According to MLB reporter Mark Feinsand, the New York Yankees are interested in pursuing free-agent infielder Willy Adames. The highly coveted free agent is also getting attention from the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, Houston Astros, San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Adames would be a backup target for the Yankees if Juan Soto doesn’t re-sign with them. Where Adames will sign remains to be seen as he could also remain with the Brewers. Many teams have Adames on their wishlist this offseason. He provides substantial value with his speed, power, solid arm and defense at shortstop, and improved numbers from the 2023 season.
Yanks could swing big for Adames if they miss on Soto (sources) https://t.co/TwhtV3iLh5
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 4, 2024
Rumor: Free Agent Willy Adames Being Targeted by Yankees
Adames Hot Stove Continues
The Yankees would land a star infielder in Adames. He has some pop to his bat and his offensive demeanor resembles Yankee free agent Gleyber Torres. But Adames is also solid defensively and a well-rounded player. Adames recorded a 119 wRC+, 32 home runs, 21 stolen bases, and a 4.8 fWAR in 2024. In addition, he sported a hard-hit percentage of 40.7%, a strikeout rate of 25.1%, and a walk rate of 10.8%, according to Baseball Savant. 2024 was his strongest season yet, leading to a 10th-place finish in National League MVP voting. With Adames’ great offensive value and his combination of elite power and defense, he will be a threat in 2025 wherever he lands.
Adames would be a key addition for the Yankees while they would likely acquire other key pieces. It would still make the Yankees a well-rounded organization even if they don’t re-sign Soto. Other potential big-name targets include Cody Bellinger and Max Fried. Adames played 161 games at shortstop this past season and is expected to get a hefty contract. Once Soto makes a decision, the offseason market will continue to pick up speed.
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