San Francisco Giants have made an historic signing, securing the services of Willy Adames, a figure who has long flown under the radar in MLB circles. Adames, an essential player for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024 that championed the NL Central despite significant team changes, is the latest to depart from the team. The former shortstop for the Brewers has committed to a seven-year contract with the Giants, worth an impressive $182 million. The contract does hinge on a physical assessment and also speaks of a $22 million signing bonus.
This agreement signifies the largest ever contract in terms of total value in the history of the franchise, outpacing the eight-year contract that Buster Posey signed back in 2013 for $167 million. Posey, who recently filled the role of the Giants’ President of Baseball Operations, has played a significant role in securing this deal. The Brewers will be on the receiving end of a draft pick compensation from San Francisco, given that Adames declined a qualifying offer.
With the Giants, Adames finds a new team where he can stay in his preferred position, shortstop. There were circulating rumours that he could be shifted to third base, but in San Francisco, he will pair up nicely with All-Star third baseman Matt Chapman. It does seem that, having signed Chapman with a six-year, $151 million extension in September, San Francisco has secured an impressive left side infield for the foreseeable future. Adames’ contract runs until the 2031 season, which is projected to coincide with his 35th year.
Signing a next-level shortstop like Adames comes two years after the unfortunate Carlos Correa situation. Back then, Correa, shortstop for the Minnesota Twins, agreed to a staggering 12-year, $350 million contract that was eventually shelved due to injury concerns surrounding his right ankle.
Adames’ departure is another blow to the Brewers following the exits of key figures like ace Corbin Burnes, manager Craig Counsell and President of Baseball Operations David Stearns, all in the previous winter. Despite these setbacks, the team managed to push through to win 93 games in 2024. However, they are now presented with the challenge of maintaining their NL Central dominance in the coming years.
The current deal seems to acknowledge the stellar season Adames enjoyed in 2024, where he posted impressive stats – a batting average of .251/.331/.462 while playing 161 games, the most of any shortstop in MLB. He may not have had the star power of Xander Bogaerts or Trea Turner when entering free agency, but he stood out as the preeminent player in the shortstop position this offseason.
Adames’ credentials and underappreciation in the industry are underscored by the fact that he’s never graced an All-Star Game despite his consistent performances at shortstop and a career 109 OPS+. He has proven to be an above-average hitter capable of playing one of the most vital positions in the game, and as a rule, such players are well compensated.
For Adames, this contract proves a major victory. Most predictions were spot on in terms of his average annual salary but doubted the seventh-year extension. His total contract value even outperforms the seven-year, $177 million agreement between Dansby Swanson and the Cubs prior to the 2023 season, which many had presumed to be a benchmark.
Adames’ new team also offers flexibility in his playing position. Although he expressed willingness to switch roles in the infield if necessary, this won’t be the case at Oracle Park. With Matt Chapman, known as the wizard of the ‘hot-corner’, signed onto the Giants until 2030, Adames’ place at shortstop is secure.
The Giants’ off-season spree doesn’t appear to be over, yet. Posey and his team are still possibly in the market with several key positions to fill, including that of a strong corner outfielder and an additional starting pitcher, especially after the departure of Blake Snell. However, only time will reveal these intentions.
In their current state, the Giants are trailing behind Los Angeles and San Diego when it comes to the NL West picture. However, strategic signings like Adames and potential future moves may tip the balance. Adames’ contribution in the coming season is expected to be a key deciding factor for the Giants.