Jo Adell, the rising star of the Los Angeles Angels, is setting his sights on hitting 40 home runs in the upcoming season as the team looks to reverse its recent struggles. After a strong performance last year, Adell’s ambition and improved approach at the plate symbolize hope for a franchise desperate to return to postseason contention.
Jo Adell’s Progress and Ambitious Home Run Goal
Adell came close to reaching the 40-home run mark in the 2025 season, finishing with an impressive career-best of 37 homers and 98 runs batted in. He credits his offseason preparation with refining his batting approach to help reach new heights this year.
I guess that’s next up on the list,
Adell stated during an interview with MLB Network.
He explained his mindset at the plate, emphasizing his readiness and focus.
When I get in the batters box, it’s important that I get in there…..when I get in the box I can feel my base,
Adell said.
….I’m in a position that now at any point in time I can react to any pitch. My eyes look straight to that pitcher.
These adjustments come after Adell’s near-miss with the 40-home run milestone and reflect his desire to lead the Angels with powerful hitting as they seek to return to relevance.
Challenges Loom Over the Angels Heading Into 2026
The Angels enter the new season with significant hurdles, both on and off the field. Owner Arte Moreno sparked controversy in the offseason with remarks suggesting that some fans might not care about winning, igniting backlash from supporters and commentators alike.
Sports talk host Jim Rome responded firmly to Moreno’s comments, emphasizing the importance of ownership commitment to winning.
Not every owner wants to win because it’s too expensive,
Rome remarked on The Jim Rome Show.
Alright, then if you can no longer afford to play that game, then get out of the game. Sell the team to somebody who can and somebody who does want to win, and somebody who knows the fans want to win.
Fan frustration is rooted partly in the recent loss of key players, notably Shohei Ohtani, who left the Angels for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The team’s absence from the playoffs for over a decade, with a 72-90 record last season, has weighed heavily on the franchise’s reputation and supporter morale.
Looking Ahead: Spring Training and the Road to Renewal
As the Angels prepare to face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a spring training matchup on Saturday, there is cautious optimism around Adell’s potential to elevate the team. His goal of reaching 40 home runs symbolizes a deeper ambition to spark a turnaround for the Los Angeles Angels.
The upcoming season will be critical not just for Adell’s personal milestones but for the entire organization’s future, as the team grapples with internal pressures and external expectations to regain its competitive edge in Major League Baseball.
https://twitter.com/MLBNetwork/status/2027240525443600422
An owner who thinks his fans don't care about winning is an owner who NEVER WINS ANYTHING. pic.twitter.com/PbL3qbROGA
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) February 24, 2026
