A New Chapter in San Francisco
Willy Adames has been a familiar face around the Arizona spring training complex for nearly a month now, diligently working out and preparing for his new role with the San Francisco Giants. The veteran shortstop, who signed a seven-year, $182 million contract with the Giants in the offseason, is no stranger to transitions. After being traded twice in his career, Adames has developed a knack for integrating into new teams quickly and effectively. “It gets to the point when you’re practicing every day, it’s like, ‘I just want spring training to start,’ you know, and then today was the first day. And I mean, I can’t complain. It’s been great,” Adames shared, reflecting on the excitement of the first full-squad workout.
A Key Offseason Move
The Giants’ signing of Adames was a significant move, aimed at bolstering their roster after a disappointing 80-82 season in 2022. Adames, a 29-year-old seasoned player, has a proven track record as one of baseball’s top all-around shortstops. His career highlights include a stellar 2022 season with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he set personal bests with 32 home runs, 112 RBIs, 93 runs scored, 153 hits, and 21 steals in 161 games. San Francisco manager Bob Melvin is confident in Adames’ ability to make an immediate impact. “He’s a unique guy, and (it’s) why we targeted him and why we wanted him because we felt like he can come in and make an impact right away. I don’t think there’s any of the transition problems with him,” Melvin said.
Navigating the Pressure
Adames acknowledges the pressure that comes with a significant contract and the expectations that follow. However, his past experiences with trades have equipped him with the skills to navigate these challenges. “After getting traded twice, I think it makes it easier to try to get along with everybody and just try to get comfortable. And that’s why I’ve been hanging out for the last month here, because I wanted to get that going early and created that bonding with the guys before spring training started,” he explained. Despite the pressures, Adames remains focused and confident, stating, “I mean I have my confidence back and just going to go out there and be the same guy.”
Overcoming Defenses
While Adames excelled at the plate last season, he encountered some defensive struggles, committing a career-high 20 errors. A particularly rough patch in August, where he had six errors in a nine-game stretch, affected his confidence. However, Adames is determined to improve in this area. “I lost confidence for a while before finding my form toward the end of the season. But I have my confidence back, and I’m ready to go out there and be the same guy,” he said. The addition of third baseman Matt Chapman, a five-time Gold Glove winner, is expected to provide additional support and help Adames refine his defensive skills.
A Partnership for Success
Matt Chapman, who signed a six-year, $151 million contract with the Giants in September, is more than just a stellar defensive player. His presence on the team is a significant boost for Adames. “That’s something that I’m looking forward to, you know, playing along his side. … You know he’s going to catch everything. He already told me, like, you’re not going to have to worry about the backhand. So I’m like, man, I just have to work on my glove side,” Adames enthused. The partnership between Adames and Chapman is expected to be a cornerstone of the Giants’ infield, providing stability and excellence both offensively and defensively.
A Bright Future Ahead
Willy Adames is poised to make a significant impact in his new home with the San Francisco Giants. His blend of offensive prowess, defensive potential, and experience in handling transitions makes him a valuable asset. As he continues to bond with his new teammates and refine his skills, the Giants’ fans have high hopes for what the future holds. With Adames leading the charge, the Giants are well-positioned to make a strong push in the upcoming season.
