The shortstop who shattered a franchise record and signed a historic deal
In short: Willy Adames didn't just join the San Francisco Giants; he became their most expensive acquisition in history. From being a top-ranked prospect to shattering Milwaukee records, his journey is a masterclass in steady progression and explosive late-career dominance.
Adames began his professional journey as an international free agent with the Detroit Tigers in 2012. Anticipation surrounded his rise, as he held the top spot among Tampa Bay Rays farm system prospects for three years from 2015 to 2017. He made his MLB debut on May 22, 2018, immediately making an impact with a solo home run against Chris Sale on his first night of play.
His career is defined by significant milestones across different franchises. In 2021, after being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers, he became a fan favorite and helped them secure the NL Central Division title. The following year, in 2022, he achieved a historic feat: hitting 31 home runs as a shortstop, breaking Robin Yount's long-standing franchise record of 29. He achieved elite regularity by 2024, matching the major league peak of homering in five straight outings.
In December 2024, his worth was confirmed via a $182 million, seven-year deal with the San Francisco Giants. This deal, which included a $22 million signing bonus, stands as the largest contract ever given out by the Giants organization. During 2025, he surpassed Barry Bonds' 2004 mark as the first Giants player to reach 30 home runs in one year, winning the 2025 Willie Mac Award.
Beyond the numbers, Adames has been recognized for his defensive reliability and clutch performances. In 2019, he recorded a notable assist dubbed 'The Relay' due to a perfect transition and throw from 178 feet away. His ability to provide both power and defensive stability has cemented his status as one of the most valuable players in modern baseball.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Willy Adames
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