Willy Adames has long been a hidden gem in Major League Baseball. His impact on the Milwaukee Brewers and now the San Francisco Giants is undeniable. This article delves into his career, from his early days with the Tampa Bay Rays to his recent move and the significance of his new contract.

Unveiling Willy Adames' Journey in MLB

Early Years with the Tampa Bay Rays

Willy Adames first made his mark as the shortstop not named Wander Franco on the Tampa Bay Rays. During his fourth season there, he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers, a move that would prove to be pivotal. In Tampa, he showed potential, but it was in Milwaukee where he truly flourished. Over the course of three-and-a-half seasons, he delivered an impressive 14.0 WAR, becoming a defensive keystone, a middle-of-the-order bat, and a clubhouse leader. The Brewers reaped the benefits of this trade immediately, solidifying their teams with his contributions.

Milwaukee Brewers: Overcoming Losses and Winning the NL Central

In 2024, the Milwaukee Brewers faced significant personnel losses but managed to overcome them and win the NL Central. Willy Adames was a central component of this success. He held down the shortstop position for an MLB-best 161 games, hitting.251/.331/.462. His performance was remarkable, as he was easily the top player at the shortstop position this winter and ranked No. 5 on the Top 50 free-agent board at Yahoo Sports. Despite never making an All-Star Game, his 109 OPS+ speaks volumes about his ability as an above-average hitter.

Joining the San Francisco Giants

On Saturday, Willy Adames agreed to a seven-year, $182 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. This deal is the largest in franchise history by total value, surpassing Buster Posey's eight-year, $167 million contract. With the Giants, Adames will be a true shortstop, fitting nicely alongside All-Star third baseman Matt Chapman. Chapman signed a six-year, $151 million extension in September, locking down the left side of the infield for more than half a decade. Adames is under contract through 2031, his age-35 season. This move also means that the Brewers will receive draft pick compensation from San Francisco as Adames turned down a qualifying offer.

Impact and Significance

Adames' exit from the Brewers comes a year after the departures of key figures like ace Corbin Burnes, manager Craig Counsell, and president of baseball operations David Stearns. The Brewers regrouped admirably in 2024, winning 93 games, but now face the challenge of continuing their excellence in the NL Central. Adames' new contract rewards him for a career season and solidifies his status as a star. Most projections had his average annual value pegged correctly, but the addition of a seventh year was a pleasant surprise. This deal also puts the Giants in a strong position, with a locked-in infield and the potential to address other needs. Whether the Giants are finished spending this winter remains to be seen, but Adames' addition is a significant step forward.