Despite a shortened MLB season and the cancellation of the Minor League Baseball season outright, the Los Angeles Angels’ most buzzed-about prospect since Mike Trout might still make his big league debut in 2020.
In a media conference call this week, Angels GM Billy Eppler indicated that 21-year-old outfielder Jo Adell could get the call-up this season, per Maria Torres of the Los Angeles Times. Eppler said the format of the upcoming training camp should allow prospects to continue developing, adding that the Angels will hold intrasquad games between their minor and major leaguers. After the MLB season starts, the Angels’ minor leaguers will continue to play simulated games at the team’s secondary site in Long Beach, Calif.
“That’s what we’re hopeful for,” continued Eppler about the ability of Adell specifically to benefit from the intrasquad games. “There’s some upside to the intrasquad format. We’ll just have to keep getting him at-bats. There’s going to be talented pitchers over there for him to face and we’ll go from there.”
The right-handed-hitting Adell, who was included in the Angels’ initial 60-man player pool, is an elite athlete who has hit .298 with an .878 OPS in three minor-league seasons. He is also a strong defensive outfielder with a good arm and tremendous speed, making Adell a true five-tool player.
Adell has a flair for producing viral moments as well, and if all goes to plan, we may be seeing him produce more of them at the MLB level this season.
