For years, the Los Angeles Angels' fortunes seemed to rise and fall with Mike Trout. As the cornerstone of their lineup, Trout carried the offensive load, especially after Shohei Ohtani’s departure to the Dodgers.
However, injuries have been a persistent hurdle, with Trout missing significant time in 2025 due to a knee injury. After surgery in 2024, he returned primarily as the team's designated hitter.
But while Trout battled through his challenges, Jo Adell emerged as the new face of the Angels' offense.
Jo Adell: The New Powerhouse
Last season, Trout managed to hit 26 home runs, tying for third on the team with Zach Neto. Taylor Ward impressed with 36 homers, yet it was Jo Adell who stole the show, smashing a career-high 37 home runs across 152 games. This performance crowned him the Angels' home run leader.
Despite a less-than-stellar batting average and average defense, Adell was given the opportunity to prove himself, and he delivered. Finishing fourth on the AL leaderboard for home runs, Adell has positioned himself as a formidable power hitter. Analyst Joel Reuter from Bleacher Report suggests that Adell could very well repeat as the Angels' home run king in 2026.
Looking Ahead
The potential for a rejuvenated Mike Trout adds an exciting layer to the Angels' prospects. If Trout can stay healthy and regain his form, the combination of his prowess and Adell’s power could make the Angels a force to be reckoned with. For Angels fans, there’s hope that this dynamic duo can propel the team to new heights this season.