The Guardians made their move before Monday’s 6 p.m. ET Trade Deadline, landing outfielder Jo Adell from the Angels in exchange for Minor League catcher Jacob Cozart, Cleveland’s No. 18 prospect.
It was the third deal the Angels completed on Monday, following the trades of starter José Soriano to the Blue Jays and lefty reliever Brent Suter to Atlanta.
Adell arrives in Cleveland after finally putting together the kind of season that once made him one of the game’s most talked-about young talents. A first-round pick in 2017, he broke out in ‘25 by blasting 37 homers and driving in 98 runs across 152 games. This season, the power has backed up a bit, even though the bat speed still looks elite and his batting average and on-base percentage have stayed close to last year’s levels.
Defensively, Adell has been a useful piece in right field. He flashed that ability in a memorable April 4 game against the Mariners, when he robbed three home runs.
But he also had a rougher moment on June 2, when a ball caromed off his glove and head for a four-base error. He has played all three outfield spots, including center field last season, though right field remains his best fit.
Now 27, Adell has seven partial Major League seasons under his belt and won’t reach free agency until after next year. His early offensive struggles gave way to real progress in ‘24, and last season he took another step forward at the plate.
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