Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell is experiencing a surge in his offensive performance. Over the past 100 games, he’s made significant adjustments to his batting approach, resulting in a notable improvement in his hitting statistics. This article delves into the changes Adell has implemented, exploring how these modifications have contributed to his recent success on the field.
Adell’s journey has been marked by periods of struggle and flashes of potential. A former top prospect, he faced challenges in translating his minor league success to the major league level. However, his recent performance indicates a turning point in his career. By analyzing the specific adjustments he’s made, we can gain insights into the factors driving his improved hitting and assess the sustainability of his success.
We’ll examine his decision to scrap his leg kick, the introduction of a more controlled “lift,” and his shift in mindset towards a more aggressive approach at the plate. Quotes from Adell and Angels manager Ron Washington provide valuable perspectives on these changes and their impact on his game. Understanding these elements offers a comprehensive picture of Adell’s transformation and what it means for the Angels moving forward.
The End of the Leg Kick: A Career-Altering Decision
In July 2024, Jo Adell made a significant change to his batting stance, abandoning the leg kick he had used throughout his entire career. This decision came after recognizing that the leg kick was no longer serving him effectively at the plate. Instead, he opted for a simple toe tap, aiming for a more streamlined and controlled approach.
“Before the Angels’ game on July 30, 2024, Adell decided that the leg kick he’d used for his entire career wasn’t working, so he scrapped it and simply tapped his toe,” reported Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register. This marked a pivotal moment in Adell’s approach to hitting, signaling a willingness to adapt and find a more effective method.
The initial results were promising. Since eliminating the leg kick, Adell hit .230 with 19 home runs and a .756 OPS (on-base plus slugging). While the average wasn’t stellar, the power numbers demonstrated an immediate impact. To provide context, the major-league average OPS during that period was .712, indicating that Adell’s offensive output was above the league average following the change.
This adjustment reflects Adell’s commitment to refining his technique and maximizing his potential. It demonstrates that even established habits can be re-evaluated and modified in the pursuit of improved performance. The decision to abandon his long-time leg kick was a bold move, but it paved the way for further refinements and ultimately contributed to his recent offensive surge.
The Controlled Lift: Fine-Tuning the Approach
Building on the foundation of eliminating the leg kick, Jo Adell introduced a further refinement to his batting stance approximately three weeks ago. He transitioned from the toe tap to a more controlled version of his former leg kick, which he describes as a “lift.” This subtle adjustment has yielded impressive results, contributing to a significant spike in his offensive statistics.
“About three weeks ago, Adell actually began using a more controlled version of the kick he used before. He calls it more of a ‘lift.’ Adell has hit .290 with eight homers and a 1.030 OPS in 21 games since going to the lift,” noted Fletcher. This demonstrates that Adell is not only willing to make changes but also adept at fine-tuning his approach to optimize his performance.
Adell himself emphasizes the distinction between his previous leg kick and the current “lift.” “The way I was lifting my leg a year ago, versus the way that I do it now, are two totally different things,” Adell explained. “This is more of a lift than like a giant kick. At points last year, it was like a full leg kick, where I was kicking it up and then trying to find the ground. Now it’s just kind of more like a lift. It’s under control.”
This controlled lift appears to be the key to unlocking Adell’s potential. By maintaining balance and control throughout his swing, he’s able to generate more power and make better contact with the ball. This adjustment, combined with his previous decision to eliminate the full leg kick, has created a more efficient and effective batting stance for the young outfielder.
Ron Washington’s Perspective: A Positive Adjustment
Angels manager Ron Washington has closely observed Jo Adell’s adjustments and offers a positive assessment of their impact. Washington believes that Adell’s controlled “lift” is not hindering his ability to drive through the ball and generate power.
“It’s not affecting him getting through the zone,” Washington said. “You have to be in your legs. He just had to figure out how he was going to do it.” Washington’s support and encouragement have likely played a significant role in Adell’s willingness to experiment and refine his approach.
Washington’s emphasis on being “in your legs” highlights the importance of maintaining a strong and balanced foundation throughout the swing. Adell’s controlled lift allows him to achieve this balance, enabling him to transfer his weight effectively and generate power. Washington’s endorsement of this adjustment reinforces the idea that Adell is on the right track.
The manager’s perspective provides valuable validation for Adell’s changes. Washington’s experience and expertise in evaluating hitting mechanics lend credibility to the notion that Adell’s adjustments are indeed contributing to his improved performance. This support from the coaching staff can further boost Adell’s confidence and encourage him to continue refining his approach.
Embracing Aggression: A Shift in Mindset
In addition to the mechanical adjustments, Jo Adell has also undergone a significant shift in his mindset at the plate. He’s adopted a more aggressive approach, focusing on attacking pitches early in the count and capitalizing on opportunities to drive the ball.
According to the article, “The other element of Adell’s recent transformation is the realization in mid-May that he should not be trying to work counts. Adell’s strategy now is to go up to the plate looking for something to hit hard.” This represents a departure from his previous approach, where he may have been more passive and willing to wait for the perfect pitch.
The statistics support this shift in mindset. Adell has hit 10 of his 15 homers on the first pitch, demonstrating his eagerness to swing early in the count. Furthermore, he’s hitting .417 with a 1.767 OPS when he puts the first pitch in play. This aggressive approach has been particularly effective against breaking balls in the zone, where he’s been able to capitalize on mistakes.
Adell explains his reasoning behind this aggressive approach: “Waiting around and trying to work the count is something that I can do, but for me, personally, if I get a pitch that’s good enough, I’m trying to get out of the at-bat, you know, with a good swing.” This proactive mentality allows him to take control of the at-bat and dictate the terms of engagement with the pitcher.
Playing to Strengths: Recognizing His Superpower
Jo Adell has come to a crucial realization about his strengths as a hitter: he’s a power hitter who thrives on making impactful swings. He’s embraced this identity and tailored his approach to maximize his ability to change the game with one swing of the bat.
“The aggressive mindset is because Adell has come to grips with the fact that he’s not going to be a high-average, high-on-base percentage hitter,” the article states. This self-awareness has allowed him to focus on his strengths and avoid trying to be something he’s not.
Adell describes his ability to change the game with one swing as his “superpower.” “When I’m putting swings off, I’m always one swing from changing the game,” he said. “That’s kind of my superpower when it comes to what I’m able to do in the box. … I hit for power, and I’m looking for mistakes. And, you know, I’m always a couple of pitches away from, you know, putting the team back in the game if need be.”
By embracing his power-hitting identity, Adell has been able to simplify his approach and focus on what he does best. He’s no longer trying to be a contact hitter or a high-average guy. Instead, he’s channeling his energy into finding pitches he can drive and using his strength to impact the game. This self-acceptance and strategic focus have been instrumental in his recent success.
Conclusion: A Promising Transformation for Jo Adell
Jo Adell’s recent surge in offensive performance is a testament to his willingness to adapt, refine, and embrace his strengths as a hitter. By scrapping his leg kick, introducing a controlled “lift,” adopting a more aggressive mindset, and playing to his power-hitting abilities, Adell has unlocked a new level of potential at the plate.
These changes have not only resulted in improved statistics but also in a renewed sense of confidence and purpose for the young outfielder. With the support of manager Ron Washington and the Angels coaching staff, Adell is well-positioned to continue his upward trajectory and become a valuable asset for the team.
While it remains to be seen whether Adell can maintain this level of performance consistently, the adjustments he’s made suggest a sustainable foundation for future success. His willingness to learn and adapt, combined with his natural talent and dedication, make him a player to watch in the years to come. For FYM News, we’ll continue following Adell’s journey and provide updates on his progress as he strives to reach his full potential.
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