CF Jordon Adell (Ballard HS, KY): 6'2", 195 lbs, born 4/8/1999.
Overview
Hit: 45. Power: 60. Run: 65. Throw: 65. Field: 55.
Jordon Adell is Austin Beck part II; his tools are unmistakable, rivaling anyone in the draft. However, he is very raw, and will take a lot of development to be an MLB contributor. Every draft, players like Adell arise, ones with exceptional tools and big problems getting to them. His big bat speed and powerful build lead to him generating plus power even with wood bats, but his persistent contact issues inject a significant degree of doubt. Adell has a plus arm as well, as he has been known to fire mid 90's fastballs on the mound and would be an intriguing draft prospect as a pitcher. His projected landing spot is tough to peg, though I think he is likely to crack the first half of the first round, possibly even the top ten. Even if he doesn't, it's hard for me to see him sliding out of the top 20, at which point signability might become a concern. He is committed to stay in his hometown and play for Louisville.
Strengths
Tools, tools tools. Adell may be the toolsiest position player in this draft, coming in with plus power and plus to plus-plus speed and arm strength. That kind of package isn't very common, and once the nation's top players come off the board (Greene, Wright, McKay, Gore, Lewis), you can bet he'll be squarely on every subsequent team's radar. His 25 home runs led all high schoolers nationally, and he has excited scouts with his abilities on the field at summer showcase events.
Weaknesses
Adell carries a lot of risk. Worries about his hit tool are what keep him from top five consideration, and have a good chance of knocking him out of the top ten. Even against mediocre competition in Kentucky, he has shown a propensity to swing through hittable pitches, and there is a chance that pro pitching simply carves him up. However, he has shown the ability to make adjustments, and his overall strikeout totals remained low for the season. There also seems to be a lot going on in his swing, and his upper and lower halves can get off time with each other. Pro coaching will have a lot on their hands with Adell, but they do get paid for a reason. If developed right, Adell could be a future All Star.
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