The MLB free agent market is essentially at a halt as a Juan Soto free agent decision approaches. As a result, teams like the New York Yankees are researching backup plans in case Soto chooses to sign with another team.
In the event that Soto declines to sign with the Yankees, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports that the team is looking at infielder Willy Adames as a potential backup. Depending on what the Yankees decide to do with Anthony Volpe and Jazz Chisholm, Adames would be able to play either shortstop or third base.
Although Adames has spent his whole career at shortstop, he has indicated that he would be open to switching to third base in order to reach a wider audience. This season, Volpe was the Yankees’ shortstop, but he might switch to second base to make room for Adames and take the place of free agent Gleyber Torres. Additionally, the Yankees might have Chisholm play second and move Adames to third, keeping Volpe at short.
For the second time in three years, Adames, who is regarded as one of the game’s best hitting shortstops, blasted over 30 home runs in the previous season. The career.248 hitter, who placed 10th in the 2024 NL MVP vote with the Milwaukee Brewers, has never been selected to an All-Star team. Several teams have expressed interest in him, so the Yankees won’t be the only ones pursuing him.
Still, the Yankees are thought to be among the top contenders to sign Soto. According to earlier reports, if he signed somewhere else, the Yankees would probably share that money around.
According to reports, the New York Yankees would target this expensive free agent as a backup plan in case they are unable to sign Juan Soto.
If Juan Soto departs the Bronx, the New York Yankees already have a backup plan in place.
According to MLB.com senior national reporter Mark Feinsand, the Yankees are eyeing free-agent shortstop Willy Adames as a potential addition if they can’t retain Soto.
In 2024, Adames delivered a standout season with the Milwaukee Brewers, hitting a career-best 32 home runs and driving in 112 runs. He posted a 3.1 WAR and finished tenth in the National League MVP voting.
The Yankees could consider shifting Adames to third base while placing Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second base. Alternatively, they might move Anthony Volpe from shortstop to second base to fill the void left by free agent Gleyber Torres.
If Juan Soto leaves the Bronx, the New York Yankees already have a backup plan in mind.
According to MLB.com senior national reporter Mark Feinsand, the Yankees are targeting free-agent shortstop Willy Adames as a potential replacement if they fail to retain Soto.
Adames had a stellar 2024 season with the Milwaukee Brewers, achieving career highs with 32 home runs and 112 RBIs. He posted a 3.1 WAR and finished tenth in the National League MVP voting.
The Yankees might consider transitioning Adames to third base and placing Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second base. Another option would be moving Anthony Volpe from shortstop to second base to fill the gap left by free agent Gleyber Torres.
There are other teams vying for Adames besides the Yankees. The free agent has also drawn interest from the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Houston Astros, and San Francisco Giants.
Every team has a different fit: the Phillies might look for a third baseman if they deal All-Star Alec Bohm; the Red Sox might require assistance at third if Rafael Devers moves to first base; the Giants want to improve at shortstop; and the Astros need a possible successor for Alex Bregman at third base.
ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel projects that Adames will seek a seven-year deal worth $189 million.
The 29-year-old has compiled a .248/.322/.444 slash line over seven seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers. His career stats include 150 home runs, 172 doubles, 467 runs scored, 472 RBIs, a 109 OPS+, and a 21.5 WAR.
