The Milwaukee Brewers, despite what the national media says, believe that they are in a position to win this season. Despite trading Corbin Burnes, the 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner, to the Baltimore Orioles for Joey Ortiz and DL Hall (and a draft pick), Milwaukee’s roster is looking better than it did at any point last season.
This is especially true after the Brewers finally reached a contract agreement with free agent catcher/DH Gary Sanchez. After initially agreeing on a one-year $7 million contract, there was concern of Sanchez’s lingering wrist injury when he took his physical. The two sides eventually worked out a deal for lower base pay plus incentives that could bring it up to $7 million.
In addition to Sanchez, the Brewers also signed free agent first baseman Rhys Hoskins this offseason. Even though the right-handed slugger did not play in 2023 due to a torn ACL, he is widely considered one of the best young power-hitters in the game. The only reason the Philadelphia Phillies let him go in free agency was because they moved two-time National League MVP Bryce Harper to first base.
Indeed, it is obvious that the moves that general manager Matt Arnold has made this offseason have been beneficial for both the short-term and long-term success of the team. However, despite the team’s stance on trading any more of their star players, the national media still believes one player in particular is as good as gone.
MLB Analyst Predicts the Milwaukee Brewers Will Trade Willy Adames Soon
In an article identifying the top 10 MLB players most likely to be traded, Bleacher Report‘s Tim Kelly identified Brewers shortstop Willy Adames as one of them. He wrote:
“2021 NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes would have been, by far, the most coveted player on the trade market this summer had the Milwaukee Brewers not dealt him to the Baltimore Orioles earlier this month.
“But the fact that the Brewers acquired 25-year-old shortstop Joey Ortiz from the Orioles in return for Burnes suggests they believe he’ll have somewhere to play in 2025, and probably even sooner.
“So Willy Adames figures to be a hot name this summer if the Brewers aren’t serious contenders. Even if they are in the playoff picture, don’t rule out Adames being shopped. The Athletic’s Keith Law says Ortiz is ready to be a starting MLB shortstop right now.
“Adames will become a free agent after the 2024 season, and since the Brewers probably wouldn’t extend a qualifying offer to him, they will be motivated to get some sort of return for him.
“It feels like a matter of when, not if Adames is no longer a Brewer. But his combination of power and elite defense should make him a hot commodity this summer, and someone likely to receive a multi-year deal next winter.”
It’s almost as if Kelly hasn’t followed the Brewers’ front office news over the past few weeks.
The Milwaukee Brewers Are Not Trading Willy Adames Anytime Soon
Kelly is right about one thing: a day is coming where Adames will no longer be a Brewer. Once he hits free agency, he will be given offers that are far more than what Milwaukee can afford. However, that does not mean the Brewers are looking to trade him.
In fact, Milwaukee is not currently shopping Adames at all. Just yesterday, Robert Murray reported that both Matt Arnold and Pat Murphy expect Adames to be their Opening Day shortstop this year.
Furthermore, Adames is a key component of the Brewers’ chemistry in the dugout and in the clubhouse. If they were to trade him midseason, it would have a worse effect on the team than the Josh Hader trade did.
While he may be traded if Milwaukee is out of contention, all signs point to the Brewers being competitive this year. If that is the case, Adames will be on the team all season.
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