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The Milwaukee Brewers are rolling along this season, comfortably sitting in first place in the National League Central. A crucial part of their success is shortstop Willy Adames, who is a key piece both offensively and defensively.
The Brewers had talks with Adames this past offseason about a contract extension, but nothing materialized. And according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, it's expected that Adames will hit free agency this winter.
Team owner Mark Attanasio spoke on Adames' future with the ball club earlier this week and hinted that it may be difficult for them to retain him. Via Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
“He’s the best,” Attanasio said of Adames. “…Willy’s performance got to a point where it would be – we’ll see what happens after the season – but he’s going to command quite a significant package as a free agent.”
While Adames had a bit of a down year in 2023, he's bounced back in 24′. He's lowered his walk rate and strikeout rate significantly while hitting .259 with nine home runs, 17 doubles, and 42 RBIs. At SS, he's only made three errors in 59 games played, sporting a .985 fielding percentage.
GM Matt Arnold knows the importance of Adames to the Brewers, too:
“From my perspective you can never close the door on anything, but he is the heartbeat of our team in a lot of ways,” Arnold said. “Always want to stay open-minded but also recognize the value that he brings to us everyday.”
Will the Brewers retain Willy Adames?
It does seem like a lot of fans expect Adames to leave in free agency. The Brewers already have a lot of money committed to Christian Yelich and Adames is nearly 30, so I'm not sure if it makes a whole lot of sense to hand him a bag. Brice Turang and Joey Ortiz are two younger players who can play shortstop as well.
If Adames does become an FA, there should be a ton of interest in him. Maybe the Los Angeles Dodgers decide to move Mookie Betts back to the outfield and pursue Willy Adames? They could definitely afford the shortstop. Or the Toronto Blue Jays shift Bo Bichette over to second base and sign their former AL East rival?
The Atlanta Braves seem like a possibility, too. Orlando Arcia, the Brewers' former shortstop, isn't exactly great and Adames would be seen as an upgrade on a team who is a contender every year. Who knows, maybe the Tampa Bay Rays even try to bring Adames back.
Wherever Adames ends up, he will get paid nicely. But for the time being, he's surely focused on just helping the Brewers make a deep run in the playoffs later this year. All the rest of it can be worried about when the winter comes.
