Just a few days into the MLB free agent period, and we’re already seeing the proverbial hot stove heating up.
According to a report from longtime reporter Mike Rodriguez, star shortstop Willy Adames has received contract offers from the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, there’s a bit of a wrinkle involved:
According to my sources, the #Mets have made an offer of over $160 million for a period of 7 years to Willy Adames. Their intention is for him to play third base; however, Adames is not convinced, as he prefers to continue in the shortstop position. He has not made a decision yet, and so far, he also has a proposal from the Dodgers. ✍🏽 #Mets #Dodgers #WillyAdames (per Mike Rodriguez/@mikedeportes)
Adames has quietly developed into an elite player at the shortstop position. He’s coming off a year with the Milwaukee Brewers in which he hit .251 with 32 HRs, 112 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases. In fact, the 29-year-old has hit at least 20 HRs in five separate seasons. Known as a high-character player with an above-average glove, it’s no surprise the top two teams in the National League this past year are heavily in the mix for his services.
Francisco Lindor is clearly not going anywhere. He’s entrenched as the shortstop for the Mets for the foreseeable future. Trying to convince Adames to play 3B is interesting from the standpoint that the team would then have to move Mark Vientos elsewhere (possibly first base). If this were to occur, the potential reunion between the Mets and free agent slugger Pete Alonso would all but seem to be impossible.
As for the Dodgers, the shortstop position appears to be wide open. In theory, Adames would come in and play the position he’s comfortable at. He has a past relationship with Andrew Friedman from their days together with the Rays in Tampa Bay. Friedman traded for Adames before leaving a few months later to become the President of Baseball Operations for the Dodgers.
Miguel Rojas is likely not an everyday player at this stage in his career. Tommy Edman’s positional value would indicate a possible move to centerfield permanently. When factoring all of this, the fit between Adames and the Dodgers — which has been rumored for over a year — appears to be a very good one. Still, considering the deep pockets New York has, along with the willingness to win, the Mets could overpay for Adames. If that happens, the Dodgers likely would pivot towards adding an outfield considering Edman can revert back to shortstop in a pinch.
