Jo Adell was once the top prospect in the Los Angeles Angels' organization. He was a first-round pick in 2017, the team's number-2 prospect the following year, and ranked first in the organization as recently as 2020.
He obliterated Triple-A pitching for three seasons but has struggled against Major League movement in parts of four seasons. His lack of production at the plate and sometimes questionable defense ostensibly didn't inspire confidence in an outfield depth chart led by Mike Trout, Taylor Ward and Mickey Moniak.
Monday, the Angels signed veteran Aaron Hicks to a one-year, $740,000 contract. Now, with Spring Training rapidly approaching, Hicks and Adell are fourth and fifth on the team's depth chart.
General manager Perry Minasian spoke to reporters via video call on Monday and addressed the situation with Adell.
“He’s somebody that we think has a ton of talent and can definitely help us,” Minasian said. “Jo is a young player who has been through a lot of ups and downs … but it takes time for young players to establish themselves. Experience matters. I think a lot of our players have gone through a lot of different coaches and a lot of different managers, so I believe the stability of our new staff is going to really help some of those guys excel.”
— Angels general manager Perry Minasian via Los Angeles Times
It is rare for a team to carry five outfielders on a roster. Newly hired manager Ron Washington will have to make the tough decision on who to keep on his 26-man roster.
Adell is out of minor league options. That means he would have to be designated for assignment or pass through waivers, allowing another team to put him on their major league roster, before the Angels can send him back to Triple-A.
The Angels risk losing Hicks in similar fashion if they decide to roster Adell. Since Hicks is owed only the major league minimum salary ($740,000) in 2024, the cost of losing the 34-year-old veteran is not as steep.
By contrast, the Angels have invested much more in terms of years and dollars in Adell's development. Now, he will have to figure out his game at Spring Training if he wants to make the Opening Day roster — and be a part of the Angels' future going forward.
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