No one is more excited for Opening Day than Jo Adell.
The Los Angeles Angels’ centerfielder is looking to build off his breakout 2024 season where he played 130 games, had over 400 at-bats and belted a career-high 21 home runs.
Jo Adell Talks To MLBbro.com About Possible Breakout Season
“For me, it’s special to get a spot on the Opening Day roster, it’s credit to the work we do in the spring,” said Adell to MLBbro.com.
The Angels will open their season in Chicago against the White Sox on Thursday, and Adell will be filling big shoes in center. Adell is replacing Mike Trout, who has been moved to right field in an attempt to keep him healthy.
“With a guy like Mike, you would never think he would leave centerfield,” Adell said of the former All-Star. “But to keep him on the field and his bat in the lineup, we gotta do what we gotta do.”
The 2024 season was a standout year particularly on defense. He solidified his role as the team’s right fielder and showcased exceptional reliability. Adell’s fielding percentage was nearly perfect, highlighting his defensive prowess throughout the year.
Jo Adell Worked This Spring To Improve On Solid 2024
This spring, Adell, 25, has worked closely with second-year manager Ron Washington, who has been impressed with his growth and dedication.
Washington, known for his ability to develop players defensively, has been hands-on with Adell, helping him refine his footwork, reads off the bat, and overall command of the centerfield position.
Washington believes Adell – the 10th overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft – can be a pivotal part of the Angels’ future and is excited about the potential he brings to the organization.
Adell – whose season ended on the 60-day injured list after a left oblique strain -hopes to stay healthy the entire year and build on last season. Without question, Adell has developed after spending his first three seasons in the minors.
In 2017, Adell posted a .376 on-base percentage along with a .325 batting average. In both 2018 and 2019, he maintained a .280 batting average, demonstrating consistency that caught the attention of the Angels’ scouting team.
Adell, from Shelby, North Carolina, was called up during the 2020 season, but the pandemic-shortened year limited his opportunities, preventing him from putting up the numbers he wanted.
However, his availability stood out, and from 2020 to 2022, he appeared in 50 more games, gaining valuable experience at the Major League level. But 2024 was a watermark moment. “I was glad to get a little over the 400-mark (at-bats), that’s where I wanted to be.” Adell said.
LA Angels Manager Ron Washington Believes In Jo Adell
As Opening Day approaches, all eyes will be on Adell—not just to see if he can replicate his offensive success, but also to see how he handles the transition to centerfield.
With the support of his teammates, coaching staff, and a renewed confidence in his abilities, Adell is ready to prove that his breakout season was just the beginning. With his speed – grabbed 15 bags last season – power and great glove, he has the making of an All-Star.
Now, heading into 2025, Adell is more motivated than ever. With a full season of success behind him, he’s ready to take his game to even greater heights and establish himself as a cornerstone of the Angels’ future.
