LA Angels Top Pick Off to Hot Start

The Los Angeles Angels surprised many by selecting prep outfielder Jordon Adell in the first round of the MLB Draft. However, Adell is already impressing in the Arizona Fall League.

The LA Angels made a bold and risky move when they selected Jordon Adell. He is a raw, young outfielder. He does have amazing potential, but also has bust possibilities. If he develops correctly, he could become a franchise cornerstone among the likes of Bryce Harper, Giancarlo Stanton, and Aaron Judge. However, it is a long road ahead for Adell.

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He began his career in the Arizona Summer League. When rookies go here, what is most important is their ability to adapt to life on the road. For former prep draftees, it is usually their first time away from home and family. While these are the most important developments,  production and development on the field are just as valuable.

Adell has begun his professional debut in style. In eight games, he is hitting .448 with seven RBI’s and an .862 slugging percentage. That slugging number comes from his three home runs and three doubles. He has at least one hit in each game, and has shown a very balanced approach at the plate, using all parts of the field well.

Adell has made all of his starts at designated hitter, so his elite speed has yet to be seen in the outfield (he does have one stolen base, however). While he does post a higher average against left-handed pitching, all three of his home runs have come against righties.

This time of year is usually a great time to watch all of the team’s top draft picks start their careers. However, with second round pick Griffin Canning sitting out the season (he pitched an entire season of college ball), more and more attention will be on Adell.

Next: He's Baaack

While this is obviously a great start, it is also a very small sample size. This is the equivalent of the NBA Summer League for rookies. However, Jordon Adell has been the Lonzo Ball of the Arizona League so far.