The hot stove is sizzling and for the first time a non-starting pitcher top free agent has landed a big contract. Unfortunately, for the Atlanta Braves it was one of the few available players that could've been a real upgrade over Orlando Arcia at shortstop.
Former Brewer and top shortstop free agent, Willy Adames has found a new home on the west coast after signing a mega seven-year $182 million contract with the San Francisco Giants this afternoon according to Jeff Passan.
BREAKING: Shortstop Willy Adames and the San Francisco Giants are in agreement on a seven-year, $182 million contract, the largest deal in franchise history, sources tell ESPN. Adames, 29, had a career-best 32 home runs and 112 RBIs in 2024. The deal is pending a physical.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 7, 2024
Willy Adames signs with Giants means the Braves will have to get creative if they want to upgrade shortstop
Buster Posey wasted no time transitioning to his new front office role with San Francisco, as he just handed out the largest deal in Giants history surpassing Posey's own $167 million deal he got in his playing days.
The seven-year deal is just tops Dansby's $177 million deal he signed with the Cubs so it's no surprise Adames priced himself out of Atlanta's comfort zone. However, Jon Heyman did list the Braves as one of the most active pursers of Adames so Anthopoulos is clearly ready to spend money on the holes within the roster.
Giants, Braves and Dodgers were always the most active pursuers of Adames in trade talks. He’s a SS for SF. Yankees people love him as well but they have another priority at moment.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 7, 2024
Adames is a great player, but there are warning signs that he may not live up to the value of that contract. However, it's no surprise Adames was able to successfully cash-in after a career year in 2024.
Last season with the Brew crew Adames slashed .251/.331/.462 with 32 homers and 21 stolen bases. It's fair to assume Adames will be worth his $26 million AAV in the early portion of this contract, but once he begins to age and the defense fades even more then the contract can become a tough sell to the fanbase.
As for the Braves, if they want to upgrade shortstop this offseason, they're going to have to get creative because none of the remaining free agents spark much excitement. Instead, it's likely Anthopoulos will allocate the funds he planned to hand to Adames into one of the other holes on Atlanta's roster. This of course could come via corner outfield bat, top-to-middle of the rotation arm, or impact high leverage reliever. As the stove continues to cook expect Anthopoulos to make a move sooner rather than later.