The Angels announced a series of cuts at Spring Training tonight, as an outfielder Jo Adellinfielder Matt Thaiss, Left-handed Jose Suarezand right-handed Kyle Keller they were all optional.
None of the cuts were unexpected, although it is noteworthy that Adell had a very strong display on the plate, posting a 1,072 OPS in 25 Cactus League plate appearances. It probably would have taken an even longer spring to convince the Angels to include Adell (who turns 22 in April) on the Opening Day list, given how he missed an entire year of secondary league development in 2020.
Adell did not hit well (.264 / .321 / .355) in 131 appearances of Triple-A in 2019, his only flavor of action at the top level of the secondary league. In a normal 2020, Adell would have gotten a little more Triple-A experience on his resume and then received a promotion to the major league club, although the cancellation of the minor league season meant that Adell’s development was transferred to the alternative training site for the Angels. Adell ended up making his debut in the MLB, but with mediocre results – he hit just .161 / .212 / .266 with an impressive 55 eliminations in 132 PA, and he didn’t look well in the outfield either.
Although some contractual considerations were at stake, no doubt considering that Adell already had 153 days of service in the Major League, an argument can certainly be made that Adell needs a little more seasoning before his next appearance in an Angels uniform. . Los Angeles has a couple of veterans (Justin Upton and Dexter Fowler) looking for years of recovery in the outer corner field, with Taylor Ward, Jared Walsh, and minor league signings Jon Jay, Scott Schebler, and Juan Lagares all providing more depth and squad opportunities on the grass. Adell and another potential customer Brandon Marsh both are expected to be called up sometime in 2021.