The New York Yankees are currently focused on attempting to secure a record-breaking contract for outfielder Juan Soto, but they also face several other roster gaps that general manager Brian Cashman needs to address this offseason. One potential acquisition that has come up is Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames.
Adames is considered one of the top position players available on the free-agent market and is coming off an impressive 2024 season in Milwaukee. He posted career-high numbers in several key categories, including 32 home runs, 33 doubles, 112 RBIs, 93 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases in 688 plate appearances.
Although the Yankees are set at shortstop with Anthony Volpe firmly entrenched as the starter, other areas of the infield remain uncertain. Both first baseman Anthony Rizzo and second baseman Gleyber Torres are free agents, leaving the right side of the infield open.
Jazz Chisholm Jr., who was acquired during the trade deadline, spent a lot of time at third base, but could potentially move to second base or even center field depending on how the roster is shaped. Despite being a shortstop, Adames is not strictly tied to the position and could fit into a variety of infield spots, which would make him an even more appealing target for other teams.
Willy Adames
ESPN’s Dave Schoenfield sees the Yankees targeting Adames as one of their big offseason moves, though he predicts that Juan Soto will ultimately sign with the Mets. Schoenfield also points out some of the risks associated with a potential seven-year, $189 million deal for Adames, particularly his high strikeout rate and his lackluster postseason performance—he has posted a .216 average with only two home runs in 35 career postseason games.
While these concerns are valid, the Yankees have shown they are willing to tolerate strikeouts in exchange for the power that Adames could bring to their lineup.
In summary, while the Yankees are focused on re-signing Juan Soto, the pursuit of Willy Adames could be a major part of their strategy to strengthen the roster, especially given the uncertainty in their infield and Adames’ offensive potential.
