As the Boston Red Sox, along with several other teams, intensify their pursuit of generational free agent Juan Soto, the team is also exploring backup options in case they fail to secure the top prize of the offseason.
Red Sox President Sam Kennedy has expressed a strong sense of urgency to compete for the American League East title in 2025 and to make a deep playoff run, suggesting that the team may be looking to complement Soto with additional roster moves if their pursuit of the former New York Yankee is successful.
On Thursday, Boston Strong, a popular Red Sox news account with over 70,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter), reported that the Red Sox had a “productive” meeting with Willy Adames, former Milwaukee Brewers shortstop and one of the most sought-after free-agent position players this winter.
Adames’ Price Tag Could Exceed $230 Million
Earlier in the week, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that the Red Sox had scheduled a meeting with Adames and were showing strong interest in signing the 29-year-old Dominican shortstop.
Adames’ signing could be costly for the Red Sox. While sports business site SpoTrac estimates his market value at $152 million over six years, other sources project his price to be significantly higher. According to Baseball Trade Values, Adames’ value could reach $231 million over eight years or $211 million over seven.
“That might make your eyes water,” wrote Chris Landers of Fansided, “but $30 million should be the floor for an All-Star shortstop set to enter his age-29 season, especially with teams like the Dodgers, Braves, and Giants driving up the bidding.”
Adames, who was signed as a 17-year-old free agent by the Detroit Tigers in 2013, was traded to Tampa Bay the following year as part of the deal for David Price. After struggling initially with the Rays, he was traded to the Brewers in 2021, where he began to excel, hitting at least 20 home runs in each of his four seasons and setting a career-high 32 home runs in 2024. He became a free agent after declining the Brewers’ qualifying offer on November 19.
Potential Position Change for Devers
If the Red Sox sign Adames, it would likely require a position switch for Rafael Devers, who currently plays third base. With Trevor Story already at shortstop and entering the fourth season of his six-year, $140 million contract after recovering from injuries, Adames would likely take over as the team’s new shortstop.
