Report: Pirates ‘Could Have Interest’ In Angels Slugging Outfielder

Jim Bowden of The Athletic revealed the “top 10 MLB stars most likely to be traded this offseason” on Thursday morning.

Among them was Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell, who is coming off a career year in 2025.

Bowden mentioned the Pittsburgh Pirates as one of two teams that may be interested in the former first-round pick, though they could have competition from within the NL Central.

“Adell broke out this year, belting a career-high 37 home runs with a .485 SLG. He ranked in the 76th percentile in batting run value, 90th percentile in xwOBA, 96th percentile in xSLG and Barrel% and 99th percentile in bat speed. He’s a below-average defender in the outfield, however, with a below-average arm, and is better suited for left field rather than center,” the insider wrote. “The Halos control him for just two more years and should dangle him in trade proposals now as they must rebuild their starting rotation and their inventory of long-term controllable assets. His trade value is the highest it’s been since he was drafted in the first round back in 2017. The Reds and Pirates could have interest.”

The Angels selected Adell with the 10th overall pick in 2017 and the 26-year-old was a highly touted prospect, playing in both the 2018 and 2019 Futures Games.

He made his big-league debut in August 2020 and struggled with consistency over his first few seasons. Adell showed promise during the 2024 campaign, recording 20 home runs, 62 RBIs and 15 steals, but was also caught stealing 10 times and had a meager .207/.280/.402 slash line.

The North Carolina native set career highs in 2025 not only with his team-leading 37 home runs and .485 slugging percentage, but also in RBIs (98), OPS (.778) and a host of other categories.

More MLB: Pirates Prospect Turning Heads With Historic Hot Streak In Arizona Fall League