The Guardians’ decision to go get Jo Adell at the trade deadline is looking better by the day, and now it’s drawing praise from around the league.
MLB Network analyst Xavier Scruggs called Adell “one of the best acquisitions at the Trade Deadline…” and added, “You go get you some power.”
"Jo Adell [was] one of the best acquisitions at the Trade Deadline..."@adnansvirk & @Xavier_Scruggs take a look at the Guardians' key contributors in their push for the Postseason 👀 pic.twitter.com/Bzz7kFUB9d
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) September 1, 2026
That power is starting to show up in Cleveland. Adell is batting .240 with 20 home runs and 83 RBIs this season, and he still has a shot to reach 100 RBIs for the first time in his career. Over his last 15 games, he’s added two homers and 17 RBIs.
When Cleveland brought him in from the Angels, Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti described him as “[He's] a very good complement to our lineup,” per MLB.com.
Adell’s value was clear before the move, too. He was a defensive standout during his time with Los Angeles, and MLB.com noted that he “had a breakout season in ’25, when he slashed .236/.293/.485 with 18 doubles, 37 home runs and 98 RBIs over 152 games.” The outlet also pointed out that he entered the league as a longtime top prospect and the Angels’ first-round Draft pick in 2017.
He was drawing interest from other teams as the deadline approached, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, with the Angels once again sliding through a rough season.
For Cleveland, the timing matters. The Guardians are still in the playoff race, sitting second in the American League Central and battling the Chicago White Sox for the division lead.
They entered Tuesday at 69-68 and have won eight of their last 10 games. The next test comes Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays.
In Other News...
Clase And Ortiz Face A Damaging New Twist In Cleveland Case
Federal prosecutors say the case against Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz has taken a sharper turn, with allegations that the two Guardians pitchers tried to mislead Major League Baseball investigators about their involvement in an alleged pitch-rigging and betting scheme. Both players have already pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy, fraud, money laundering and sports bribery, and the legal fight is now set to head toward a November 2 trial that will keep the franchise in an unwelcome spotlight.
The new allegation adds another layer to a case that already carries serious consequences for Cleveland, both because of the accusations themselves and because MLB's Rule 21 bars betting on baseball. Prosecutors say the pitchers attempted to hide payments and obscure their roles during the league's inquiry, leaving the Guardians to watch a sprawling off-field matter move closer to a courtroom resolution without any easy way to put the story behind them. [Read more 🡒]
Guardians Spark Debate With September Choice On Intriguing Young Bat
The Guardians used their September roster expansion to bring up Daniel Schneemann and Carlos Hernandez, but the move that has drawn the most attention is the one they did not make. First baseman Ralphy Velazquez has been one of the more intriguing young bats in the organization, and his minor league performance has made him a natural candidate for a late-season look as Cleveland sorts through its expanded options.
Instead, the club is weighing bigger-picture development concerns, including the possibility of an MLB lockout next season that could alter his path forward. It is a cautious approach, and one that has led some analysts to question whether Cleveland is passing on a chance to give Velazquez a taste of the majors when opportunities are open. The debate now centers on whether the long view outweighs the value of getting him into the mix right away. [Read more 🡒]
Guardians Wild Card Chase Just Got Tougher Before Huge Orioles Series
The Orioles added another layer to an already tricky postseason push by claiming outfielder Luis Robert Jr. on waivers from the Mets before the postseason eligibility deadline. For Cleveland, which is still chasing a Wild Card berth and now heads into a major series with Baltimore, the move is a reminder that the October race is turning into a test of depth, urgency and roster creativity. Robert has battled injuries this season, but he is still the kind of player who can change a series when healthy.
Baltimore will take on the rest of Roberts salary for this season and eventually has to sort out his 2027 team option or buyout, but the immediate issue is what he means in a race that keeps tightening. The Guardians have enough at stake already without seeing the Orioles add another name who has been productive when available, and the matchup now looks even more significant for both clubs. For Cleveland, the margin for error in the Wild Card chase just got a little thinner. [Read more 🡒]