Dodgers Linked to Superstar Free-Agent Shortstop in Free Agency
Once again, the Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly interested in a high-profile shortstop.
People around the league see the Dodgers as a potential landing spot for Milwaukee Brewers free-agent shortstop Willy Adames, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Adames is familiar with the Dodgers front office as president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and general manager Brandon Gomes both worked with him in Tampa Bay. However, Los Angeles won’t be the only team interested in him.
The Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants could also make Adames an offer, per Heyman, but his price tag will likely be more than $200 million, which could eliminate the Braves, who let former shortstop Dansby Swanson sign with the Chicago Cubs for $177 million.
Adames could have more options if he is open to playing third base which is where the Toronto Blue Jays and other teams might step in with their own offers. However, he has never played the hot corner during his big league career which began in 2018. The only other position he has experience at is second base where he played in 10 games during his rookie season.
The Dodgers could use a true shortstop with Miguel Rojas aging out of an everyday role and Tommy Edman being more of an outfielder than infield quarterback. However, the trade deadline acquisition of Edman has proven to be more valuable than ever as he took home National League Championship Series MVP honors.
Adames is coming off the best season of his big league career hitting 32 home runs, driving in 112, and stealing 21 bases — all career-highs.
Before 2024, his best year was in 2021 when he collected MVP votes after a midseason trade sent him from Tampa Bay to Milwaukee, and he hit 20 home runs in 99 games to end the season.
Over four seasons (2021-24) in Milwaukee, Adames slashed .244/.323/.457 with 38 stolen bases in addition to his 107 home runs.
The Dodgers are seen as favorites because they have the money to spend and have struggled to find a consistent shortstop over the past couple of seasons. They handed the job to Gavin Lux during spring training, but he failed to perform in camp and the Dodgers moved Mookie Betts there to begin the regular season.
Once Betts went down with a fractured hand, the job was given to Rojas and Betts returned to right field after his hand healed.
If the Dodgers don’t sign Adames, the backup plan would be to stick with the combination of Edman and Rojas.
Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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