The San Francisco Giants made waves this offseason by signing star shortstop Willy Adames to a massive seven-year, $182 million contract. Now, as spring training gets underway, the prized acquisition is eagerly anticipating the chance to team up with incumbent third baseman and five-time Gold Glove winner Matt Chapman, forming a potentially elite left side of the infield.
Adames, 29, has been hard at work at the Giants’ spring training complex in Scottsdale, Arizona for about a month already, looking to get a head start on acclimating to his new surroundings. The extra time has allowed him to bond with new teammates and get comfortable in the Giants organization.
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.
– Willy Adames on his eagerness for spring training
Leaning on Experience with New Teams
This isn’t Adames’ first time switching teams. He was traded from the Tigers to the Rays as a minor leaguer in 2014, then dealt from Tampa Bay to Milwaukee in May 2021. Those experiences have taught him how to assimilate quickly with a new club.
“After getting traded twice, I think it makes it easier to try to get along with everybody and just try to get comfortable,” Adames said. “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.”
Giants manager Bob Melvin praised Adames’ proactive approach, saying “He’s a unique guy, and 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.”
Prolific but Flawed 2024
Adames put up big numbers for the Brewers in 2024, setting career highs with 32 homers, 112 RBIs, 93 runs scored, and 21 stolen bases while playing in 161 of 162 games. However, he also committed an MLB-leading 20 errors at shortstop, including a rough nine-game stretch in August where he made six miscues.
The typically sure-handed Adames, who made 14 errors each in 2022 and 2023, acknowledged he temporarily lost confidence but finished the year strong. “I mean I have my confidence back and just going to go out there and be the same guy,” he assured.
The Chapman Effect
Playing next to a human vacuum cleaner like Chapman, who also inked a long-term extension with the Giants, should help Adames steady his defense. He’s thrilled about the prospect of letting the three-time Platinum Glover handle everything hit their way.
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.
– Willy Adames on playing with Matt Chapman
If Adames can translate his immense physical tools into more consistent defense, San Francisco could boast one of the most impactful left sides of the infield in all of baseball. Giants fans are certainly hoping their $182 million investment and his new running mate can make that a reality.
As spring training kicks into high gear, all eyes will be on how quickly Adames settles in and whether his seemingly effortless chemistry with Chapman carries over to game action. If it does, the Giants will be well on their way to fielding a championship-caliber defense, anchored by their flashy new double-play combination.
