Ron Washington Says Angels Outfielder Jo Adell a 'Different Guy' This Spring
One of the big storylines for the Los Angeles Angels this spring is how Jo Adell will fit on the roster amid a crowded outfield picture. The expectations have been high for Adell ever since he was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2017 draft, then promoted to the majors in 2020.
After a down year in 2023, there are now questions around Adell's future. His status became even more uncertain with the signing of veteran outfielder Aaron Hicks, but the Angels coaching and front office staff have maintained their belief in the 24-year-old.
Angels manager Ron Washington detailed what has made Adell different so far in 2024, and why they're confident in him heading into the regular season.
“He's a different guy right now. And because he's going through this process, once the season starts, I think we might have the Jo Adell everybody wanted because now he has to be engaged. And now he's using the whole field. He's feeling good about himself. He's working hard every day. So let's just wait and see where it goes.”
— Ron Washington, via Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com
A whole-field approach would mark a vast improvement from the homer-or-bust approach that characterized Adell's early struggles at the plate. He's shown this in Spring Training, hitting .241 with seven hits, four RBIs, four stolen bases and a home run through 29 at-bats.
“We know he’s capable of hitting it out of anywhere but when you’re not hitting it out you have to hit some singles. And he’s done that this spring. He’s hit some balls up the middle between short and second. He’s growing. He’s not one-dimensional like he was in the past.”
— Ron Washington, via Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com.
If Adell can put it all together, it will be huge for him and the Angels. Otherwise, don't be surprised if the Angels break camp without him.
