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Former Angel Jo Adell Has Become Postseason Star WIth New Club
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- Former Angel Jo Adell Has Become Postseason Star WIth New Club
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Offseason mode is in full effect for the Los Angeles Angels fresh off their historic 100-loss season, but that doesn't mean there aren't any storylines Angels fans are following this postseason. Perhaps the most fun of such storylines is how former Angel Jo Adell is performing with his new squad when it matters most.
The former 10th overall selection by the Halos in the 2017 MLB Draft, Adell played in Anaheim across seven different seasons. With just a season and a half of team control left on the outfielder/designated hitter, the Angels pulled the trigger on a trade in August that sent the slugger to the Cleveland Guardians . In return, the Angels received minor league catcher Jacob Cozart.
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Adell has ridden the wave of the many ups and downs he's endured throughout his career, but he's become one of the most impactful players on the Guardians' postseason roster this October. The lefty-smasher leads the Guardians with six RBIs in four games while posting a .922 OPS.
With his Guardians down 0-2 to the Chicago White Sox in Game 3 of the ALDS, Adell stepped up to the plate against left-hander Hagen Smith with the bases loaded. Adell's numbers against left-handers gave him a favorable advantage in the matchup, and this case was no different. Adell ripped a line drive down the right field line, clearing the bases and racing to third base for a triple. He gave the Guardians a 4-1 lead that they never squandered, forcing a Game 4.
In Game 4, Adell continued to pose a threat at the plate. He drew a walk in his first at-bat and drove in two runs on a line drive to right field, capping off a six-run inning for the Guardians. Now, thanks in part to Adell's bat, the Guardians have the chance to come back from down 0-2 and win Game 5 in Cleveland to send them to the ALCS.
Adell and the Guardians can only focus on finishing the job in Game 5, but Angels fans have the opportunity to appreciate what they are seeing from one of their own. Though he never got a shot to play postseason baseball in an Angels uniform, Adell has looked like an October veteran.
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It's bittersweet to see former players excel and make a legitimate impact on winning baseball on another club. For Angels fans, it's impossible not to feel like this should be happening in Anaheim. Still, many will continue to root for the Guardians' newest offensive hero while he's on the biggest stage.
Meanwhile, in Anaheim, things look to be taking a turn of their own. A new era of Angels baseball will be ushered in under new owner Stan Kroenke, and there are already some franchise players on the roster to build around.
Who knows, maybe by the time Adell hits free agency after the 2027 season, the Angels will be in a more competitive spot and can bring him back home. It's certainly wishful thinking, but for now, watching Adell gain the attention he deserves will have to suffice for Halos fans.
