BREAKING: Orioles Snag Angels Phenom
At the price of their previous first-round picks, the Angels are overhauling their 40-man roster this summer. Jordyn Adams followed Matt Thaiss as the first former first round player to be purged from the 40-man. Adams has signed with the Baltimore Orioles, while Thaiss has made his way to the Chicago White Sox. He received an invitation to major league camp along with a minor league contract. He will almost certainly start for the O’s in AAA Norfolk this season.
Adams will look to refine his skills with the Orioles, likely serving in a role similar to Christian Pache. Baltimore has a track record of signing athletic, toolsy, young outfielders with the goal of developing them into well-rounded players. Adams fits this mold perfectly. He boasts elite speed (98th percentile sprint speed), the ability to make highlight-reel catches, and impressive exit velocities at the plate. While his power and defensive skills are unquestionable, his offensive stats have been bolstered by time spent in hitter-friendly AAA Salt Lake. Nevertheless, his raw talent is undeniable.
Adams’ approach to the game requires fine-tuning. He often exhibits football-like instincts on the diamond, leading to errant throws or poor decisions due to overthinking. At the plate, he struggles with understanding how pitchers approach him. Over 78 MLB plate appearances across two seasons, he has slashed .176/.205/.216/.421—numbers that reflect untapped potential rather than a lack of ability. The Orioles will need to channel his athleticism and refine his mental game to help him reach his ceiling.
Adams was designated for assignment (DFA) a month ago, along with Eric Wagaman, to clear space for Matthew Lugo and Jack Dashwood. Surprisingly, the Angels chose to retain Gustavo Campero over Adams, signaling their belief that Adams might not develop as hoped. At 25, however, Adams has a far higher ceiling than Campero and Dashwood. The Angels may regret letting him go if a change of scenery with the Orioles helps him blossom into the player his talent suggests he could be. Baseball rewards betting on raw ability, and Adams has plenty to offer if Baltimore can unlock his potential.