The New York Yankees are focused on trying to re-sign outfielder Juan Soto to what could be a record-breaking contract. However, there are other holes in the roster that general manager Brian Cashman must fill this winter. Could they find a way to bring Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames to the Bronx?
Adames is one of the top position players available on the open market and is coming off a noteworthy 2024 campaign in Milwaukee. He set new career-high marks in home runs (32), doubles (33), RBI (112), runs scored (93) and steals (210) in 688 plate appearances.
The Yankees don't need a shortstop since Anthony Volpe is entrenched as the starter, but the rest of New York's infield is in flux. First baseman Anthony Rizzo and second baseman Gleyber Torres are both free agents, leaving the right side completely open. Jazz Chisholm Jr. spent a lot of time at third base after arriving at the trade deadline, but he could shift to second base or center field depending on the Bombers' roster construction.
Adames is also not tied to shortstop if the right opportunity presents itself. That could expand his market of interested teams even more. ESPN's Dave Schoenfield predicts this as the Yankees' big offseason move. (He's predicting Soto will sign with the Mets.) He did mention the potential downsides of signing the 29-year-old to a seven-year, $189 million deal.
"The big strike against Adames: He comes with a high strikeout rate and has performed poorly in the postseason in his career (.216 with two home runs in 35 games)," Schoenfield wrote.
Although that's obviously not ideal, the Yankees have proven they're willing to sacrifice whiffs in exchange for power, which Adames would bring.
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