The San Francisco Giants have made a resounding statement of intent, securing the services of star shortstop Willy Adames with a monumental seven-year, $182 million contract. This landmark deal marks the largest in Giants franchise history, eclipsing the previous record held by none other than the team’s new president of baseball operations, Buster Posey. Adames, a dynamic offensive force, immediately becomes the cornerstone of the Giants’ infield, joining third baseman Matt Chapman to form one of the most formidable and expensive left sides in the league. The acquisition signals a significant shift in the Giants’ approach to free agency, moving away from perceived frugality under former general manager Farhan Zaidi towards a more aggressive pursuit of top-tier talent. This bold move underscores the organization’s commitment to returning to contention in the highly competitive NL West, a division dominated by the free-spending Los Angeles Dodgers.
Adames’ arrival brings a potent combination of power and speed to the Giants’ lineup. In 2024, he led all major league shortstops with an impressive 112 RBIs while also bashing 32 home runs. His 21 stolen bases further demonstrate his all-around offensive prowess, making him one of only two NL shortstops, alongside Francisco Lindor, to achieve the 30-20 milestone. Adames’ ability to get on base, evidenced by his league-leading 78 walks among shortstops, adds another dimension to his offensive game. This acquisition addresses a key area of need for the Giants, who finished the 2024 season with a middling offensive output. The addition of Adames, coupled with the expected return of outfielder Jung Hoo Lee from injury, projects a significantly more potent lineup for the Giants in the upcoming season.
The signing of Adames represents a clear strategic move by Posey and newly appointed general manager Zack Minasian to solidify the Giants’ core. With both Adames and Chapman now locked in through the majority of the decade, the Giants have secured their left side of the infield with two proven performers. This long-term stability allows the organization to focus on addressing other areas of need, particularly in the starting rotation. Adames’ presence also alleviates pressure on young players like Tyler Fitzgerald, who filled the shortstop role admirably in 2024 but can now transition to second base, a position better suited to his skillset. This depth and flexibility provide the Giants with multiple options as they build their roster for the upcoming season.
The Adames deal comes in stark contrast to the Giants’ experience with Carlos Correa the previous offseason. The Giants had initially agreed to a massive 13-year, $350 million contract with Correa, only for the deal to fall apart due to concerns raised during his physical examination. This cautious approach ultimately benefited the Giants, allowing them to allocate their resources to secure Adames, a player with a proven track record of health and performance. While Correa’s signing would have represented a significant investment, the Adames deal provides comparable value while mitigating the risk associated with Correa’s medical history.
Looking ahead, the Giants’ next priority is bolstering their starting rotation. The loss of Blake Snell to free agency, ironically to the Dodgers, leaves a void in the starting pitching staff. With Logan Webb and Robbie Ray anchoring the rotation, the Giants will be actively exploring options to fill the remaining spots. The free agent market boasts several attractive pitchers, including Corbin Burnes and Max Fried, who would represent significant upgrades to the Giants’ rotation. Other potential targets, such as Sean Manaea and Walker Buehler, offer intriguing possibilities with lower price tags. Manaea’s prior connection with manager Bob Melvin during their time together in Oakland could make him a particularly appealing option for the Giants.
The Giants’ offseason strategy, spearheaded by Posey, reflects a new era of aggressive team building in San Francisco. The Adames signing, coupled with the Chapman extension, demonstrates a willingness to invest in top-tier talent to compete with the Dodgers and other contenders in the NL West. While the long-term success of this approach remains to be seen, the Giants are clearly signaling their intention to return to the playoffs and reclaim their position as a perennial powerhouse in Major League Baseball. The Adames acquisition marks a significant first step in this journey, providing a cornerstone player around whom the Giants can build a championship-caliber team.
