Will the Brewers Deal Away Star Shortstop Willy Adames? The Milwaukee Brewers have undergone plenty of change this offseason, from manager Craig Counsell’s departure to the trade of ace Corbin Burnes. More moves could be coming for the reigning NL Central champs, with star shortstop Willy Adames a prime trade candidate.
Adames is set to become a free agent after 2023. With an underwhelming free agent class at shortstop, several contenders in need, and his apparent successor already in the organization, conditions may be ripe for the Brewers to deal away their two-way standout.
Among the most discussed possibilities is the trading of shortstop Willy Adames, a move that could significantly influence the MLB trade market and offer valuable insights for MLB free picks.
Will the Brewers Deal Away Star Shortstop Willy Adames? Thin Free Agent Market Creates Demand
The current free agent pool offers little at shortstop beyond reclamation projects and past-their-prime veterans. Big names still available like Blake Snell, Cody Bellinger, and Matt Chapman don’t play the position.
Among impending free agent shortstops, Amed Rosario projects at 1.7 WAR after shifting to second base with the Dodgers last season. Tim Anderson posted an abysmal .624 OPS in 2022 but could rebound. Gio Urshela is recovering from a broken leg. Elvis Andrus and Brandon Crawford are well into their mid-30s.
For contenders seeking everyday shortstop production, the options are extremely limited outside of trade. The Brewers can capitalize on the thin market by dealing the reliable Adames, who batted .217 last season but hit .251 with a .790 OPS combined from 2020-2022.
With Adames likely to chase a massive contract in free agency, Milwaukee knows re-signing him long-term is improbable. By trading him now, they can maximize his value rather than lose him for a compensatory draft pick.
Playoff Hopefuls Have Hole at Short
Several expected playoff teams in 2024 have unsettled situations at short. The defending champion Braves relied on light-hitting Orlando Arcia in the second half last season. Highly-touted prospect Marco Luciano may not be ready to take over full-time for the Giants.
Both the Marlins and Guardians have open competitions set for spring training. While the financial component may deter Miami and Cleveland on Adames’ $12 million salary, Atlanta or San Francisco would boost their pennant chances substantially by trading for the two-way All-Star.
Adames also possesses the versatility to shift to third base if desired, potentially fitting teams like the Blue Jays, Yankees, or Mets. For suitors seeking an impact bat at short or the hot corner, Adames stands out as the lone proven commodity on the current market.
Brewers Have Their Heir Apparent
The Brewers acquire shortstop Joey Ortiz from Baltimore in the Burnes trade. While currently slated for third base, the strong-glove Ortiz represents Milwaukee’s shortstop of the future. He posted an .885 OPS across Triple-A and Double-A last season, indicating his bat is catching up to his sterling defense.
Dealing Adames would enable Ortiz, already 25, to take over his natural position immediately. It would also open payroll space to reinforce third base through free agency or trade. Utility man Andruw Monasterio could man the hot corner or Milwaukee could take a flier on the recovering Urshela.
With Ortiz waiting in the wings, the Brewers can seamlessly transition to their next phase while cashing in a prime trade chip. And by opening short for Ortiz in 2024, they gain a longer evaluation period before he reaches arbitration eligibility in 2026.
The Case For Keeping Adames
While the roster and payroll flexibility provided by an Adames trade has appeal, Milwaukee could certainly justify retaining him next season. They won 95 games and the division crown in 2023 despite significant regression from Adames along with injuries to Freddy Peralta and others.
Adames bounced back to an .852 OPS over season’s final month, validating the upper echelon offensive ceiling he displayed from 2020-2022. If he rediscovers that form, he’ll remain an integral part of the lineup. There’s also inherent risk in relying heavily on Ortiz before he ever plays a full major league season.
With no juggernaut present in a diminished NL Central, the Brewers have an opening to contend again. Keeping Adames raises their 2024 forecast, especially if Corbin Burnes’ other rotation mates stay healthier. Holding their All-Star shortstop through next summer and taking the compensatory pick may be Milwaukee’s smartest play.
Brewers Should Explore Trade Options
The Milwaukee Brewers find themselves at a franchise crossroads this offseason. While running it back with Willy Adames offers a reasonable path back to October baseball, trading the star shortstop could prove even more prudent.
With Joey Ortiz prepared to take over at short in 2025, a weak upcoming free agent class at the position, and multiple contenders seeking upgrades, Adames’ trade value stands at its apex. Dealing him now accelerates Milwaukee’s smooth transition to Ortiz while netting critical young talent.
It would be understandable for the Brewers to retain their two-way standout in pursuit of another division title. But trading Adames is likely the shrewder long-term approach for restocking a farm system amid ownership turmoil. His peak trade value coupled with an ready-made successor gives Milwaukee every reason to seriously engage offers. In the realm of legal online betting, the Brewers’ moves offer intriguing possibilities.
