What’s Next for Willy Adames?

Shortstop Willy Adames, set to become a free agent after this season, is a notable player with a career WAR nearing 20. At 28, he’s been a strong defensive shortstop and a consistent hitter with an OPS+ of at least 109 in five of his seven seasons, including 2024.

Adames has accumulated at least three WAR in each of his three seasons with the Brewers, including the year he was traded to Milwaukee in late May 2021, and he’s on track for about four WAR this year.

Given the Brewers’ recent trends, many believe Adames will not remain in Milwaukee, and there’s speculation he could be traded before the trade deadline. With his recent impressive home run, it’s a good time to consider the Brewers’ options regarding Adames. What might they do, and what should they do?

Before addressing those questions, it’s important to evaluate Adames’ standing among MLB shortstops. While he’s certainly a strong player, the league is full of talented shortstops. Let’s take a closer look.

 Willy Adames Appears To Admit Contract Extension Won’t Happen.

Brewers shortstop Willy Adames has been vocal about his desire to sign a long term contract extension with Milwaukee and stay here for the rest of his career. To this point, the Brewers haven’t seemed quite as interested in such an arrangement.

The Brewers had some willingness to engage with Adames on a contract extension but have backed off recently which has little to do with his play on the field and more to do with the prices of the shortstop market, prices that skyrocketed this past offseason.