SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Willy Adames, the San Francisco Giants’ new shortstop, is facing significant adjustments after signing a seven-year, $182 million contract last December, the largest deal in the franchise’s history. Adames, who spent seven years with the Tampa Bay Rays organization, is still acclimating to his new team, ballpark, and climate as he works to find his rhythm in San Francisco. This season, he is batting .223 with 18 home runs and 61 RBIs while adapting to the challenges posed by Oracle Park and a different environment from what he experienced in Tampa Bay.
The smile that Adames carries has been a constant since his days with the Rays, where he became a fan favorite. Although he has faced some struggles, he remains optimistic about his progress and the Giants’ potential.
“It’s been a little challenging the first year here, getting to know everybody in the organization, and obviously getting adjusted to this park and the weather,”
he said before a game against his former team.
“It’s way different from what I’m used to. I tell people, I’ve never played outside my whole career. I was inside at Tropicana and at Milwaukee (as his primary ballpark).”
Despite the growing pains, Adames has praised the Giants as a strong team with a solid group of teammates, expressing confidence that the organization will improve as the season progresses.
“It’s been good here. It’s a good team and there are a lot of good guys here. It hasn’t been the best year for us, but we’re going to get better.”
Adames’ History of Prominent Trades and Impact with the Rays
Willy Adames’ baseball journey has included key moments shaped by major trades involving the Tampa Bay Rays. Originally signed as an international prospect by the Detroit Tigers from the Dominican Republic, Adames entered the Rays’ system through the 2014 trade that sent prized pitcher David Price back to Detroit. He grew into a vital player for Tampa Bay, participating in 332 regular-season games and serving as the starting shortstop on Tampa Bay’s 2020 American League pennant-winning team that ultimately fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.
On May 21, 2021, Adames was again part of a significant trade, moving from Tampa Bay to the Milwaukee Brewers alongside reliever J.P. Feyereisen, while ace pitcher Drew Rasmussen came to the Rays. Rays manager Kevin Cash vividly recalls the day of the trade as a poignant moment for the club, underscoring the impact Adames had on the team and its culture.
“It’s been a while. I’ll never forget the day in Dunedin sitting there when all that went down,”
Cash reflected about the trade day.
“There were a lot of tears and a lot of sadness just for what he meant to our club and just everybody that he impacted.”
Cash added,
“I’m happy this offseason that he went out and got the deal he deserves.”
Maintaining Connections with Former Teammates and Staff
Even months after departing the Rays, Adames continues to hold strong ties to his former teammates and staff. Before a recent game, he spent time reconnecting with players such as Brandon Lowe, Yandy Diaz, Pete Fairbanks, and fellow Dominican prospect Junior Caminero. These interactions show the lasting relationships he built during his time in Tampa Bay.
Adames acknowledged the importance of this support and goodwill by saying,
“Apparently they still have some love for me, and it’s the same here. I have a lot of love for them, too. It’s always good to see their faces.”
He went on to share what those feelings mean to him personally:
“When you haven’t been around (the Rays) in a long time, and they still they remember you as a positive guy and a good guy, for me, that’s what I want to leave behind when I’m not here. It makes me feel good, especially since it’s been a long time. I’m getting old. I’m going to be 30 in a few weeks (on Sept. 2).”
Early Contributions Highlight Adames’ Value to Giants
Adames made a notable impact in a recent game against the Rays, demonstrating his value offensively and on the basepaths. In the first inning, he earned a walk, stole second base, and scored on a single by Dominic Smith. Later, in the third inning, he hit a solo home run off Joe Boyle, which helped the Giants take a 4-3 lead and led to Boyle’s exit from the game after just six outs and 50 pitches.
This performance showcased Adames’ ongoing ability to contribute to the Giants’ efforts despite the transition challenges of his first year in San Francisco.
Context on Rays-Giants Matchups and Recent Performances
The ongoing rivalry between the Rays and Giants has produced competitive matchups throughout this West Coast road trip. In one of the recent games, the Rays secured a victory with a ninth-inning RBI single by Yandy Diaz, evening their series record at 5-5. Players like Chandler Simpson have also stood out with multi-hit performances during these contests, emphasizing the closely contested nature of the meetings between both teams.
Looking Ahead: Adames’ Future with the Giants
As Willy Adames adjusts to his new surroundings and the expectations that come with his landmark contract, there is optimism about his long-term impact on the Giants. His passion, determination, and experience from high-pressure situations like the 2020 World Series provide a foundation for growth within the team. With time, Adames is expected to settle into a more consistent role, helping the Giants advance in their pursuit of a stronger season finish and deeper playoff contention.
This season represents a period of adaptation and opportunity for Adames as he navigates the challenges of the Willy Adames Giants transition and aims to solidify his legacy in San Francisco.