The Guardians have acquired a lefty masher, folks, sending catching prospect Jacob Cozart to the Angels for outfielder Jo Adell, as first reported by Zack Meisel of the Athletic.
You can read our write-up of Adell as a trade target here. He has a 152 wRC+ against LHP over the past two years. He isn’t a reliable source of production against RHP, but the Guardians can desperately use help against southpaws,
which is where Adell steps in. He’s not a good defensive corner outfielder, but can competently stand out there. I’d like to see Adell replace David Fry in the lineup, if no other moves are made, but if further moves are made, it’s possible Adell could allow Angel Martinez a chance to try to rediscover his offensive rhythms at Columbus.
I follow the Angels casually and have always enjoyed watching Adell, whose carrying tool is power against LHP against whom he has a .579 slugging percentage over the past three seasons.
Cozart was never a draft pick I understood, so giving him back in this deal with his 96 wRC+ at Double-A is not an issue for me. He will likely become a decent backup catcher for the Angels.
Against LHP:
1. Kwan CF
2. Jose 3B
3. DeLauter RF
4. Adell DH
5. Hoskins 1B
6. Angel LF
7. Bazzana 2B
8. Hedges C
9. Rocchio SS
Nice work, Chris Antonetti and co! Now, don’t stop now. Let’s get one more bat and an arm before the day is done. I’m getting greedy.
Let us know what you think of the trade in the comments below!
