The Los Angeles Angels traded outfielder Jo Adell to the Cleveland Guardians on Monday, just before the Major League Baseball trade deadline.
Adell's departure concludes his seven-year affiliation with the Angels, who drafted him as the 10th overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut in 2020, but did not become a consistent starter for the team until the 2024 season.
At the time of the trade, the 27-year-old Adell had a batting average of .240, with 16 home runs and an on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) of .684. While his offensive statistics were not considered elite, Adell's defensive capabilities were a significant aspect of his trade value.
His defensive skills were notably demonstrated in April when he robbed three home runs in a single game. Torii Hunter, a nine-time Gold Glove Award winner and widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive outfielders in Angels franchise history, described the performance as "probably the greatest defensive game I’ve ever seen."
Adell had become a fan favorite over his years with the Angels, appreciated for his dynamic style of play and his ability to perform in crucial moments.
He remains under team control for one additional season beyond 2026, a factor that likely aided the Angels in negotiations with interested clubs.