Giants in agreement with Willy Adames on 7-year, $182 million contract: Source

When Willy Adames hit a three-run home run on his 29th birthday, Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy got real after the game.

“He’s going to get paid a lot of money,” Murphy said.

The obvious is now a reality. Adames agreed to a 7-year, $182 million deal with the San Francisco Giants on Saturday, according to a league source. The handsome payday is fitting for Adames, who entered this winter as the clear-cut top shortstop in free agency. Adames was worth 4.8 fWAR last season after setting career highs in home runs (32) and stolen bases (21). Adames was a leader who earned respect for his clutch performances and has quietly emerged as one of the game’s top players over the past three seasons. Since 2022, Adames ranks 29th among all MLB players and sixth among shortstops with 12.6 fWAR.

Source confirms: Willy Adames to Giants, seven years, $182M, pending physical. Biggest contract in Giants history, surpassing Posey’s $167M deal.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 7, 2024

Originally signed by the Tigers as an international amateur, Adames was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays as part of the deal that sent David Price to Detroit. Adames spent parts of four seasons with the Rays before his trade to Milwaukee in May of 2021. Although he can be prone to whiffs and strikeouts (his 29.5 percent whiff rate last season ranked in the 21st percentile among MLB players), Adames has solidified himself as one of the game’s top offensive producers at shortstop. If there is a concern going forward, it may revolve around his defense.

Considered a plus defender in the past, Adames’ defensive metrics tumbled mightily this past season. He was worth -16 defensive runs saved and 0 outs above average in 2024. His 20 errors were the fourth most among all players, and some evaluators believe Adames may eventually be better suited moving to third base.

Nonetheless, the Giants just acquired an impact infielder still in his prime years. After finishing 10th in National League MVP voting during his contract season, Adames now has a chance to emerge as an even bigger star.

(Photo: John Fisher / Getty Images)