After landing one of the best defensive prospects in the sport, the Milwaukee Brewers have reportedly put Willy Adames on the trade block a week before the start of Spring Training, and there are sure to be many teams interested in acquiring the impending free agent.
After weeks of speculation that Brewers ace Corbin Burnes could be had for the right price, the organization pulled the trigger on a blockbuster deal last week that sent the three-time All-Star to the Baltimore Orioles. In the deal, Milwaukee landed a pair of prospects from the talent-rich O’s farm system and the 34th pick overall in this year’s MLB Draft.
- Willy Adames stats (2023): .217 AVG, .310 sLG, .407 OBP, 24 HR, 80 RBI, 73 R
A key part of the trade was landing defensive ace Joey Ortiz, who made his big league debut last season. Due to the shortstop’s addition, veteran slugger Willy Adames is now surprisingly expendable.
“The Milwaukee Brewers are letting teams know that shortstop Willy Adames is available now that they have acquired defensive whiz Joey Ortiz from the Orioles. They could also trade Adames at the deadline or simply let him walk as a free agent next winter,” USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale wrote on Sunday.
While he has hitting flaws Adames is still a talented player early in his prime and there are certainly teams that would be interested in helping to take his game to another level. Here are four organizations that could pursue a trade for the shortstop in the coming weeks.
Related: New York Mets insider claims the team done making free agent moves this winter
4 potential Willy Adames trade landing spots
New York Mets
While the New York Mets have a star shortstop, they have some flexibility at second and third base. If Adames is willing to play either of those positions and expand his value before hitting free agency next summer, he could be a fit for New York. They have decided to be conservative with their spending this offseason, but reports claim they are holding on to $10 to $15 million for a trade in the next few months.
Willy Adames’ $12 million contract for next season would fit into that price range while also giving them a needed upgrade at third base. New Mets President David Stearns knows Adames and what would be necessary to try and improve his batting numbers. At the very least he would give them the added thump they want in the lineup for 2024.
Tampa Bay Rays
As it stands now, Wander Franco’s career as a professional baseball player in MLB looks to be over due to accusations of a relationship with a minor in the Dominican Republic. The loss of the budding young star leaves a major hole in the lineup and infield for the Rays. That is why a trade for Adames would make sense.
He would come on an affordable contract for the season, fill a need, and with Tampa always having a strong farm system they certainly will have the young assets that would appeal to whatever needs Milwaukee has.
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox have disappointed fans this winter by being connected to several notable free agents but making no noteworthy signings. There is even talk of them trading some of their top signings from 2022. After two straight seasons in last place, this roster needs to be upgraded. While Willy Adames isn’t the star they need, he would add power to the batting order and improve the shortstop spot at least for one season.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks shocked the baseball world by reaching the World Series in 2023. If Arizona believes they are a piece or two away from potentially winning their second MLB championship and don’t want to make long-term financial investments, Adames would be an intriguing addition. Along with Joc Pederson, trading for Adamas would be a nice capper on some savvy offseason moves.
Related: New York Mets having sneaky-good off-season