Willy Adames has come to terms on a seven-year contract worth $182 million with the San Francisco Giants, bringing a power-hitting shortstop to the team at the peak of his career, as per a source with knowledge of the discussions. The source spoke with The Associated Press on Saturday but requested to remain anonymous since […]
Willy Adames has come to terms on a seven-year contract worth $182 million with the San Francisco Giants, bringing a power-hitting shortstop to the team at the peak of his career, as per a source with knowledge of the discussions.
The source spoke with The Associated Press on Saturday but requested to remain anonymous since the deal was awaiting a physical examination. ESPN was the first to break the news.
This marks a significant move by the Giants’ revamped front office, now under the leadership of former All-Star catcher Buster Posey, who succeeded the dismissed Farhan Zaidi in September. San Francisco has fallen short of the playoffs for the past three seasons and recently finished a lackluster 80-82 campaign.
Adames joined the Tigers as an international free agent in 2012 but did not see any playing time with the MLB team before being traded in 2014. He moved to Tampa Bay as part of a three-team trade that included Drew Smyly and saw Detroit acquire David Price from Seattle.
According to MLB.com, Adames’ contract stands as the most lucrative in the franchise’s history, surpassing the $167 million, eight-year extension signed by Posey in 2013.
With this agreement, Adames is off the market as the Juan Soto sweepstakes intensifies throughout the league. The young star is anticipated to make his free agency choice quite soon. At 26, he could secure one of the most significant contracts in MLB history, rivaling the $700 million, 10-year deal Shohei Ohtani inked with the Los Angeles Dodgers last offseason.
Adames, now 29 years old, is coming off his standout offensive season in the majors, batting .251 with a career-high 32 home runs and 112 RBIs while playing for the Milwaukee Brewers. He is known for his solid defense at shortstop, offering a powerful arm and good range, though his metrics did see a slight decline in 2024.
He has consistently showcased his power, amassing 150 home runs over seven seasons, first breaking into the majors in 2018 with Tampa Bay and hitting 20 homers in his full rookie season in 2019.
Adames was traded to the Brewers in 2021 and delivered one of his best seasons in 2022, smashing 31 home runs with 98 RBIs and achieving a 4.3 WAR.
Boyd, Cubs finalize two-year contract
The Chicago Cubs and lefty Matthew Boyd have inked a two-year agreement valued at $29 million. The team confirmed the deal on Saturday.
Returning successfully from Tommy John surgery, the former Tigers player went 2-2 with a 2.72 ERA over eight starts with Cleveland this past season. He also contributed in three postseason games for the AL Central winners, allowing just one run while striking out 14 over 11 2/3 innings.
Boyd joined the Guardians in June. He made his season debut against the Cubs on August 13, pitching 5 1/3 innings and allowing only one run.
Orioles reach deal with O’Neill
The Baltimore Orioles have finalized a three-year contract with outfielder Tyler O’Neill worth $49.5 million, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations.
The source spoke with the AP on Saturday on condition of anonymity, as the deal is contingent on passing a physical.
O’Neill is scheduled to earn $16.5 million for each of the next three seasons, with an opt-out option after 2025.
Last season, the 29-year-old O’Neill recorded a .241 batting average with 31 home runs and 61 RBIs while playing for the Boston Red Sox, marking his inaugural year with the team after spending the first six seasons of his MLB career with St. Louis.
Holmes to Mets
The New York Mets and pitcher Clay Holmes have agreed to a three-year contract worth $38 million, pending a successful physical for the 31-year-old right-hander.
Holmes could earn $13 million in each of the first two years and $12 million in 2027. He has the right to opt out after the 2026 season and enter free agency again, according to the source.
Holmes emerged as a formidable closer with the New York Yankees after joining from Pittsburgh in July 2021, earning a spot as a two-time All-Star. However, he faced challenges this season with his control and giving up hits due to soft contact. He lost his closing role to Luke Weaver following a game-ending grand slam allowed to Texas rookie Wyatt Langford on September 3.
He finished 3-5 with a 3.14 ERA and a career-high 30 saves across 67 appearances, while leading the majors with 13 blown saves. After regaining his sinker, he became an effective setup man for the Yankees in the playoffs, going 3-1 with a 2.25 ERA in 13 games.
