Jo Adell

Position: CF
Level: High A
Affiliate: Inland Empire 66ers
League: California League
Born: 04/08/1999 (Age: 24)
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 208
B/T: Right / Right
Acquired: 1st Rd., (#10 Overall), 2017 MLB First-Year Player Draft (LAA)

Prospect Spotlight

Going into the 2017 MLB Draft, Adell was viewed as an elite athlete from the prep ranks with questions about his ability to hit at the pro level. The Angels went all in, taking a shot on his huge ceiling with the tenth overall pick last June. He answered questions about the readiness of his bat after signing, slashing .325/.376/.532 in his pro debut between the Arizona and Pioneer Leagues.

Adell is a top-scale runner who projects to stay in centerfield. A plus arm and quality range will be assets in a corner outfield spot if he outgrows the middle of the field as his physical 6’3’’, 210-pound frame matures. Adell’s present raw power grades as a 60 and could get as high as 70 with strength gains, giving him massive power potential. His ultimate role will be determined by how much contact he is able to make, and if he’s able to consistently bring the raw power into game situations. The biggest concern is swing length; he moves his hands away from his body during the pitch, often getting the bathead through the zone late. He has the strength and batspeed to drive any fastball, but he’s often out on the front foot against off-speed pitches and struggles to recognize spin.

Adell has flown up prospect lists (ours included) because of how many questions he has answered about the feel to hit. The stock is trending upwards as much as any player in the minor leagues heading into the Futures Game. In the first half of his first full professional season, Adell has mashed his way to High A Inland Empire and doesn’t show signs of slowing down. There still are things to tone down offensively, though his athleticism and youth make me a firm believer he will be able to make adjustments. If he makes enough contact to tap into the raw power, Adell’s five-tool skillset could make him a star.