Giants Make Waves with Record-Breaking Willy Adames Signing
Buster Posey is wasting no time making his mark as the Giants’ president of baseball operations. On the eve of his first winter meetings, Posey and the Giants struck a monumental deal, signing free-agent shortstop Willy Adames to a seven-year, $182 million contract, pending a physical. This is not just any signing — it’s the largest deal in Giants franchise history, surpassing the previous record of $167 million, which, fittingly, belonged to Posey himself.
Adames, 29, brings both power and versatility to San Francisco. Coming off a career-best season, he posted eye-catching numbers with 32 home runs, 112 RBIs, 21 steals, and a 4.8 WAR (per FanGraphs). His combination of offensive production and defensive ability makes him a key piece of the puzzle for the Giants as they aim to solidify their infield for years to come.
Reinventing the Giants' Infield
With Adames locked in at shortstop and Matt Chapman anchoring third base following his six-year, $151 million extension last September, the left side of the Giants' infield is shaping up to be a defensive powerhouse. The rest of the infield is likely to include Tyler Fitzgerald at second base and LaMonte Wade Jr. at first, giving the team a well-rounded unit on Opening Day. Behind the plate, Patrick Bailey, fresh off winning his first Gold Glove Award, will be the steady presence guiding the pitching staff.
Adames’ defensive performance has had its ups and downs, highlighted by his -16 defensive runs saved last season. However, his career total of 20 defensive runs saved and 14 outs above average from 2018 to 2023 shows his capability as one of the better defenders at shortstop. Giants fans can expect a rebound as he settles into his new role.
A Rocky Shortstop History
The Giants’ decision to invest heavily in Adames addresses a position that has been a carousel of inconsistency in recent years. Since Brandon Crawford’s stellar 2021 season, when he finished fourth in NL MVP voting, San Francisco has struggled to find stability at shortstop. From 2022 to 2024, 13 different players cycled through the position, collectively generating a modest 7.1 WAR, which ranked 20th in MLB.
The search for a permanent solution led the Giants to pursue Carlos Correa during the 2022 winter meetings. Although they agreed to a massive 13-year, $350 million deal, the agreement fell apart due to medical concerns. Correa ultimately re-signed with the Twins, leaving the Giants to look elsewhere.
Fitzgerald showed promise in 2023 with a .280 batting average, 15 home runs, and 17 stolen bases, but his defensive metrics (-6 defensive runs saved) and strikeout rate (31.7%) left room for improvement. With Adames now on board, the Giants have found the steady hand they’ve been searching for.
Winter Meetings Spotlight: Addressing the Rotation
While Adames provides clarity to the Giants’ lineup, their rotation still poses significant questions. As the winter meetings begin, Posey and his team will undoubtedly shift focus to bolstering their pitching staff.
Currently, the Giants’ rotation includes Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, Jordan Hicks, Kyle Harrison, and Hayden Birdsong. Despite Webb’s excellence — he finished sixth in NL Cy Young Award voting — the rest of the rotation carries concerns. Ray, recovering from Tommy John surgery, has pitched just 34 innings over the past two seasons. Hicks, transitioning from reliever to starter, struggled with fatigue in 2023, while Harrison and Birdsong are still developing into consistent starters.
The Giants’ 2023 rotation ranked 18th in ERA (4.22), 23rd in WAR (9.4), and 29th in innings pitched (778 2/3), highlighting the need for reinforcements. The division remains under the control of the powerhouse Dodgers, and if the Giants hope to secure a wild card spot, they’ll need more than just Webb at the top of their rotation.
High-Profile Free Agents on the Radar
One intriguing option is Corbin Burnes, a former teammate of Adames in Milwaukee. Burnes, a Bakersfield native and Saint Mary’s College alum, has been linked to the Giants and could command a contract exceeding $200 million. Adding Burnes would give the Giants a formidable one-two punch alongside Webb.
Other notable free-agent pitchers include Max Fried, Jack Flaherty, Sean Manaea, and Nathan Eovaldi. Each offers a unique skill set, and Posey will have to weigh the options carefully to find the right fit for San Francisco.
Building a Contender
The Giants’ moves this offseason are more than just transactions — they’re a statement. With Posey at the helm, San Francisco is signaling its commitment to building a competitive roster capable of contending in the increasingly stacked National League West. Adames’ signing is a bold step forward, but the work isn’t done.
As fans eagerly await the start of spring training, the anticipation is palpable. Will Posey’s first winter meetings yield the pitching depth the Giants need? Can Adames continue his upward trajectory and help anchor the team for years to come? The answers will come soon enough, but one thing is clear: the Giants are playing to win, and the offseason is just heating up.
Key Takeaways
- Record-Breaking Deal: Willy Adames’ $182 million contract is the largest in Giants history, signaling a new era under Buster Posey’s leadership.
- Defensive Stability: Adames and Chapman form a formidable duo on the left side of the infield.
- Rotational Questions: Logan Webb anchors the rotation, but the Giants need reinforcements to compete in the NL West.
- Big Names in Play: Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, and others are potential targets to bolster the pitching staff.
This offseason is shaping up to be one for the ages, and Giants fans have every reason to be excited about what lies ahead.
Login