Willy Adames arrived in San Francisco carrying the hopes of a franchise eager to reclaim its place among baseball’s elite. Following a landmark seven-year, $182 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, Adames entered the 2025 season under immense pressure to perform. The commitment reflected the Giants’ belief in his talent, but it also thrust him into the challenging spotlight of meeting expectations in a city known for its passionate fan base and rich baseball legacy.
Breaking Out with Milwaukee Brewers
Before joining the Giants, Adames showcased a career-best season in 2024 with the Milwaukee Brewers. He tallied 32 home runs, 112 runs batted in, and 33 doubles, achievements that marked him as one of the premier shortstops in Major League Baseball. His speed on the bases also improved significantly, stealing 21 bases—a notable jump compared to his previous six-year average of 30 steals combined. The Giants viewed Adames as a vital component in their plan to build a powerful lineup, hoping he would form a formidable partnership with Matt Chapman to elevate the team’s chances for success.
Adjustment Difficulties Markes Early Season
Despite the optimism surrounding his arrival, Adames has faced a difficult transition into the Giants’ lineup. After 50 games and 221 plate appearances, his batting numbers have fallen short of the high standards set the prior year. His batting average sits at .214, with an on-base percentage of .294 and a slugging percentage of .352, generating an OPS+ of 86—a level that risks becoming a career low. These struggles have sparked questions about the factors behind his underwhelming performance during this crucial contract year.
Declining Swing Speed Raises Concerns
A significant decline in Adames’s swing speed has emerged as a troubling indicator of his challenges at the plate. This drop is one of the steepest seen in the league, and it plays a key role in a batter’s ability to consistently connect and drive the ball with power. For Adames, whose game traditionally relies on generating strong contact and home runs, this reduction could explain his difficulties in replicating the offensive success he displayed with the Brewers. The decline in swing speed adds an extra layer of complexity to his adjustment process in San Francisco.
What Lies Ahead for Adames and the Giants?
As the 2025 season unfolds, fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if Willy Adames can overcome these current struggles and regain his form. The Giants, invested heavily in his long-term potential, hope he will adapt both mentally and physically to his new setting. Success for Adames is more than just statistics; it represents resilience and the ability to meet the demands of a historic contract amidst intense scrutiny.
In a city known for its fog and towering landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Adames’s story reflects the broader reality of professional sports—where talent meets pressure and the human element remains at the forefront. The Giants’ season, and perhaps their future, may hinge on whether Adames can rediscover his swing speed and reignite the promise that once made him one of baseball’s most exciting players.