March 21, 2021

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell had a rough MLB debut in 2020. Adell played in 38 games, slashing .161/.212/.266 with three home runs and a 41.7% strikeout rate across 132 plate appearances. The good news for Adell is that these struggles follow a trend that has consistently resulted in improvement throughout his minor-league career. Unlike some prospects who seem to effortlessly ascend through the minors, Adell has endured growing pains with each promotion. In 2018, Adell slashed .290/.345/.546 with 12 homers, a 135 wRC+, and a 12.7% swinging strike rate in 262 plate appearances in High-A. His 71 plate appearances at Double-A that year yielded a .238/.324/.429 slash line, 115 wRC+, and 18.4% swinging strike rate. He drastically improved upon those numbers in 2019, logging a 173 wRC+, a career-best 10.4% walk rate, and his lowest strikeout clip since rookie ball in 182 plate appearances. Then, he got promoted and struggled again: His swinging strike rate jumped from 12.6% in Double-A to 19% in Triple-A, and his production dropped off accordingly. The lack of a minor-league season in 2020 prevented Adell from making the improvements we've grown accustomed to in his development, instead thrusting him into the fire of MLB competition when he clearly would have benefited from another couple months or so in Triple-A. The Angels signed Dexter Fowler back in February to serve as their third outfielder with Mike Trout and Justin Upton, so Adell will begin the season in the minors, which was always the plan. Manager Joe Maddon said the 21-year-old needed more time in the lower levels back in December so this isn't a surprise. He'll continue his growth and development in Triple-A before another full-time call-up to the majors. For fantasy purposes, he can be targeted as a bench stash in the later rounds of redraft leagues. He remains among the most valuable prospects to roster in dynasty formats.--Chris O'Reilly