MLBbro Jo Adell was recently traded to the Cleveland Guardians in a move designed to provide a much-needed boost to the team’s outfield. After struggling to find consistency with the Los Angeles Angels, Adell entered Cleveland with plenty to prove. Before the trade, the outfielder posted a -0.3 WAR and had struggled to rediscover the power that made him such an intriguing young player. However, his early performance with the Guardians suggests that a change of scenery may be exactly what he needed.
Guardians Acquire Jo Adell From LA Angels to Add Right-Handed Power
Jo Adell Has Come Out Mashing For His New Team
Through his first 13 games with Cleveland, Adell has already shown noticeable improvement at the plate. His slugging percentage has increased from .395 to .500, while his OPS has jumped from .682 to .815. Those numbers are especially encouraging for a player whose biggest question has always been whether he can turn his tremendous physical tools into consistent production. If Adell can find a late-season power surge similar to the one he displayed last year, he could become a vital piece of a Cleveland lineup that is attempting to make a deep postseason run.
The Guardians are currently in the middle of a tight race for the American League Central crown, making every productive at-bat increasingly important. Franchise star Jose Ramirez has yet to reach his usual elite level this season, but it is reasonable to expect the veteran to find his rhythm toward the end of the season. In the meantime, players such as Adell have an opportunity to provide the offensive production Cleveland needs.
Jo Adell Launches Two-Run Homer, His Second In As Many Games, As Guardians Hold Off Tigers 6-4
Jo Adell Had Huge Day Against San Francisco Giants
Adell certainly made his presence felt Tuesday against the San Francisco Giants. In what was a career performance, the MLBbro went 3-for-4 with six RBIs, including a massive 455-foot home run during Cleveland’s 8-1 blowout victory. The performance showcased exactly why the Guardians were willing to take a chance on him. Adell possesses the raw power and athletic ability to change a game with just one swing, and Tuesday’s performance demonstrated the type of impact he can have when everything comes together.
Consistency has always been the biggest obstacle in Adell’s career. His flashes of elite talent have never been in question, but putting those flashes together on a regular basis has been difficult. Cleveland does not necessarily need him to become a superstar overnight. If Adell can simply provide dependable power and quality at-bats while continuing to improve defensively, he could give the Guardians an important offensive weapon.
The trade to Cleveland could represent a fresh start for Jo Adell at an important point in his career. With the Guardians fighting for the division and hoping to finally break through in the American League playoffs, his recent production could not have come at a better time. If Adell can maintain his improved approach and rediscover last year’s power, he may become one of the most important additions to Cleveland’s postseason push.
