead, he winds up into a sidestep. This was a delivery that scared scouts, but the Angels decided to take a chance on him and go for it. According to BaseballSavant, he is heavy on his slider, throwing it almost half the time in 2024. It came with a lot of lateral movement which missed bats 51 percent of the time, per Synergy’s technology. He has five pitches: fastball, slider, cutter, curve, and changeup. Even with his funky delivery, he still throws all these pitches for strikes.
The Angels organization is known for fast-tracking prospects to the majors, as seen in Nolan Schanuel and Zach Neto. This is quite the risk for the team as Johnson is not getting time to develop, and some think this is a bad idea. However, Johnson’s delivery, combined with his exceptional command of the zone and ability to hit triple digits, makes for a pitcher who has a chance to shine in the Angels’ bullpen this year.
While it’s a big risk for the team to stick Ryan Johnson in the majors immediately, it further pushes the front office’s goal to create a strong team of young guys to make a playoff push in the coming years. Fans are excited to see what 2025 has in store for their team as they look to bounce back after a disappointing 2024 season.
Happy baseball season Halos’ fans!
Disclaimer : (1) All photos are not owned by InsideHalos and have been given proper credit beneath each photo. (2) Links of players are property of MLB, MiLB, and Baseball Reference. (3) InsideHalos is a fan-made site not affiliated with Angels Baseball.
