The Milwaukee Brewers’ 2024 campaign was outstanding thanks to Willy Adames. Is the shortstop with a lot of power a suitable fit for the Boston Red Sox this winter in free agency?
This past season, Tyler O’Neill, an outfielder, led Boston with 31 home runs; nevertheless, he is also scheduled to become a free agent. “Replacing that kind of production in the middle of the lineup, whether it’s Tyler or someone else, is going to be a priority,” baseball operations president Craig Breslow stated on October 2, as reported by Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic.
Adames is “perfect,” according to Jackson Roberts of SI.com, for a Boston team that wants to improve their offensive line.
Adames is a great choice if the Red Sox want to replace O’Neill’s output. He amassed 40 more RBI and hit one more home run (32 to 31) than O’Neill, he claimed. “He has also been exceptionally durable, plays a premium position at shortstop, and could move to third base to relieve Rafael Devers of his full-time defensive responsibilities.”
In 2024, Adames recorded a single-season career high in runs scored (93), doubles (33), home runs (32), RBI (112), and games played (161). He also achieved an OPS of.794. For the 29-year-old, Spotrac is forecasting a $152 million, six-year contract.
Willy Adames and the Red Sox: How Could He Blend in?
At first sight, Adames’ possible fit with the Red Sox doesn’t seem very clear. However, the middle infield proved problematic even though Rafael Devers is a guarantee at third base. The problems were a result of both a general lack of performance and a failure to maintain health.
The middle infield has been another weakness for Boston this season. No one who took over 100 at-bats in the middle infield finished with a positive OPS+, second base was a total revolving door, and shortstop Trevor Story missed almost the entire season due to a shoulder issue, according to Roberts.
Story was only available in 26 games and has only been in 89 competitions since 2023 began. For manager Alex Cora, though, second base was a dark abyss. According to FanGraphs, players at the keystone combined for -2.3 WAR, the lowest total in baseball. For the Red Sox last season, five players totaled at least 40 plate appearances at second base. The only player with a positive WAR was David Hamilton (0.2 WAR in 118 plate appearances).
Boston could move Story to second base to free up a spot and try to keep the frequently injured veteran healthy if they wish to pursue Adames.
Which Other Teams Might Try to Sign Willy Adames Before the Winter?
After a stellar season, Adames is the best free-agent shortstop available, making him a desirable addition to multiple teams in need of a shortstop. Who might be chasing the right-handed hitter when the official offseason begins?
In an article on October 6, Jon Heyman of the New York article stated, “Willy Adames, spiritual leader of Brew Crew, has been target of Dodgers, Braves, and Giants in past and they’re seen as among possible landing spots.” “Brewers realize he’s probably out of their price range, but they would still love to keep him. Perhaps your favorite, LA, with the [Andrew] Friedman/[Tampa Bay] Rays connection?
Willy Adames, spiritual leader of Brew Crew, has been target of Dodgers, Braves and Giants in past and they’re seen as among possible landing spots. Brewers would love to keep him but understand he’s probably out of price range. LA, with Friedman/Rays link, possible favorite?
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 6, 2024
The Braves present an intriguing option given Orlando Arcia’s disappointing 2024 campaign; however, he is bound by a team-friendly three-year, $7.3 million contract, so Atlanta may not feel pressured to make a major splash in free agency. Additionally, the Toronto Blue Jays may be shopping shortstop Bo Bichette this winter, which may be a more appealing option for front office management. Ultimately, other teams with a greater perceived need at shortstop, such as the Giants and Dodgers, might be more inclined to engage in a bidding war for Adames. Although the Red Sox may try to heavily invest in their 2025 roster, it may be for a starting pitcher, which would require them to look elsewhere to add value to the lineup.
