Free Agent Profile: Willy Adames, SS

Position: SS/INF B/T: R/R
Age: 29 (09/02/1995)

2024 Traditional Stats: 161 G, 610 AB, .251/.331/.462/.794, 32 HR, 112 RBI, 153 H
2024 Advanced Stats: 118 OPS+, 3.1 WAR, 10.8 BB%, 25.1 K%, 40.5 HardHit%, .297 BABIP

Rundown

The Brewers in 2024 shocked everyone, and at the helm of this unsuspected success was Willy Adames. Leading the ‘Brew Crew’ to the wildcard, Adames had done wonders for the club. He led them in home runs with 32, RBIs with 112, and was second in OPS with .794. Along with his play, his fiery attitude and passion were shown all year, most prominently against the Mets and Jesse Winker in the wild card round.

Willy Adames is the complete package and is what managers want in a player. During his seven-year career, Adames has always been a threat at the dish. A career .248/.322/.444/.766 line, with a .308 BABIP. He also has incredible power for a shortstop, hitting over 20 home runs since 2019 (Excluding 2020, 60-game season). To go with his great bat, he also plays an above-average shortstop. During the 2024 season, he was in the 68th percentile in OAA, and 75th percentile in arm strength. And in his best season as a pro, he improved tremendously on the bases, stealing 21 bags, compared to just 20 over the past four seasons. Going into his first free agency, Adames is coming off a tremendous season.

One of the best things for a player’s ability is availability, and Willy Adames always seems to be that. Over the past three seasons, he has missed 37 games total, and only one in 2024. He has also expressed the willingness to change positions for the right situation, and he would need to do that if he signed with the Mets. He has 10 games of big league experience at second base and 10 games of minor league experience at third base.

There has been much speculation recently about the Mets’ interest in the former Brewer. Our very own Mike Mayer confirmed the interest, stating they have contacted his team. David Stearns has a past with Adames, unlocking his potential when he was shipped out of Tampa Bay to Stearns in Milwaukee.

Contract

After making just $12,500,000 this past season, Willy Adames wants to be paid. MLB Trade Rumors predicts his contract will be around six years, $160 million, and an average of around 26-27 million per year.

It is unknown how much or how long the Mets would be willing to spend. A shorter deal, with a higher AAV, could make sense for the team. At this point, it is all speculation as to what a Mets-Adames contract would look like, and it comes down to the two men up top: David Stearns and Steve Cohen.

Recommendation

I believe this comes down to a decision between Willy Adames and Pete Alonso. Alonso brings the bigger bat, and is already loved within the Mets fandom, especially following this postseason. Adames brings an outstanding glove to third base, which the Mets haven’t seen since David Wright.

If you value a big power bat with average fielding and minimal speed over a good bat with above-average fielding and speed, you take Alonso. Vice Versa for Adames. I believe both would be great fits for this current Mets roster, but Adames could make more sense. Sliding Mark Vientos over to first base from third and plugging in Adames greatly improves the defense. His base running would add much-needed speed to this lineup as well. They more than likely lose long-time Met, Pete Alonso, but may replace him with Vientos.

Bringing in Adames rather than Alonso also creates tons of flexibility within the infield. Alonso is an everyday first baseman, and he will likely DH towards the end of his deal. The ability to play SS/2B/3B is extremely valuable and allows the Mets to be creative with their lineup if needed. If the situation calls for it, Vientos could slide to third while Adames moves to second.

I can picture both scenarios for the Mets, and with Steve Cohen, who knows, maybe Alonso and Adames together is possible. The offseason is expected to be fun for Mets fans, and the addition of Willy Adames would make it that much better.

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