Willy Adames Joins Giants in Record-Breaking $182M Deal
It’s official: shortstop Willy Adames is heading to the Bay Area in a move that’s already making waves across Major League Baseball. The 29-year-old has agreed to a massive seven-year, $182 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, sources told ESPN on Saturday. This deal not only secures the Giants a premier talent but also sets a new franchise record for the largest contract in team history. Talk about making a statement!
Adames was the Giants’ top target this offseason, and for good reason. With the free agency market heating up and superstar Juan Soto expected to make his decision within the next 48 hours, San Francisco wasted no time locking in their man. Adames was reportedly on the radar of several teams also in the hunt for Soto, but the Giants swooped in and sealed the deal. It’s a bold move that signals the team’s commitment to returning to championship contention.
Adames Brings Power and Consistency to San Francisco
For the past four seasons, Adames has been a cornerstone of the Milwaukee Brewers lineup. After being acquired in a trade from the Tampa Bay Rays, he quickly established himself as one of the league’s most reliable shortstops. His rare combination of power and defensive skill makes him a perfect fit for a Giants team that has struggled to fill the void left by longtime shortstop Brandon Crawford, who held down the position for an impressive 13 seasons.
Adames’ numbers speak for themselves. In 2024, he posted career highs in home runs (32), RBIs (112), and stolen bases (21). He also tied the major league record for most three-run home runs in a single season with 13, a feat that helped propel the Brewers to the National League Central title. According to FanGraphs, Adames finished fifth in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) among shortstops last season. That’s elite company, and the Giants are banking on him continuing to deliver at that level.
Breaking Records and Making History
The $182 million deal includes a $22 million signing bonus and shatters the Giants’ previous record for the largest contract in franchise history. That honor previously belonged to catcher Buster Posey, who signed a $167 million deal during his playing days. Interestingly, Posey is now in his first year as the Giants’ president of baseball operations, making this signing a significant milestone in his new role.
Adames’ career stats further highlight why the Giants were willing to make such a substantial investment. Over his seven-year career, he has slashed .248/.322/.444 with 150 home runs, 472 RBIs, and 51 stolen bases. While some teams reportedly considered moving him to third base, the Giants are betting on his ability to remain a defensive asset at shortstop while continuing to produce offensively.
What This Means for the Giants
For San Francisco, this signing is about more than just adding a talented player—it’s about sending a message. The Giants have been searching for a spark to reignite their roster, and Adames could be the answer. His power at the plate and steady glove in the field make him a game-changer, and his presence should provide a significant boost to the team’s lineup.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what Adames brings to the table:
- Power Hitter: 30+ home runs in a season is a rare feat for a shortstop, and Adames has proven he can deliver.
- Clutch Performer: Tied the MLB record for most three-run homers in a single season with 13.
- Defensive Stability: A reliable glove that the Giants hope will anchor their infield for years to come.
- Proven Winner: Helped lead the Brewers to a division title in 2024.
With Adames now in the fold, the Giants have taken a major step toward building a competitive roster for the future. The deal is still pending a physical, but assuming all goes well, San Francisco fans can look forward to seeing Adames in orange and black for the next seven seasons.
As the MLB offseason continues to unfold, all eyes will now turn to Juan Soto’s decision. But for the Giants, the focus is clear: they’ve landed their guy, and they’re ready to make some noise in 2025 and beyond.
Originally Written by: Jeff Passan
