Willy Adames has officially signed with the San Francisco Giants, marking the beginning of both his tenure with the team and the dawn of what is being hailed as their most significant managerial decision since the departure of previous players. This seven-year contract, valued at $182 million, is not just remarkable due to its size; it also sets the record for the largest contract ever awarded by the Giants, exceeding the previous record of $167 million held by catcher Buster Posey. This deal, which includes a substantial signing bonus of $22 million, has come as part of the Giants’ proactive approach to stabilize their shortstop position, which has been problematic since Brandon Crawford’s decline.
Adames, who is now 29, has become one of the hottest free agents on the market, especially after showcasing impressive statistics during his time with the Milwaukee Brewers. Last season, he recorded career highs with 32 home runs, 112 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases, alongside holding onto a .251 batting average across 161 games. Notably, these figures highlight Adames as one of the premier offensive players at his position, enhancing the Giants’ lineup as they look to bounce back from the disappointments of the previous season.
The Giants’ coaching staff and management had identified Adames as their priority during the offseason, recognizing his potential to significantly contribute to the team’s success. After finishing the 2024 season at 74-88, the Giants believed they needed to make bold moves to re-establish their identity as contenders. The Giants’ decision to pursue Adames followed their earlier failed attempt to secure shortstop Carlos Correa, whose contract fell through due to concerns over his physical condition last year.
Since the Giants drafted for need rather than talent during the last season, there was significant pressure on the front office to not miss out on Adames, who had made his mark as both a clubhouse leader and fan favorite during his time with the Brewers. Adames played his first major league game with the Tampa Bay Rays and has been nurtured through valuable experience during his seasons there and later with Milwaukee.
Adames has made his life-changing decision and seems fully committed to thrive with the Giants. Upon arriving at Oracle Park, he expressed excitement about the potential he sees with the team and the area, noting the chance to build something special with the Giants. He leaves behind fond memories at Miller Park, where he connected deeply with the fans and his teammates.
Throughout his career, Adames has enjoyed steady performance, boasting 880 playing games with .248 average, 150 home runs, and over 470 RBIs—statistics indicating he has developed significantly through both his successes and challenges. Although he faced some difficulties last season, he still managed to earn respect for his work ethic and dedication, gaining MVP votes during both 2021 and 2024 seasons.
What adds intrigue to this signing is the Giants’ broader strategy amid rising costs associated with player salaries across the league. With Adames now part of their roster, the Giants hope to recover from their earlier failures and strategically build around capable offensive players to challenge stronger teams within their division. While the Giants have yet to establish definitive plans moving forward, signing Adames is seen as the first step toward revitalizing their season. The future looks promising for Adames at Oracle Park if he can channel his earlier performance tendencies effectively.
Adames, described as having playful charisma and as someone who inspires teammates, is anticipated to bring energy to the Giants. Fans already speculate on how well he’ll mesh with fellow team members and contribute to the community-focused atmosphere the Giants aim to promote. Adames’ energetic playing style, coupled with his tactical prowess on the field, makes him not just valuable for the Giants, but also pivotal to their fan engagement and outreach strategies.
With this contract solidified, the Giants not only commit to Adames but also send ripples through the rest of the league, highlighting their willingness to invest decisively following previous missteps. Adames’ arrival will be accompanied by jubilant anticipation from fans who are eager to witness his contributions first-hand as they rally behind the promise of this new chapter for the organization.
Overall, as Willy Adames embarks on this new venture, he bears the weight of expectations both from within and outside his team, eager to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest shortstops to don the Giants uniform. The stage is set for what promises to be another thrilling chapter of Major League Baseball.