Willy Adames is drawing “very broad” interest in free agency, with MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (X link) naming the Astros, Blue Jays, Braves, and Red Sox as clubs looking at the shortstop. The Dodgers, Giants, and Yankees are also mentioned in a somewhat more speculative fashion, under the general premise that teams with infield needs — rather than specific shortstop needs — have Adames on their radar.
Reports surfaced a couple of weeks ago that Adames was open to moving off shortstop if the situation warranted, thus further opening up his market of potential suitors. Looking at Morosi’s list, the Braves would seemingly be the only one of the four clubs that would be looking at Adames as a shortstop, since Atlanta has a clear need at the position.
Orlando Arcia struggled through a very rough year at the plate in 2024, and replacing Arcia with Adames at shortstop would provide a huge upgrade to the Braves’ lineup. Signing Adames would represent a new frontier for Atlanta president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos, as Marcell Ozuna’s four-year, $65MM deal from the 2020-21 offseason is the largest free agent contract Anthopoulos has handed out over his seven-plus years running the Braves’ front office.
Adames’ expected contract would more than double Ozuna’s deal. MLBTR predicted a six-year, $160MM contract for Adames. Adding somewhere in the range of $26.6MM in average annual value onto the Braves’ books would continue to boost a payroll that has plenty of long-term commitments in place, though Ozuna and Raisel Iglesias are both free agents after the 2025 season, and technically Chris Sale could be as well if Atlanta doesn’t exercise a club option on his services for 2026.
Signing with Boston would open up several defensive possibilities for Adames. Trevor Story is the incumbent shortstop and still an excellent defender, even if injuries have limited Story’s offense and playing time altogether over his three seasons with the Red Sox. Story is still owed $77.5MM through the 2027 season, and while he can opt out of his contract after the 2025 campaign, an opt-out doesn’t seem at all likely given the veteran infielder’s last few years.
The Sox used Story at second base in 2022 when Xander Bogaerts was still on the team, so Story could shift over to the keystone again to accommodate Adames. Or, perhaps the simplest answer is just to install Adames as the regular second baseman, hopefully finally ending the revolving door that has been Boston’s second base position in recent years.
Star prospects Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell could slot into the infield mix as early as 2025 if Campbell isn’t utilized as an outfielder. Once the Sox see what they have in the youngsters and need to find playing time, the Red Sox could them perhaps use Adames as a third baseman, bumping Rafael Devers into a first base or DH role. There are plenty of moving parts defensively, yet Adames would provide a clear boost to a lineup in sore need of a big right-handed bat.
Bo Bichette is coming off a miserable 2024 season, yet he remains Toronto’s everyday shortstop heading into his final year of team control. With Bichette in the fold, the Jays could use Adames at second or (more likely) third base, as the Blue Jays’ collective of in-house young infielders are almost all better suited defensively to the keystone than the hot corner.
If Bichette was to leave in free agency next winter, Toronto could explore simply moving Adames back to shortstop, thus addressing a major position in relatively easy fashion. Second and third base could then be occupied on a more permanent basis by one of the Blue Jays’ incumbent infielders, depending on which stood out during the 2025 season. Again, the offensive upgrade is obvious, since Adames, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and what the Jays hope will be a resurgent Bichette form a powerful lineup core on paper.
It is worth mentioning that Adames has played virtually his entire MLB career at the shortstop position, and he hasn’t played anywhere else on the diamond since making 10 appearances as a second baseman during his 2018 rookie season with the Rays. Moving to third base would therefore represent an entirely new challenge for the 29-year-old, which provides an interesting backdrop to the Astros’ pursuit.
Since Jeremy Pena and Jose Altuve have the middle infield positions covered, Houston would therefore be looking at Adames as a third baseman if Alex Bregman signed elsewhere. Astros GM Dana Brown has described re-signing Bregman as “our biggest priority,” so while Bregman’s departure is far from a foregone conclusion, the Astros surely have some backup plans in mind if their longtime third baseman did leave.
Replacing Bregman with another high-priced free agent infielder would count as a bit of a surprise, given how Brown has said his club “may have to get a little bit creative” in managing the payroll this winter. The same applies to the Blue Jays, as Toronto already posted a team-record high payroll in 2024 with only a last-place finish in the AL East to show for it. The Red Sox have plenty of payroll room open, and while the team has shied away from major free agents in the last few years, Boston has already been linked to a wide range of top names (Juan Soto, Max Fried, Teoscar Hernandez, Blake Snell), so the Sox seem to be signaling that they are ready to again shop in the high-rent district.
Since Adames is sure to reject the Brewers’ qualifying offer, a new team would face some sort of penalty for signing him. The Braves and Astros both exceeded the luxury tax in 2024, and thus signing Adames or any qualified free agent would cost the club $1MM in international bonus pool money, plus their second- and fifth-highest picks in the 2025 draft. It is a steep penalty to pay, though the draft hit could be slightly lessened in the form of a compensatory pick after the fourth round if either the teams’ own qualified free agents (Houston’s Bregman, Atlanta’s Fried) signed elsewhere.
The Blue Jays (just barely) and Red Sox stayed under the tax threshold this season, so both would have to give up $500K of international bonus pool money as well as their second-highest 2025 draft selection. The Sox also have a qualified free agent of their own in Nick Pivetta, and if Pivetta departed, Boston’s compensatory pick could come before the start of the third draft round.
Otherwise known as “The Usual Suspects.”
Let’s write an article every day about a FA and then copy and pasted the teams that generally w at to compete in the it also add the RedSox too because some of the fans still think John cares
So you think Henry wont spend any money this offseason? Sure.
Has he the last 2?
If the Braves are “publicly linked” to anyone….near 0% chance of that actually happening.
Linked by Morosi and no one in the organization
Adames in Boston please. Adames, Teo and Crochet
I would like to have Adames in Boston, seems unlikely though. Lots of moving parts with existing infielders on left side of the infield, and couldn’t flip Mayer for Crochet after because White Sox top position prospect is also SS.
Unfortunately, he has Mets connections with Stearns, and Dodgers are interested, so Red Sox would seem like a long(er) shot to sign him.
I’d rather sign Alonso for less years at similar money as full time DH.
Teams always want short stop propects. If it was one for one trade and extention signed mayers for crochet makes sense then you could save all the other 4 or 5 propects that will most likely turn into top propects in next couple years
We have potentially 3 infielders out of the prospect class, and we don’t know if any of them will pan out. Chances are 1 or more will switch positions out of eventual need whether it’s inside the infield or outfield.
EVERY SINGLE INFIELDER ON THIS TEAM IS EXPENDABLE. Let’s get that out of the way so we understand where this team is actually at. No one is worth keeping when confronted with either a chance to shed their salary or upgrade them. Harsh, but true. Devers included. Each of these guys has serious negatives attached to them in the form of money, or their play.
So, it isn’t a matter if this move makes sense with what we currently have, but what does it do to help if it happens, It’s actually addresses, upgrades and solves 1 of the 5 blatant major problems with this team, and it makes the bench fairly strong, provided we Grissom stays in the aftermath and Rafaela is places in a super utility role and actually learns to be a hitter and not a hacker..
That being said, if they were to land Adames it would most likely be a shuffling of fielders to accommodate him. Story to second as an example, or other way round. Bonus is the righty bat. Grissom becomes expendable or the utility infielder with a righty bat. Rafaela becomes the righty bat that plays utility outfield with no more being exposed in the infield unless an emergency. The black hole at second is finally over since the Pedroia days. All in all, not a bad move when you think about it. It is a sizable upgrade while we also get to kick one player off the roster that shouldn’t have probably been there.
The contract won’t age too terribly because the hot shot prospects are ss and 3rd base, meaning Adames can switch over to second as Story comes off the books, or the other guys come up. Nice solution to the righty handed hitter problem, especially with trading one lefty outfielder to make room for another right-handed hitting outfielder like a Hernandez. You end up with your back up infielder and outfielder hitting righty to offset all the lefty hitting prospects down the line.
We have potentially 3 infielders out of the prospect class, and we don’t know if any of them will pan out.
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But that’s the same for any prospect. We have Mayer, Hamilton, Grissom, and maybe Campbell. If we sign Adames, we guarantee that none of them will get a shot.
Joe – Exactly BUT it’s not going to happen. Again, no evidence of even a semi-star player like Adames coming to Boston. It’s a bad fit so that makes it more likely based on recent history but still the odds are minuscule!!!
Ian Browne is now putting on a full court marketing BS press about Soto. It’s laughable. He claims Devers doesn’t want to be the face of the franchise. That set off my BS alarm the minute I read it. He was declared the face of the franchise by Theo’s scout when Devers was 14. Devers has NEVER fought it. If he had moved off DH I might consider it to be true but he hasn’t. He loves being the King of the Red Sox and he doesn’t care if that is on a winning team or a mediocre team.
If we jump in our WAY=BACK machine to 2021 or 2022 or 2023 I believe the innuendos about who we will be signing are identical. We are in on everyone and we chose no one.
Lets hope the front office doesn’t ruin the great progress with the farm system and move players in the same fashion they moved Sale. The idea of bottling the talent not dispersing it doesn’t seem to be understood by the front office. The all-stars keep going out the door and no all=stars are coming in the door. Think about what all-stars are still left.
Mookie – gone, Bogey – gone, Benny – gone, Martinez = gone, Price – gone, Sale = gone, Devers – still killing us defensively, Duran – being discussed in trades, Houck – still here but not appreciated, Kenley – gone.
Not many all-stars left to give away and NOT ONE all-star acquired. I can’t understand why people keep suggesting the same garbage year after year about the star players we are going to acquire. It reduces the enormous profits the organization is stock piling. Why would they do it?
Yeah, but 2 of them might get a front end starter in trade. But then you have to live with the possibility (albeit slim) that you might be trading Jeff Bagwell.
Sagacity
Again, no evidence of even a semi-star player like Adames coming to Boston.
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I don’t blame RS for being skeptical, but for the folks that insist that the RS won’t sign anyone, I am not sure what the point of reading these threads is.
Joe – I read the stories despite them not having any substance because sometimes good discussions come out of the posts. You and I have had some good ones recently and the same can be said for Bruin1012. I think it’s important to damper the high enthusiasm for trading since it’s been non-existent in recent years but more importantly I think it’s important to discuss which players NEED to stay with the club because we’ve traded away so, so many great players or simply let them go and we can’t keep dropping the overall value of the talent on the roster. The farm system infuses new talent but it’s constantly in danger of being disrupted by bad decisions in the front office. Losing Duran or Houck would be a huge mistake along with so many others.
So I will continue to read the threads and look for good discussions and remind folks there is no evidence of a big trade being imminent.
william – Despite the early season injuries Devers had a .992 OPS on August 2 until his shoulders got to be too much. With him it’s a simple case of health, if he can remain healthy there’s no way you try to move him except to 1B in the future.
Rafaela’s greatest asset is his versatility, he will continue to play both infield & outfield and if he doesn’t improve his hitting he will probably be moving around the field for the remainder of his contract.
I’m good with signing Teo, I wanted him a year ago. Teo in LF, Duran in CF, Anthony in RF, and Abreu traded for pitching (not my preference, but it seems inevitable). I really think Teo is staying in LA though.
Sag – I know you’re a pissed off Red Sox fan, but Henry WILL have to sign at least a couple mid-tier players. As of right now they have a projected payroll of $142M, I guarantee that will increase at least $50M and there will be probably be at least one extension that brings the total CBT payroll over $200M. John Henry is cheap, but he’s not stupid enough to drop the payroll below $200M. He knows 2025 season ticket sales are abysmal. He knows 2024 revenue and profit are both down. The Sox will do what they have done in the past, let the most heavily sought free agents sign with other teams first and then pick over what’s left.
I’m thinking there’s a good chance the Sox trade for Crochet, and since he demanded an extension contingency that alone will raise payroll probably at least $20M annually.
FPG – I agree that Sox have most expendable position prospects (without including Anthony, Teel or Campbell) and a current starter (think Crawford or Winckowski) which is exactly the deal that Chicago got for Cease. So, lets do that.
Still need another MLB starter.
Forget Adames, I’m starting to think that Pete Alonso is best right-handed DH fit for this team, but only if we could sign him for less than four years, or maybe three yrs with an option. Alonso doesnt block any positional player prospect development or stop anyone from getting on the field in the near future.
123redsox — You are dreaming if you believe you get more than one of those three.
The Red Sox have the talent to trade for Crochet, especially if they sign Adames. I think ONeill makes more sense than Hernandez. And the Red Sox need a pen too.
Pete – ANY of the 3!!
That too.
I’m pretty happy to not see the Giants mentioned since I really hope they keep their powder dry this offseason and focus on letting the kids play
“Let the kids play?” Their 2B and 3B prospects have basically failed.
They need to sign Adames or maybe Bregman to cover 2B and add much needed offense.
They should sign Ha-Seong Kim for SS and Hye-Seong Kim for 2B. With Jung Hoo Lee in CF. S. Korean spine, lots of speed, good defense, good contact. Some novelty as well.
Not accurate at all. Hamilton had a very good year, and Mayer and Campbell haven’t hit the pros yet.
games 98 PA 317 AB 294 R 47 H 73 D 17 T 1 HR 8 RBI 28 SB33 CS4 W 22 K’s 80 AVG .248 OBP .303 SLG.395.
Is the bar really that low these days for “a very good year?”
Adequate defense and speed were the positives. Low avg, obp, slugging, low walks and high k’s were the negatives.
Is the bar really that low these days for “a very good year?”
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For a rookie, yes. In roughly a half-season, he had 8 HRs and 33 SBs. If I could double that for a full season (for the sake of debate), I would take that and never think twice.
But just out of curiosity, if Hamilton’s 2.6 bWAR in 294 ABs is not impressive, then why would you want to spend $150M on Adames with his 3.1 bWAR in more than twice the number of ABs?
I said, I think twice, I was NOT advocating for getting him. I was just pointing out it is not as stupid as usual because it upgrades the team by adding power and defense from a right-handed batter we need, solves the second base problem, pushes Grissom (righty bat) in a utility role, keeps Rafaela in the outfield, and still allows prospects to come up and possibly fail and be covered depending on how they follow up the acquisition.
If you think I want him though, you are wrong. I do not. I would rather get a righty hitter in the outfield for sure with contact and power skill sets. I think we are all set with high strike out, low average guys with massive splits. If you double Hamiltons at bats you still get the low average, low OBP, and low SLG despite the steals. You also can’t hit him against lefties, so you’re dealing with a platoon situation.
That is fine if you’re ok with Grissom and Hamilton sharing AB’s. However, I do see your point that ok is better than the really bad we have become accustomed to.
Seeing speed was nice, but I don’t value that above guys that field well, are everyday guys, make contact, get on base, and do damage against quality pitchers and not just feed off of bad pitching. You can see his stats against each pitcher to quickly see he did not fare well against above average pitchers. He was also platooned because of his troubles against lefties.
I am not saying you are wrong to like him. I am just saying I don’t care if I don’t see him playing because we upgraded for more defense and power at that particular position. We won’t upgrade, and I think you will see Hamilton platooning again.
That is fine if you’re ok with Grissom and Hamilton sharing AB’s.
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Many fair points. And yes, I’d be very comfortable platooning Grissom and Hamilton. Part of that is pure accounting. I might get 2.5-3.0 WAR from those guys. If I am going to spend $25 (not necessarily on Adames), I want a significant upgrade.
Even Soto replacing Abreu is not that much of an upgrade. Acquiring guys like Snell and/or Crochet, to push our #4/5 guys out of the rotation, is huge, imho.
Yup. That is why I am not advocating, just showing the reasoning why Adames is not a terrible pick for solving problems, but not necessarily the level of player you want to solve those problems. I want significant upgrades if dishing out large, multi-year contracts.
My issue with the Red Sox is that many of their mid to low tier pickups aren’t even aimed at solving problems, just maintaining the level of the problem.
CCooper8920 — Why “keep the powder dry” this off season when they’ve been doing that for 6 years? And next year’s FA list sucks.
Because I’ve given up on the Giants actually ever being able to sign a free agent but a guy on a big contract might become available.
This “can’t sign a FA” narrative is silly and won’t last much longer. They’ve signed quite a few very good FA’s the last few years (especially Chapman, Gausman, Rodon) but Farhan let them opt-out.
Farhan is gone and the Board over-ruled Greg Johnson (thank goodness) to allow Buster Posey and Minasian to take over.
Willy Adames is unlikely to remain a long-term shortstop due to his heavy-footed defense and larger frame, which limit his range and agility compared to leaner, quicker players like Dansby Swanson or Trea Turner. At age 29, Adames might only have 2-3 serviceable seasons at SS before needing to shift to third base, turning him into more of a “bat play.” While his offensive performance, leadership, and clubhouse presence are valuable, concerns about his defensive longevity and a swing that could struggle with aging bat speed make him a risky candidate for a long-term, high-value contract.
For me, I’d stay away from this guy unless it’s a team friendly contract.
I’d float 5/100-125 and wait him out. I don’t think he’s getting 6/150 for the exact reasons you listed.
I don’t think blue chip FA’s will be open to waiting out the market because they will want to avoid what happened to Snell, Chapman, Bellinger, and Monty last year. For 4 big name guys like that to all end up on team-friendly deals in the same offseason sends a message to players about the relatively diminishing marketing demands they can realistically make. 5/100 or 6/125 is plenty lucrative for Adames and that’s a contract he should be very pleased with if offered. I would also say Bregman’s ceiling should be 6/150 for similar reasons.
@Wagner>Cobb
I agree. 5-year somewhere around 100-120M. If someone gives him more, they’ll probably want to front load the contract so that when he declines in that 5th and 6th year, he’s not costing much.
Reports are mets have a 7 year 170 million offer but I could be wrong.
For Bregman or Adames?
First I’ve heard of this offer. Don’t know where it came from but if Adames is offered 7 years he should take it and be all smiles. 7 is too many from a team perspective. 5 years is borderline.
I think 5 is fine. His bat will still be good and will age well enough. But I agree 7 years is pushing the team’s luck.
Adames would be a good start of acquistions for the Bluejays in 2024/25. Add 2 reliable quality major league depth starters and 3 power arms for the bullpen and an offensive insurance policy for Bichette in case he breaks [again] and the Jays may have a chance to get out of the ALEast.
The Astros need to prioritize signing Lunhow.
Adames would obviously be a huge upgrade at ss for Atlanta. However, the loss of draft picks and international bonus money could be an issue. I will be surprised if he signs with Atl.
Once again we lose focus on what this team actually needs, and it’s not Adames. He is a very good bat, but we donot need an infielder! Pitching please with a righthanded outfield bat
The only way Adames fits with the Sox is if they make about 10 other moves. The easier solution would just be to pay for a top tier SP.
And bullpen arm
All-Star infielder? I don’t think he’s been an All-Star yet.
Last year I believe. Somebody else could confirm or deny
Which is weird.
I don’t see the Braves getting into a bidding war for Adames. I guess we’ll find out who really wants to upgrade at SS with a lot of legit contenders likely wanting an upgrade there.
@CarolinaCubsandKush
I think teams will find out that he’s not really an upgrade at SS.
He’s excellent on both sides of the ball.
I thought Boston was already overloaded with middle infielders?
Stop. Redsox have no desire to sign adames
For the Mets, instead of signing Soto for $60 per, for an extra $10 per ($70) they can sign Adames, Santander and resign Alonso, than get some pitching ( Buehler/Sasaki/Burnes/ Fried/ resign Manaea)
Yeah, but that leaves them with Alonso. Not happening.
Doesn’t matter. Every FA to the Dodgers and then let their clown bandwagon “fans” tell you how your favorite owner could spend $1B also. Idiots. Ruining what’s already a broken MLB.
@ManfredIsAJoke
But Manfred’s the joke……
I’m ready to sign a contract. Short term with an op-out. I am 59, but I got a blazing left handed 38 mph fastball with a slider that my 8 yr old neighbor is batting less than .100 with no Homer’s. I’m stiking him out at a 50% clip.
I think 3 yrs at 150 million with a 2nd yr opt out is fair.
Just tell the Spreadsheet Guys that your “underlying metrics” tell the real story, that your “rate stats are far more encouraging, than your subpar velocity”
I guarantee you a signed contract of “$2.25MM on a deal that offers another $750K in incentives”.
Oh wait, the Red Sox already gave that to Justin Wilson….LOL
Is it plausible the Red Sox could go get Fried, Snell, Teoscar, Adames and another nice piece instead of chucking everything at Soto?
Sure, if we suddenly find another $100M+ in the seat cushions.
Burnes, Fried, Adames and Teoscar. Leave Soto at the door
In what universe do you think you sign all 4 of those guys? Or even one?
Sox need to approach this off-season as if Story is not on the roster.
Once the Sox see what they have in the youngsters and need to find playing time, the Red Sox could them perhaps use Adames as a third baseman, bumping Rafael Devers into a first base or DH role.
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This sounds like one those fantasy offers where someone writes, if you move A to B, and the B to C, the D is perfect.
I have no doubt that trades could pop up that involve Yoshi or Casas, but I seriously doubt we are signing guys on a “what-if” basis.
I’m calling BS on this rumor.
Joe – I double down on your BS!!! And Devers to 1B? He can’t catch. Great idea putting him at the position that has to make the most catches!!!
Wow can people be more misguided when commenting on Devers? BURN HIS GLOVE and save the team!!! You add 10 wins or more if you burn his glove. He’s that bad and plays the position that gets the 2nd or 3rd most ground ball chances in baseball. His damage over the last 8 seasons if he was the worst left fielder in the game would have been 3 to 5 times smaller. That’s how brilliant it is continuing to play him at 3B.
Casas, Duran, Campbell, Anthony, Teel,Rafaela, Houck, Crawford and Bello should not be traded along with a few others in the Farm System The rest is expendable to build the team of the future. Devers only stays if he DHs. It’s called addition through subtraction when the defense by a player is the worst in history since the dead ball era.
Considering the number of times I’ve heard how the Red Sox are interested in so-and-so I have a funny feeling our biggest signing will end up being a half way decent reliever and resigning Pivetta after he rejected the QO for a longer deal.
3 years removed from his 137 OPS+ year, only a year removed from a sub 100 OPS+ year, doesn’t get on base well, strikeout prone, worst DRS of his career last year and by the end of this contract, if he gets the years being thrown around he’ll be in his mid thirties, and more than likely even less valuable than he is now.
Excellent chance to be Javier Baez 2.0
I wouldn’t. he has a 108 OPS+ over the past three years. That’s good, but if he moves to 2B, it isn’t great. And no way I would prioritize 2B over pitching. Given Grissom/Hamilton a chance
I hope the Astros sign him.
I have to agree with u..
Just what the Red Sox need; another Middle Infielder…
Well I hope the White Sox sign Pete Alonso if the Mets pass on him, we can DH Vaughn for a year.
Brewers fan here, have fun to whomever signs him with a guranteed below .240 avg, ton of K’S and defense that is growing worse.
I can trust my Red Sox to make the dumbest move time will tell.
I am praying that the Houston Astros will sign Willy Adams to a good contract
Before they sign Adames I think the Astros try to sign Bregman. Evn as he declines, Bregman is a fine player on both sides of the ball.
I’ll say it, I wouldn’t be terribly upset if the Braves didn’t get him. He’s gonna sign for big money, they expectations will be bigger than those already in the team signed for big money, and yes he’s a good ball player, but he’s kinda the same player we already have all over the field. Home run or bust. He gets on base at a high clip. Definitely an upgrade over Arcia by a million miles, but fans will forget all that and become frustrated when they see his batting avg only .230-.240 most of the season and blinded by the real production he has.