Bleacher Report predicts Braves sign Willy Adames in free agency
Just like the last couple of offseasons, Alex Anthopoulos will be mulling over what to do at shortstop. Two years ago, he decided to let Dansby Swanson walk, who was coming off a career year and signed a $177 million contract with the Cubs.
Hindsight is always 20/20, but that deal looked like an overpay then and certainly does now. Swanson never demonstrated the kind of consistency to warrant nearly $200 million. The Braves were wise to move on, and the decision to replace him with Orlando Arcia looked genius for about half-a-year. While making less than 10% of Swanson’s annual salary, Arcia went on to have a career-year, making his first All-Star Game.
However, the second half of that season left a lot to be desired, and his 2024 campaign looked a lot more like what Arcia has been his entire career. A player with a decent glove and a well below average bat that is best served as a backup infielder. The Braves need to upgrade this offseason, but there aren’t many options to turn to in free agency.
The one that every club with a need at shortstop will be eyeing is Willy Adames. The 29-year-old is coming off one of his best seasons with the Brewers, smashing a career-high 32 homers with a .794 OPS, helping Milwaukee to the NL Central crown.
But that kind of production won’t come cheap. Adames will have no shortage of suitors and could be looking for a deal even greater than the one Swanson got a couple of years ago. Those aren’t typically the kind of bidding wars Alex Anthopoulos gets involved in and wins, but Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller predicts that will change this offseason. He has the Braves swinging big to fix the most glaring hole in the lineup.
Alex Anthopoulos has already said the Braves payroll is expected to increase this offseason, but by enough to sign Willy Adames for around $150-200 million? That feels unlikely for several reasons, primarily because the most recent monster contracts for shortstops have not panned out in the club’s favor.
Let’ go back a couple of years to when Dansby Swanson was a free agent alongside Trea Turner, Carlos Correa, and Xander Bogaerts. Swanson received $177 million and has not lived up to the deal. Bogaerts got $280 million and has been miserable for the Padres. Turner has been the best of the bunch, but certainly not worth the $300 million he signed for in Philadelphia, and Carlos Correa has also dealt with injuries and inconsistencies.
