Red Sox Eye Brewers’ Willy Adames as Potential Shortstop Upgrade Amid Injury Struggles
Boston has been impressive this season, boasting arguably the best starting rotation in baseball. Despite injuries, they’ve managed to stay competitive and are currently in contention for an American League Wild Card spot.
With a few months left until the trade deadline, speculation is already beginning. Boston’s offense hasn’t lived up to expectations, largely due to injuries, and there could be some intriguing options available to strengthen the lineup.
One area the Red Sox might look to upgrade is shortstop, which would allow them to move Ceddanne Rafaela back to the outfield. With Trevor Story out for the season and top prospect Marcelo Mayer unlikely to reach the big league until at least the fall, an upgrade at shortstop could be crucial.
Milwaukee Brewers slugger Willy Adames has been mentioned as a potential “blockbuster target” for the Red Sox by Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter.
“Shortstop Willy Adames is a free agent this coming offseason, and odds are he will be headed for greener pastures on the open market,” Reuter said. “With an impressive collection of young infielders that includes Brice Turang, Joey Ortiz, and Tyler Black, an Adames trade would open the door for more playing time for those guys.
“Adames, 28, has a 124 OPS+ with 11 doubles, seven home runs, 29 RBI, and 1.3 WAR in 42 games, and he would be a candidate to be extended by the Red Sox.”
Adames has performed well for the Brewers this season and will be a free agent at the end of the year. Acquiring him could provide the Red Sox with a short-term solution at shortstop without blocking Mayer’s path to significant playing time in 2025.
While the future for Story remains uncertain, Adames could be a solid option to help the team in 2024.
