In a major offseason move, the San Francisco Giants have secured the services of star shortstop Willy Adames, signing him to a multi-year deal worth a staggering $144 million. The agreement signals a significant investment by the Giants as they aim to bolster their lineup with one of the most consistent and powerful infielders in Major League Baseball. Adames, who posted career-best numbers in 2024, adds a potent bat and steady glove to a team eager to reclaim its place atop the National League.
Willy Adames, who has been a fixture in the league since his debut with the Tampa Bay Rays, is coming off a career-defining 2024 season. He hit .251/.331/.462 with an impressive 118 OPS+ while setting new personal bests in nearly every offensive category. His 32 home runs, 33 doubles, and 112 RBIs all stand out as career-high marks, underscoring his growing prowess at the plate. Additionally, Adames notched 153 hits, 93 runs scored, and 21 stolen bases, making him a complete offensive weapon.
His power surge in 2024 was the centerpiece of his breakout campaign, with the 32 homers not only leading his career stats but also marking the fifth consecutive season in which Adames has hit at least 20 long balls. For a player who has been known for his solid all-around game, the increase in power production has turned him into a true offensive threat. His 118 OPS+ in 2024 reflects a significant improvement, as it indicates that his offensive production was 18% better than the league average.
Adames’ consistency over the past several seasons is one of the main reasons the Giants were willing to offer such a lucrative deal. His 2024 campaign marked his fourth straight season posting at least 3 WAR (Wins Above Replacement), demonstrating both his reliability and ability to contribute meaningfully on both sides of the ball. Despite some concerns over his strikeout rate, his power production and ability to consistently get on base have made him a valuable asset to any lineup.
Over his career, Adames has evolved from a solid defensive shortstop to a legitimate middle-of-the-order presence. His ability to play almost every day, coupled with his increasing power, is what made him one of the most sought-after free agents in the 2024 offseason. The Giants recognized this, making him a cornerstone of their future plans.
For the San Francisco Giants, this signing is a clear indication of their commitment to returning to contention in a fiercely competitive National League West division. The $144 million price tag reflects not only Adames’ value on the field but also the franchise’s determination to build a roster capable of winning now. With Adames anchoring the infield and bringing his bat to the heart of the Giants’ lineup, the team instantly improves its offensive profile, something it has been lacking in recent seasons.
The Giants have long been known for their ability to develop pitchers and maintain a competitive team, but in recent years, their offensive production has often lagged behind their divisional rivals. The addition of Adames could help remedy that, particularly with his ability to hit for power and drive in runs, two areas in which San Francisco has been looking to improve.
The 2024 season could well go down as the best in Willy Adames’ career, but the San Francisco Giants are banking on even more in the years to come. By locking in the 28-year-old shortstop for the long term, the Giants have acquired a player entering his prime who can help lead them to greater success. His steady rise in power production and consistency at the plate make him the ideal candidate to take on a leadership role both offensively and defensively.
While there will always be some concern about his strikeout numbers, Adames’ other qualities far outweigh those drawbacks. He has proven that he can hit for power, run the bases effectively, and provide solid defense at a premium position, making him one of the most well-rounded shortstops in baseball today.
As the Giants head into the 2025 season, the signing of Willy Adames will be viewed as a game-changing move that could reshape the team’s fortunes. With his bat in the lineup and his glove patrolling the infield, the Giants have positioned themselves as a much more formidable opponent in the ever-competitive National League West.