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With his one-year contract set to expire, Willy Adames will find himself on the free agency block this offseason. After a career season, interest in the Brewers shortstop is expected to be higher than in any previous free agency campaigns for Adames.
In 161 games for the Brewers this season, Willy Adames hit .251/.331/.462 with 32 home runs and 112 RBIs (career highs), while stealing 21 bases. In addition to the strong showing at the plate, Adames also played all but one game at shortstop, fielding dependably during that time.
The Brewers have extended a $21.05 million qualifying offer for Willy Adames. To be accepted by 4 pm on Monday, failure to accept the deal will render the Dominican a free agent. Here are some teams that could be interested.
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Top 3 Landing Spots for Willy Adames
3. Tampa Bay Rays
Far from baseball's richest teams, the Tampa Bay Rays will need to prepare for the reality that shortstop Wander Franco will never play another game for their team. As such, some of Franco's $182 million pledge from the Rays may need to be broken up.
"30 HR. Career-high 101 RBI. What a year for Willy Adames." - MLB
His team from 2018 to 2021, Willy Adames is no stranger to the Trop, nearly winning a World Series with the Rays in 2020. Tampa Bay is on its knees and in need of a big investment. By fronting the cash to pay for the return of a slugger like Adames, the Rays could put themselves back on the map in the AL East.
2. San Diego Padres
Over the past two seasons, the San Diego Padres have tried a lot in their middle infield. Now that Xander Bogaerts is back, it appears as though Korean second baseman Ha-Seong Kim is on his way out.
A deep-pocketed team, putting Adames at second base while keeping Bogaerts at short presents some interesting possibilities. A deep-pocketed club still reeling from failures to bring back Juan Soto and Blake Snell, a play for Willy Adames could help the Padres compete with the Dodgers next season.
1 Boston Red Sox
The fact that Trevor Story has only played 163 of a possible 486 games since he joined the Boston Red Sox in 2022 is concerning. A former Silver Slugger during his days with the Colorado Rockies, it looks like Boston's hope of having Story as their everyday shortstop is dwindling.
"The Red Sox are among the teams expected to make a push to sign Willy Adames, along with the Dodgers, Braves, and Giants, with most viewing LAD as the favorite, per @Feinsand" - Boston Sports Gordo
Willy Adames is no stranger to the AL East, and would return some offensive pop to Boston's middle infield position. Even if Story comes back to the lineup, injuries certainly make it look like he will need some support, which could come in the form of a glove like Adames.
