The Milwaukee Brewers have long been a “special destination” for players who were once highly anticipated but, for various reasons, faltered in MLB. And this time, the next name to step into that familiar test is Jordyn Adams—a former first-round pick for the Los Angeles Angels, who is entering what may be his last chance to prove he belongs in the top league.
The trade was very quiet. Adams signed a minor league contract with the Brewers, along with a non-roster invite to spring training. No big announcements. No media pressure. But for Adams, this wasn’t just a side contract. It was a gamble for survival.
Selected 17th overall in the 2018 draft, Adams faced a rare crossroads: professional baseball or college as a wide receiver in North Carolina. He chose MLB, receiving a $4.1 million bonus — and at the time, the Angels believed they had a pure athlete in their arsenal: speed, physique, and explosive potential.
But baseball doesn’t reward potential if the bat doesn’t keep up.
After more than 650 games in minor leagues, Adams only achieved an OPS of .705, despite having 52 home runs and 158 stolen bases. Athleticism wasn’t lacking. But consistency in at-bat — the deciding factor in staying in MLB — remained a big question. This was most evident at the highest level: 38 MLB games, batting average .165, OPS+ of only 10. Numbers enough to push any prospect aside.
The Brewers understood what they were doing. They didn’t sign Adams hoping for a miracle. They signed him because of his low-risk profile but still-opportunistic upside. At 26, he was physically strong, his speed was still a weapon, and most importantly: he had nothing to lose. That’s the type of player Milwaukee has successfully exploited in the past.
In reality, the path to the Brewers’ roster isn’t wide. Jackson Chourio is a key player. Sal Frelick is almost a sure bet. Garrett Mitchell—if healthy—also occupies a spot. Blake Perkins remains there as a defensive option. Adams, on paper, is the longshot for the fourth outfielder position.
But the Brewers don’t operate on paper.
Mitchell has a history of injuries. Roster always needs speed, defense, and center-field ability. Isaac Collins was traded, creating a small but real gap in the depth chart. And if Adams can show that his bat has improved—even if only to a usable degree—things could change very quickly.
The most likely scenario is Adams starting the season at Triple-A, where he can play every day, regain his rhythm, and wait for his opportunity. The Brewers don’t need him to explode. They just need him not to become a void when called up.
And that’s the biggest pressure.
At 26, Adams is no longer a “project.” He’s his final test. If he fails, his MLB story is practically over. If he succeeds—even in a small role—the Brewers will once again be remembered as the place that gave a timely opportunity to a career that seemed to be fading away.
No one expects Jordyn Adams to become a star. But in a sport where opportunity is rarer than talent, being in Milwaukee right now could be the last chance for everything to fit together.
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