When the Milwaukee Brewers made the decision not to trade shortstop Willy Adames following the 2023 season, it was generally accepted that 2024 would be his final season with the Crew. And what a final season it was!
Adames hit .251/.331/.462 with 32 home runs, 112 RBI, and 21 stolen bases to lead the Brewers’ offense. His propensity to hit late-inning three-run home runs ensured Milwaukee was never too far out of a game, no matter what the score was.
His career year only drove up his expected asking price, and any hope that he would take a hometown discount to stay with the Brewers evaporated.
And now, the expectation that he would sign elsewhere for more money than Milwaukee could afford to give him has become a reality.
The Milwaukee Brewers Lose Willy Adames to the San Francisco Giants
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According to ESPN’ Jeff Passan, Adames has agreed to a seven-year $182 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. The deal includes a $22 million signing bonus:
BREAKING: Shortstop Willy Adames and the San Francisco Giants are in agreement on a seven-year, $182 million contract, the largest deal in franchise history, sources tell ESPN. Adames, 29, had a career-best 32 home runs and 112 RBIs in 2024. The deal is pending a physical.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 7, 2024
As Passan notes, Adames receives the largest contract in the history of the Giants franchise, which dates back all the way to 1883. It is a larger contract than former NL MVP Buster Posey received from the Giants ($167 million).
Additionally, Passan notes in a later post that Adames’ deal is the third-largest ever for a Dominican-born player. The only two who signed larger contracts during their MLB careers were Albert Pujols and Robinson Cano.
How Will the Milwaukee Brewers Replace Willy Adames?
Brewers manager Pat Murphy, who won the 2024 NL Manager of the Year Award last month, has already revealed what his plan is for the shortstop position. He told reporters that Joey Ortiz, who spent last season at third base, will move over to shortstop, the position he played when he was with the Baltimore Orioles organization.
Of course, Ortiz came to Milwaukee last offseason when the Brewers traded Corbin Burnes to Baltimore.
But the bigger question is how will they replace Adames’ offensive impact. Ortiz is still growing as a player and already proved that he is a solid Major League player. However, he hit .239/.329/.398 with 11 home runs and 60 RBI last season, well below Adames’ production.
Star outfielder Jackson Chourio will continue to make strides after becoming the youngest player in MLB history to have a 20-20 season, which means he could make up for some of the missing production himself. The return of Christian Yelich will help as well.
But the biggest task is going to be finding someone, whether on the roster already or not, who will take over as the Brewers’ emotional leader. Adames was a sparkplug of joy, celebrated all of his teammates, and was generally beloved by every single player, coach, and fan.
Losing his bat hurts. Losing the person hurts more.
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