Jo Adell has quietly fixed his biggest flaw since joining Guardians

On Aug. 18, Jo Adell recorded his first signature game as a Guardian when he recorded a home run and six six RBI in Cleveland's 8-1 win over the Giants. 

But perhaps the most encouraging play from that win came on an otherwise forgettable play in the top of the second inning after his homer had already staked the Guardians to a lead. 

With a runner on first and one out, Giants outfielder Drew Gilbert lined a Foster Griffin cutter to right field that seemed destined to get nestled into Progressive Field’s right field corner. 

But instead of Gilbert running amok on the base, he was forced to walk back to the Rockies’ first base dugout after Jo Adell made a great leaping catch. 

Griffin finished things off a batter later by striking out Andrew Knizner, and the inning vanished from everyone’s minds just as quickly as it got there thanks in large part to Adell’s play on a ball that had a 68% hit probability, per Statcast. 

It wasn’t the fanciest play, but it was a solid play that helped stop the Giants from recording the kind of big inning that had been plaguing the Guardians. It was also a good summation of how things have gone on the grass during Adell’s short stint with Cleveland. 

Adell has been worth +2 Defensive Runs Saved with the Guardians after being worth -7 DRS during his time with the Angels.

Jo Adell has been a plus defender since joining the Guardians

Although Adell showed some flashes during his time with the Angels (including his outing earlier this year where he robbed three homers against the Mariners), he finished his Angels career worth -22 Outs Above Average and -14 DRS. 

Most of those negative stats stemmed from his subpar performance in center field last season that came about after the Angels shifted Mike Trout to right field (before he ended up getting hurt).

Adell grades out as a much better corner outfielder, which is where the Guardians have been using him so far this season.

So far he’s recorded 10 games in right field during his time in Cleveland and  four games at left field (there was also one where he shifted between the two spots). 

Right field seems to be the perfect spot for both him and the Guardians. Not only has he been worth +2 DRS in right field this year, but putting him there means Steven Kwan gets to stay in left (his best position).  

That alignment has pushed Petey Halpin into an everyday role in center field, and he’s been worth +2 Outs Above Average in center while providing some pop.

Chase DeLauter has gotten a brunt of the playing time in right when Adell has been on the bench or serving as designated hitter. 

When the Guardians acquired Adell, it seemed like they were willing to roll with his defensive struggles so long as he provided them with some offense. It’s been the best of both worlds so far.

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