Willy Adames will get paid this off-season, raising the question of what the Brewers could gain by not extending their star shortstop’s contract. The Milwaukee Brewers are at a crossroads with star shortstop Willy Adames, who will enter free agency this off-season.
Brewers owner Mark Attanasio confirmed in a recent interview that Milwaukee had made “plenty of [extension] offers” to Adames this past off-season. He also confirmed that Milwaukee turned down trade offers for Adames because you “can’t put a price on his leadership.” This is true; the 28-year-old shortstop has been the heartbeat of the Brewers since they acquired him in 2021. He has taken several rookies under his wing and has been a staple in the Milwaukee lineup, playing nearly daily. Adames, “a key” to Brewers culture, is among the few starting shortstops excelling in defense and offense.
Adames is tied for the team lead in homers with nine while batting .259/.336/.452 with 42 RBI. Since arriving in Milwaukee, he’s led all shortstops in home runs. He’s nearing a .800 OPS, which is very valuable for a shortstop who’s also an elite defender. His six outs above average at shortstop puts Adames in the top 3% in the league.
Earning $12.25 million in his final arbitration year, Adames is poised for a significant raise in free agency. Something the Brewers are well aware of. Attanasio’s comments suggested he is not confident in the Brewers ability to keep Adames in Milwaukee long-term. So, what do you do? Do you risk losing the star shortstop to free agency, or do you trade him for a good return?
Evaluating the Brewer’s Potential Returns If Willy Adames Isn’t Extended
Milwaukee sent ace Corbin Burnes to Baltimore in February in exchange for Orioles prospects D.L. Hall and Joey Ortiz. Burnes will enter free agency following the 2024 campaign and was outspoken about his plans to test the market. So, dealing the former Cy Young winner for their now-everyday third baseman and the 25-year-old left-hander made sense.
Since Milwaukee has a 6.5-game lead over the NL Central, dealing Adames while in contention seems unlikely. Though the Brewers famously dealt Josh Hader to the Padres at the trade deadline while in contention back in 2022. The Hader trade ultimately led to the three-team deal that sent catcher William Contreras to Milwaukee in 2023. Given their past success in trading prospects for major league talent, Milwaukee would likely consider trading Adames for the right price.
Three teams stand out among those rumored to be in the mix for shortstops: San Francisco, Tampa Bay, and Boston.
San Francisco Giants
San Francisco has been in the trade market for shortstops since December, with Adames being specifically named. Marco Luciano was widely expected to break camp as the starting shortstop for San Francisco, but that didn’t happen. Luciano, currently on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring strain, made his season debut on May 14th. Giants manager Bob Melvin has split the shortstop duties with Casey Schmitt and Brett Wisely. Trading for Adames wouldn’t necessarily affect Luciano’s playing time, as he could shift to third base.
Trade Proposal: Giants receive SS Willy Adames, Brewers receive INF Casey Schmitt, RHP Mason Black
Tampa Bay Rays
With Wander Franco on administrative leave until July, the shortstop position remains uncertain for the Rays.
Tampa Bay acquired José Caballero from Seattle, and the defensive-minded infielder has served as the Rays primary shortstop this season. While Junior Caminero will ultimately take over the position, the Rays aren’t rushing the 20-year-old who just landed on the Triple-A injured list. Tampa Bay signed Amed Rosario to a one-year deal in February but has primarily used him as an outfielder. Adames spent four years with the Rays before being traded to the Brewers in 2021.
Trade Proposal: Rays receive SS Willy Adames, Brewers receive IF/OF Greg Jones, RHP Yoniel Curet, and IF Osleivis Basabe
Boston Red Sox
With Trevor Story sidelined for the season and Vaughn Grissom on the injured list, Boston needs another middle infielder.
The Red Sox have been leaning on a combination of David Hamilton, Pablo Reyes, and Enmanuel Valdez up the middle. But Boston recently threw rookie outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela into the mix at shortstop, too. Adames would bring a veteran presence and a sense of stability with his elite defense to the Red Sox infield.
Trade Proposal: Red Sox receive SS Willy Adames, Brewers receive INF Nick York and RHP Bryan Mata
Main Photo Credits: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
