In what is probably the most anticipated call-up of the 2020 season, the Angels called up our third-ranked prospect on our pre-season top 100. This post likely would’ve already been written if it wasn’t for the horrific leg injury Adell suffered in spring training last year that resulted in hamstring and ankle injuries that pushed the start of his season back to the last week of May. When he returned to the lineup for Double-A Mobile he raked (.308/.390/.553) before scuffling after a late-season promotion to Triple-A Salt Lake (.264/.321/.355). He put those concerns behind him with a strong showing in the AFL and an even better one for Team USA.
THE RANKINGS
Adell ranks first on our Angels top 30 list and 4th in our Fantasy Top 500 list.
THE TOOLS
Hit (40 present/50 future): I don’t ever expect Adell to consistently compete for batting titles or anything like that, but there’s more than enough hit tool here to allow the power to shine through and that’s the most important thing. He’s going to be a 25-30 K% guy, especially early in his career. He struggles with spin, especially breaking balls that break low and out of the zone, but this isn’t a problem unique to him. I expect his average to fall around the .265-.270 mark at peak, which is a 50 or 55 hit tool.
Power (60 game/70 raw): The power is plus now with a chance to be plus-plus. His stint in the AFL was very impressive and the ball jumps off his bat. His hands and wrists are insanely fast and generate a ton of bat speed and power. He’s made several mechanical adjustments in pro ball, with his latest featuring a waist-high leg-kick. It’s a mature frame with broad shoulders. What he lacks in mammoth homers he makes up for in volume. He’s a 30-35 homer bat with a season or two with 40 sprinkled in. The strength in his lower half is impressive.
Defense (55 field/50 throw): Adell’s large, muscular frame is going to push him to a corner, and if his arm strength doesn’t return to his amateur days he will fit best in left field long term. He’s an average centerfielder but Mike Trout is there and team’s are hesitant to move the veteran off the position. It will be interesting to see what happens there when Brandon Marsh, their far-and-away best defensive outfielder, reaches the big leagues. The 50 grade on the arm is admittedly a bit of a hedge. Plus grades on the arm as an amateur with below-average grades from talking to people in the AFL. I didn’t get a chance to see a competitive throw during my time in Arizona. It’s likely he plays all three outfield spots in the immediate future but settles in as the long term left fielder.
Speed (60 present/50 future): I don’t see Adell as the stolen base threat others do. I can see 12-15 steals in a 162 game season, but those will taper off quickly as he moves into the middle of the lineup. Huge, wide-hipped frame that will get heavier with time. There’s plenty of athleticism here though and he may be one of the most athletic guys in the entire minor leagues.
Prediction: I expect Jo Adell to be an everyday player for the Angels as soon as he arrives, pushing Brian Goodwin to the bench. I expect him to bat mostly seventh or eighth in what has suddenly become a very deep Angels offense, especially if Ohtani can still hit. It’s important to remember that while Adell has been the focus of a large amount of minor league attention, he’s still only 21 year old and will have some growing pains. I think the power will translate as long as he hits, but how much consistent contact he makes is the question. He’s obviously worth a grab in all fantasy formats because the upside is immense. I’m excited to watch him Tuesday night and for years to come.