In Scottsdale, Arizona, Willy Adames has been prepping for the upcoming baseball season as he transitions into his new role with the San Francisco Giants. Having spent the last month working out in the area, he expressed his eagerness to finally engage in the team’s first full-squad practice.
Adames remarked, “After practicing every day, the anticipation builds, and I just wanted spring training to commence, so today was really exciting.” He shared that overall, his time leading up to this point had been fruitful and enjoyable.
Adames’ acquisition is a significant highlight for the Giants, especially after a less-than-stellar performance last season, wrapping up the year with an 80-82 record. He joined the roster after signing a substantial seven-year contract worth $182 million, making his move from Milwaukee, where he played for over three seasons.
Navigating the change of teams can be daunting, particularly under the weight of a hefty contract, but Adames is drawing on his past experiences to facilitate a smooth transition. He stated, “Having been traded twice has made it easier for me to connect with my new teammates and settle in.” Adames also contributed offensively during practice, smashing a home run during live batting practice.
At 29, Adames was once a notable prospect in the Detroit Tigers’ minor league system before being traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in July 2014. His career took off, making his MLB debut in 2018, and he excelled with the Rays for over three seasons until moving to Milwaukee in May 2021.
His time with the Brewers was marked by impressive statistics, setting personal records with 32 home runs, 112 RBIs, 93 runs, 153 hits, and 21 steals while playing in 161 games last season. San Francisco’s manager, Bob Melvin, highlighted Adames’ unique skill set, stating, “He’s exactly the type of player we targeted because we believe he can make an immediate impact.”
While last season bore fruit offensively, it also brought challenges for Adames, culminating in a career-high of 20 errors, with a particularly rough patch where he committed six in just nine games in August. After struggling with his confidence mid-season, he managed to regain his form as the year progressed. “I feel my confidence is back, and I’m ready to be the player I know I can be,” he asserted.
Aiding in Adames’ potential success with the Giants is the prospect of playing alongside third baseman Matt Chapman, a highly-acclaimed five-time Gold Glove winner. Chapman, who also recently secured a long-term contract with the Giants worth $151 million over six years, has already assured Adames of his defensive capabilities.
“I’m really looking forward to teaming up with him; I know he’s going to cover all the bases,” Adames said. “He’s let me know that I won’t have to worry about the backhand, so my focus will just be on getting solid with the glove side.”
Adames remarked, “After practicing every day, the anticipation builds, and I just wanted spring training to commence, so today was really exciting.” He shared that overall, his time leading up to this point had been fruitful and enjoyable.
Adames’ acquisition is a significant highlight for the Giants, especially after a less-than-stellar performance last season, wrapping up the year with an 80-82 record. He joined the roster after signing a substantial seven-year contract worth $182 million, making his move from Milwaukee, where he played for over three seasons.
Navigating the change of teams can be daunting, particularly under the weight of a hefty contract, but Adames is drawing on his past experiences to facilitate a smooth transition. He stated, “Having been traded twice has made it easier for me to connect with my new teammates and settle in.” Adames also contributed offensively during practice, smashing a home run during live batting practice.
At 29, Adames was once a notable prospect in the Detroit Tigers’ minor league system before being traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in July 2014. His career took off, making his MLB debut in 2018, and he excelled with the Rays for over three seasons until moving to Milwaukee in May 2021.
His time with the Brewers was marked by impressive statistics, setting personal records with 32 home runs, 112 RBIs, 93 runs, 153 hits, and 21 steals while playing in 161 games last season. San Francisco’s manager, Bob Melvin, highlighted Adames’ unique skill set, stating, “He’s exactly the type of player we targeted because we believe he can make an immediate impact.”
While last season bore fruit offensively, it also brought challenges for Adames, culminating in a career-high of 20 errors, with a particularly rough patch where he committed six in just nine games in August. After struggling with his confidence mid-season, he managed to regain his form as the year progressed. “I feel my confidence is back, and I’m ready to be the player I know I can be,” he asserted.
Aiding in Adames’ potential success with the Giants is the prospect of playing alongside third baseman Matt Chapman, a highly-acclaimed five-time Gold Glove winner. Chapman, who also recently secured a long-term contract with the Giants worth $151 million over six years, has already assured Adames of his defensive capabilities.
“I’m really looking forward to teaming up with him; I know he’s going to cover all the bases,” Adames said. “He’s let me know that I won’t have to worry about the backhand, so my focus will just be on getting solid with the glove side.”
