Jo Adell, probably the best prospect for Los Angeles Angels from Mike Trout, struggled as a rookie in 2020, hitting .161 while showing clear defensive fights.
And while Angels manager Joe Maddon thinks it’s unfair to judge players on such an unconventional season, he added that he believes Adell “needs more time in the minor leagues, no doubt.”
“But I’m sure,” Maddon added on Friday, “if you’re given this opportunity, you’ll see what you thought you saw in the first place. It was a tough time for him last year, the way he started – – didn’t start very well for him and he started spinning very fast, which is what happens to a lot of guys who have reached the major leagues. He needs a normal model next year to get moving. But this guy is ultra-talented. He has many wonderful things for him. He needs a normal year to put his feet under it. “
Adell, ESPN’s 10th highest-rated player before the start of the season, hit 55 times and drew just seven walks during the 60-game season. His OPS .478 was the lowest of the players with at least 130 plate appearances; his results minus-3 above average placed him in the last 20% of players in any position. But Adell is just 21 years old and has entered the 2020 season – one played in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, with no fans in the stands and no access to the videos in the game – coming from a tough Triple-A presentation to end 2019 season.
Maddon said Adell, who started 29 games in the right field and another four in the center, was “rushed” to the majors.
“Evaluating it based on what you saw last year could be very dangerous if you choose to become negative,” Maddon said. “This guy – great athlete, obviously. This guy – very bright, excellent teammate, great work ethic and keeps the information extremely good. That’s what I found out about him last year.”
Under the leadership of first-year general manager Perry Minasian, the angels devised several trades to bring Jose Iglesias and Raisel Iglesias closer. But they are still looking for at least one front-line pitcher – although they expect Shohei Ohtani to resume her two-way role in 2021 and return to rotation – and an established catcher. The presence of Adell and Brandon Marsh gives the Angels a bright future off the field, but Adell’s fights in 2020 could cause the team to add more depth there for the 2021 season.
Maddon has stopped saying Adell will start next season in the minor leagues, but said: “There are things he definitely needs to work on and he knows it himself. This guy is a very good self-assessor, he’s very responsible for himself, so let’s take him to camp, get him moving and make our decisions at that moment. “