Willy Adames time with the Milwaukee Brewers officially came to an end on Saturday as the 29-year-old shortstop signed a seven-year, $182 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, marking the largest deal in the Giants’ history. The contract, pending a physical exam, surpasses Buster Posey’s $167 million deal from 2013.
Brewers’ officials, including owner Mark Attanasio, had been candid about expecting Adames to secure a contract that exceeded their budget, especially with young shortstop prospects in the wings. Joey Ortiz, a 26-year-old third baseman, and 25-year-old Gold Glove Award-winning second baseman Brice Turang are ready to step into the role, with Ortiz holding five years of club control and Turang four.
Milwaukee declined to trade Adames despite multiple offers last offseason and at the Trade Deadline, opting to keep him for his on-field production and leadership. Adames set career highs in 2023 with 32 home runs, 112 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases while starting 164 games. His influence in the clubhouse was also crucial, particularly for 20-year-old Jackson Chourio, who finished third in NL Rookie of the Year voting after a slow start.
As Adames declined the Brewers’ qualifying offer, they are set to receive a compensatory Draft pick in next year’s Draft, placed between the end of the first round and the start of Competitive Balance Round A. This gives the Brewers two picks in quick succession, including the first pick in Competitive Balance Round A.
Attanasio praised Adames, comparing him to Brewers legend Robin Yount, noting that Adames is one of the greatest shortstops in team history. Adames’ 15.7 FanGraphs WAR ranks second in franchise history among primary shortstops, behind only Yount’s 66.5.
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