The Brewers are adding some speed and glove to their spring mix, agreeing to a deal with outfielder Jordyn Adams. While the signing hasn't been officially finalized yet, it's expected to be a minor league contract with a non-roster invite to big league camp - a classic low-risk, high-upside move that fits Milwaukee’s blueprint.
Adams, just 26, was once a first-round pick - 17th overall by the Angels back in 2018 - and came out of high school with the kind of athletic profile that turns heads. We're talking top-tier speed, elite range in center field, and the kind of raw tools that scouts drool over. But so far, the bat hasn’t caught up to the rest of the package.
Strikeouts have been the main hurdle. As Adams climbed the ladder in the Angels’ system, swing-and-miss issues became more pronounced, particularly at the Double-A level and beyond. That’s been the sticking point in his development - the athleticism is there, the defense plays, but the offensive production just hasn’t followed suit.
Over the past three seasons, Adams has gotten a handful of looks in the majors, totaling 28 games with the Angels between 2023 and 2024. After being non-tendered last winter, he landed with the Orioles on a minor league deal and made a brief appearance in the bigs late in May. His role in Baltimore was limited - mostly late-game defensive substitutions - and he only logged five plate appearances in 10 games before being outrighted off the 40-man roster in August.
He closed out the 2024 season at Triple-A Norfolk, where the struggles at the plate continued. In 310 plate appearances, Adams hit .213 with a .291 on-base percentage and .379 slugging, while striking out over 30% of the time. The power flashed in spurts, but the contact issues remained a concern.
So why are the Brewers interested? Simple - Adams fits their mold.
Milwaukee has long valued athleticism and defensive versatility in the outfield, and Adams brings both in spades. He’s not being brought in to compete for a starting job out of the gate, but as a depth piece with upside, he makes a lot of sense.
The Brewers already have a crowded outfield picture. Jackson Chourio, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Blake Perkins are all in line for significant playing time.
Christian Yelich will still get reps in left field but will spend most of his time at DH. Jake Bauers is expected to rotate between the corner outfield spots and first base.
Beyond the main group, Milwaukee has a few other center field options with minor league options still in play - Brandon Lockridge, Steward Berroa, and Akil Baddoo, all of whom are on the 40-man roster. Adams, like fellow offseason pickup Greg Jones (another elite runner and former first-rounder), adds to that pool of speed-and-defense depth heading into camp.
In short, the Brewers are betting on tools - and hoping that with a fresh start, Adams might unlock more of the potential that made him a first-round pick in the first place.