The Los Angeles Angels added outfielder Aaron Hicks this week.
The move certainly guarantees the Angels have more depth in the outfield, but every move have its consequences.
As of now, LA has five outfielders for three spots plus the designated hitter slot: Mike Trout, Taylor Ward, Mickey Moniak, Hicks, and former top prospect Jo Adell.
One would think that a team like the Angels can afford to give Adell all the time he needs to make adjustments and claim a starting gig.
However, it’s likely that not even they know at this point whether they will be contenders or pretenders.
As a result, they have to make some decisions regarding their personnel, including the outfield.
Adell, however, will need to hit if he wants to have a future with the Angels.
“This spring is presents an inflection point for the Angels and Jo Adell. He doesn’t have any options remaining. So either he’ll be on their MLB roster, or he’ll likely be in another organization,” Angels insider Sam Blum tweeted.
This spring is presents an inflection point for the Angels and Jo Adell.
He doesn’t have any options remaining. So either he’ll be on their MLB roster, or he’ll likely be in another organization.
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) January 29, 2024
Adell will have to win out a spot in spring training, and to do that, he can’t be the same hitter he has been all these years: a powerful, yet incredibly vulnerable one.
In parts of four MLB seasons, the talented yet inconsistent slugger has hit .214/.259/.366 with a mediocre .625 OPS.
Compared to his stat line from the minor leagues, which is at .286/.357/.550 with a .907 OPS, his performance in the majors has been a major disappointment, especially considering his top-prospect pedigree.
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Angels GM Confirms Mike Trout’s Role In 2024
