Jo Adell Working on Simplifying His Approach in Make-or-Break Angels Season

Will Jo Adell make the leap in 2024?

The time is ticking for Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell to live up to his potential. Widely considered a top prospect — he was a first-round draft pick in 2017 and made the usual top-100 lists each of the next four years — Adell has yet to meet those lofty expectations in the major leagues.

Yet the 10th overall pick of the 2017 draft believes this could be the year he hits his stride. Adell explained the "basic" approach he's taking in Spring Training so far.

“We’re getting back to the basics of really what it’s all about. It’s just hitting. It’s about finding a good pitch. It’s the simplicity of it all. We can get caught up in the numbers, but at the end of the day, it’s simple. It’s approach.”

— Jo Adell, via Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register

Angels manager Ron Washington revealed what he's been emphasizing to Adell ahead of the 2024 season.

“It’s not just pounding the ball out the ballpark. It’s about hitting the ball around the ballpark. The whole ballpark. We’re trying to get him in that frame of mind where he starts learning how to use the whole ballpark, because his power is his power. And you don’t need to use it in just one area. And that’s the type of thing we’ve been talking to him about. And as I see it, it’s sinking in.”

— Ron Washington, via Jeff Fletcher of the OC Register.

To this point in his career, Adell has a .214 batting average since his 2020 debut. In 2023, Adell averaged just .207 with six RBIs and three home runs in 17 games.

If Adell can reach that next level and put in a strong Spring Training performance, he should make the Angels opening day roster. If not, his status with the team could be in jeopardy.

Since he cannot be optioned to the minor leagues, the Angels would effectively have to place Adell on the injured list or designate him for assignment to remove him from their active roster. If he's DFA'd, any team could conceivably claim Adell, making 2024 a critical year for his future in Anaheim.