Jo Adell lands with Guardians as Cleveland makes bold deadline move

The Cleveland Guardians have strengthened their lineup ahead of the MLB trade deadline, acquiring outfielder Jo Adell from the Los Angeles Angels in a move aimed at adding more power to their offense.

In exchange, the Angels received catching prospect Jacob Cozart, one of Cleveland's promising young players.

Guardians target home-run hitter

Cleveland's latest addition brings proven power to a lineup looking for more offensive production during the playoff race.


Adell, the 10th overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, has emerged as one of the American League's most dangerous power hitters over the past three seasons.

After blasting 37 home runs in 2025, the 27-year-old has followed that campaign with 16 homers in 111 games this season.

He is also batting .239, marking the highest average of his full Major League career.

Power comes with high strikeout totals

While Adell's home-run ability makes him an attractive addition, his game has also been defined by a high strikeout rate.

Over the past three seasons, he has hit 73 home runs but has also struck out 385 times, reflecting an aggressive approach at the plate.

Even so, Cleveland believes his power potential can provide a valuable boost as the club pushes toward the postseason.

Angels land promising catching prospect

In return, the Angels acquired Jacob Cozart, a young catcher regarded as one of Cleveland's top prospects.

The 23-year-old is ranked No. 18 in the Guardians' farm system by MLB Pipeline.

Selected in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft, Cozart has spent the season at Double-A Akron, where he is batting .239 with 10 home runs and 44 RBIs in 79 games.

Los Angeles adds another promising young player as it continues building for the future.

Guardians make roster adjustment

To create room for Adell on the 40-man roster, Cleveland designated infielder Juan Brito for assignment.

The 24-year-old made his Major League debut earlier this season and appeared in 15 games, batting .176 during his brief stint with the Guardians.

Cleveland continues deadline push

The trade highlights Cleveland's focus on increasing offensive firepower before the deadline.

With playoff races tightening across Major League Baseball, the Guardians have opted to invest in one of the league's most powerful outfield bats, while the Angels gain another prospect to strengthen their long-term rebuilding plans.

(With Reuters inputs)