Willy Adames is primed to cash in big this offseason, and after a career-best season with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024, it’s no surprise he’s generating a lot of buzz as a coveted free agent. As the MLB offseason looms just beyond the World Series, the race to sign the standout shortstop is already heating up. This is a huge need for the Braves.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are emerging as a frontrunner. According to John Heyman of the New York Post, the Dodgers are a possible favorite to land Adames due to the front office’s familiarity with him from their days at the Tampa Bay Rays.
Let’s dig into why the Dodgers are considered the leading contenders. Their President of Baseball Operations, Andrew Friedman, and General Manager, Brandon Gomes, both worked with Adames during their time in Tampa.
That familiarity, coupled with the Dodgers’ big-market allure and winning culture, gives them a significant advantage. They’re also known for being aggressive spenders, they poured $1.2 billion into contracts last winter. So, they have the financial muscle to outbid just about any team in the league.
The Dodgers have an immediate need at shortstop, too. With Miguel Rojas turning 36 next season and coming off sports hernia surgery, L.A. needs an everyday option. Adames, fresh off a stellar year, would be an ideal fit. His bat and defensive skills make him an attractive addition for any contender, and in a market like L.A., his star potential could shine even brighter. But as much as the Dodgers look like a natural fit, they’re not the only team in the mix.
The Atlanta Braves have also been mentioned as potential suitors for Adames. However, as Heyman points out, he may be outside their price range, especially with the Dodgers lurking. The Braves have a high payroll themselves, and while theoretically, they could afford to make a move, L.A.’s financial clout and allure as a perennial contender give them a significant edge. The Braves know they need a player of Adames’ caliber, but pulling off a deal may prove challenging against such deep-pocketed competition.
Other teams, like the Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, and New York Mets, are also reportedly interested in the 29-year-old shortstop. Each of these teams has the resources to enter the bidding war, making it an even more complex situation. The National League pennant race might just end up influencing where Adames lands. If the Dodgers fall short of the title, their urgency to add a star player like Adames could intensify.
There’s a good reason why Adames is attracting so much interest. In 2024, he slashed .251/.331/.462, setting career highs in home runs (32), RBIs (112), hits (153), and stolen bases (21) across 610 at-bats. He proved himself to be one of the most productive shortstops in the league, and his mix of power and speed makes him a rare and valuable asset. Whoever lands him is likely to pay a premium, but the upside is undeniable.
So, while the Dodgers may currently have the inside track, this battle is far from over. The Braves and other suitors aren’t going down without a fight, and Adames’ destination could shift as offseason negotiations heat up.
One thing is certain, though: with the numbers he put up and the buzz surrounding him, Adames is set to break the bank this winter, and the Dodgers, Braves, or any team willing to spend big might be lucky enough to secure one of the best shortstops in the game.
