Why Willy Adames is one of the best free agents in the MLB

When Willy Adames plays, his teams win. That and a dream year have made him a highly sought-after free agent, preparing to cash in after years of flying under the radar in smaller markets, first with the Tampa Bay Rays and then with the Milwaukee Brewers.

“Everywhere he went, they won,” fellow shortstop Dansby Swanson said. “He’s a gamer.”

In the winter of 2022, Swanson was part of a blockbuster free agent shortstop class that also included Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts and Trea Turner. But since Adames entered the major leagues in 2018, none of these multiple-time All-Stars — nor any other primary shortstop in the MLB — have had a higher team win percentage in games in which they have appeared than Adames’ teams, if any According to ESPN Research, he is on the field (.586).

Adames is just a single player in a team game, but from talking to those who have played with him, coached him or just been around him, it’s clear he has that “it” factor. He’s a clubhouse gluer who is coming off the best season of his seven-year career while helping the Brewers dominate in the National League Central. Before moving there from Tampa Bay in 2021, he made the postseason twice with the Rays, including a World Series appearance in 2020.

“Willy is a connector, that’s No. 1,” said his former manager Craig Counsell. “No. 2, he has an infectious personality. These two points are related. They attract people to him. Players, fans, coaching staff. There aren’t many players who have that.”

Here’s what makes Adames such a big draw this offseason – and how he could be a fit for several top teams looking to bolster their infields this winter.

He had a career year at the right time

If you believe in Clutch, Adames was your guy in 2024. It starts with his multi-run home runs. The 29-year-old hit 14 long balls this season with either two men on base or with the bases loaded, five more than any other player in 2024 and the most since Jimmie Foxx in 1938. Thirteen of those were three-run home runs – – This makes Ken Griffey Jr. the best of all time.

“Is it repeatable?” asked a rival NL manager. “Chances are good that’s not the case. But he has reached a level where you want him to start in a big moment.”

It’s not just the home runs that stand out. His 28 RBIs in the eighth inning or later that year were the fifth-most in baseball and the most for a Brewer since Jeromy Burnitz had 36 in 1998. Adames also hit about 35 more points in game situations classified as late/close compared to early competition.

“He has the ability to bring the temperature down in stressful situations,” an AL scout said.

Another said: “That’s a good sign for someone who could play in a big market, especially coming from a smaller market.”

Last season, Adames set career highs in home runs (32), RBIs (112) and stolen bases (21) and ranked fifth in fWAR among shortstops. He also scored a career-high 173 times.

“We’ll live with the K’s,” said a scout for a team that was interested in him this offseason.

Overall, Adames has the most home runs and RBIs by a shortstop since 2021. Swanson, whose brother-in-law Jace Peterson played with Adames in Milwaukee, watched with admiration as Adames’ career took off.

“When guys like that get rolling, the confidence and mentality adds up to a monster year,” Peterson said. “RBIs always stack up. We devalue that. Some people are just good at it. He always seems to be at his best with people on base. He was fun to watch.”

He can fill a gap in the short term – but could also be open to a change of position

By most accounts, by metrics and scouting, Adames is a center field defensive shortstop – he ranked last in defensive runs saved in 2024, according to Sports Info Solutions, but that’s about it Only one year left until eighth place in the same category. Some believe he would be an even better third baseman, especially as he gets older.

“Strong arm, good range – that’s how I see him at third,” said one manager. “In fact, he might be better suited there.”

Adames is open to a change of position, but only if all other factors meet his wishes, according to sources familiar with the situation. If the team, the city and the contract work out — but there is an incumbent at shortstop — Adames could move to third or even second base. He has finished at second in 51 major league games, but only seven at third. The same ratio applied to the minors as well, although one scout thought third place would still make more sense than second.

“His range in the middle infield may be limited as he ages,” the scout said. “Last year it wasn’t the best, and he has power in the corners. I like him there.”

He fits in with many competing teams

Adames’ ability and willingness to change positions opens up many possibilities. Big teams have reported to the Adames camp, although many have only a few regular players. Possible customizations (in no particular order) include:

New York Mets: If Pete Alonso signs elsewhere, the Mets could pair Adames with Francisco Lindor on the left side of the infield while moving Mark Vientos to first base.

Houston Astros: Houston could use him as a replacement for Alex Bregman if the long-time Astro leaves via free agency.

Los Angeles Dodgers: She have a possible opening at shortstop. Unless Mookie Betts returns to that position, there is no everyday guy in LA.

Atlanta Braves: After leading all teams in fWAR at shortstop there last year at Swanson, the Braves fell to 27th in 2024. Adames would be an immediate leader on the team.

New York Yankees: They could use him at third base and move Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base to replace outgoing free agent Gleyber Torres.

Philadelphia Phillies: If they trade Alec Bohm for pitching, The Phillies could sign Adames to play third base alongside Turner.

San Francisco Giants: The Giants could move Tyler Fitzgerald to second base, where he played 90 games in the minors, to open at shortstop for veteran Adames.

Milwaukee Brewers: His most recent team has only signed one player (Christian Yelich) to a package worth more than $100 million.

The Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals could also seek Adames’ services, as Boston is looking for right-handed hitters and the Nationals are simply looking to get better, That makes it a robust market for the services of a player who finished 10th in NL MVP voting this season. According to sources familiar with the situation, Adames is seeking a long-term deal worth $150 million to $200 million. His 4.8 WAR last season matches Correa’s from his 2022 run, but is lower than other shortstops in this memorable class.

“He’s worked hard to get to a position where he’s considered by these guys,” another NL manager said of Adames. “Is he Trea Turner?” No, but he can be the face of a franchise, like he became in Milwaukee alongside Yelich.”

“He’s getting paid.”