Jo Adell, once a highly touted prospect, has experienced a rollercoaster career. After struggling to find consistency in his first few seasons with the Angels, Adell is beginning to show encouraging signs of progress. While he may not reach the lofty expectations once set upon him, his recent adjustments and improvements suggest he can become a productive major league player. This article delves into Adell’s journey, highlighting his statistical growth, changes in his batting mechanics, and his evolving role within the team.
We’ll explore how Adell’s performance has improved since May, examine the impact of ditching his leg kick, and analyze his pitch splits to understand where he excels and where he needs further development. Additionally, we’ll assess his defensive capabilities in center field and consider the overall outlook for this still-developing player.
Early Struggles and a Turnaround
Prior to May 2025, Adell’s performance was lackluster. His early-season struggles mirrored his previous challenges in the majors, leading many to question his future. However, since the beginning of May, Adell has demonstrated significant improvement, hinting at the potential that made him a top prospect. As noted in the original article, ‘Adell hit just .190/.236/.310 with two home runs in March and April while striking out 27% of the time, but from the start of May through Sunday, he hit .255/.344/.582 with 11 homers while trimming that strikeout rate to 23.2%.’ This statistical turnaround has sparked renewed optimism about his future.
This improvement isn’t just limited to a few games. Adell has shown consistent progress in key offensive categories, including batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. This surge in performance has positioned him as one of the most improved players in baseball since May 1, offering a glimmer of hope that he can live up to his potential.
The Impact of Ditching the Leg Kick
One significant adjustment in Adell’s approach was abandoning his leg kick, a change implemented in late July 2024. This mechanical alteration appears to have had a positive impact on his hitting. As Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register noted, ‘Adell had always brought his front foot about 12 inches off the ground as he prepared to swing… On Tuesday, though, Adell simply lifted his heel, keeping his toe on the ground.’ The data suggests that this adjustment has helped him generate more consistent contact and power.
The removal of the leg kick seems to have simplified his swing, allowing him to focus on timing and pitch recognition. Although he experimented with bringing the leg kick back, the less pronounced kick is visible on some of the plays. This has potentially led to a more balanced and repeatable swing, contributing to his improved performance at the plate.
Statistical Analysis and Trends
A closer look at Adell’s stats reveals encouraging trends. His expected batting average and slugging percentage have increased significantly, suggesting that his improved performance is not just a matter of luck. The article highlights that ‘Beyond that, his expected stats have improved dramatically from year to year, by 49 points of batting average and 130 points of slugging percentage.’ While his actual numbers haven’t fully caught up to his expected stats, the gap is closing, indicating that he is consistently making better contact.
Moreover, Adell’s strikeout rate has decreased, and his walk rate has improved, demonstrating better plate discipline. These factors combined paint a picture of a more refined and mature hitter who is making strides toward realizing his potential.
Pitch Splits and Areas for Improvement
Adell excels against certain pitch types, particularly sliders and sinkers. However, he continues to struggle against four-seam fastballs. According to the data, ‘Adell was four runs above average against sliders last year and is already eight above average against them this year… but against four-seamers, he’s still struggling terribly.’ Addressing this weakness will be crucial for his continued development. The graphics show that he has improved, and continues to improve against the four-seamers.
Despite these challenges, there has been improvement, and Adell’s increasing success against four-seamers since May indicates he is adapting and refining his approach. Overcoming this hurdle will be essential for him to reach his full potential as a hitter.
Defensive Performance and Positional Changes
Defensively, Adell has transitioned to center field, a position where he has limited experience. While he has shown flashes of potential, the small sample size suggests he is still adapting to the role. The article mentions that ‘In 42 games (41 starts) totaling 355 1/3 innings, he has -6 DRS and -4 FRV… It probably hasn’t helped that his main right field neighbors… have been subpar.’ His defensive metrics suggest that this position change has presented challenges, and further development is needed to become a reliable center fielder.
There are certainly those that suggest that his long term future is not in center field. As he continues to gain experience and refine his technique, he has the potential to improve and become a valuable asset in center.
Conclusion
Jo Adell’s journey has been marked by ups and downs, but his recent progress offers a reason for optimism. Although he may never become the superstar that many once envisioned, his improved hitting mechanics, increased plate discipline, and developing defensive skills suggest that he can be a productive major league player. The original article concludes that ‘He’s giving off some encouraging signs, and one can’t fault the Angels’ patience with him or his willingness to experiment. I don’t think Adell will ever reach the ceiling that talent evaluators expected from him, but I do think he can be a productive major leaguer…’
Adell’s story serves as a reminder that player development is not always linear and that perseverance and adaptability are crucial for success. As he continues to refine his skills and gain experience, he has the potential to become a valuable contributor to the Angels’ roster.
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