The San Francisco Giants have made their first major splash under the new leadership of Buster Posey, agreeing to a monumental seven-year, $182 million contract with top free-agent shortstop Willy Adames. Pending a physical, this deal signals the Giants’ commitment to bolstering their roster for the future and providing a franchise centerpiece at shortstop for years to come.
Adames, 30, comes to the Bay Area after a stellar season with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he enjoyed the best offensive year of his career. His 2024 campaign saw him smash a career-high 32 home runs, drive in 112 RBIs, and post 33 doubles. His 4.8 fWAR ranked ninth in the National League, while his impressive performance earned him a 10th-place finish in the NL MVP voting.
Filling a Key Need and Strengthening the Lineup
The addition of Adames addresses a glaring positional need for the Giants at shortstop, a position that has been in flux for several seasons. Adames’ steady bat and strong defensive play will give San Francisco an anchor in the middle of their lineup and bolster their infield for years to come. The Giants have long been in need of stability and firepower in their offense, and Adames fills both of those needs in spades.
His production as a power hitter—combined with his ability to drive in runs—makes him an exciting addition to an offense that has struggled at times in recent years. While the Giants have had some strong individual seasons, their inability to consistently produce at the plate has been an issue. With Adames coming off his career year, he represents a significant step in the right direction.
A Strong Core of Talent: Adames and Chapman
The Giants’ decision to sign Adames comes on the heels of another important move made in September, when they locked up Gold Glove third baseman Matt Chapman to a six-year extension. Together, the two players form a formidable left side of the infield that should provide both stability and star power.
Chapman’s defensive prowess and Adames’ offensive contributions make the Giants’ infield one of the most well-rounded in baseball. This combination allows the team to bolster their defense while also significantly improving their batting order.
The Largest Free-Agent Deal in Years
The Adames deal marks a major shift for the Giants in terms of spending. At $182 million, it is the franchise’s largest free-agent contract since they signed catcher Buster Posey to a nine-year, $167 million deal back in 2013. It is also the team’s biggest commitment since they inked starting pitcher Johnny Cueto to a six-year, $130 million contract in 2015.
This signing underscores the Giants’ renewed focus on contending in the near future, signaling that they are willing to make significant investments in building a team that can challenge in the National League.
Looking Ahead to a Bright Future
With Adames now locked in as their shortstop of the future, the Giants have added a critical piece to their roster. His presence in the lineup, along with the stability provided by players like Chapman, will give the Giants a solid foundation as they look to build on their success in the coming seasons.
This move represents a clear message from the Giants’ front office: they are committed to building a competitive and exciting team, one capable of contending for championships in the near future. With the addition of Willy Adames, San Francisco has taken a huge step toward achieving that goal.
