Exactly a week ago, the former Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames signed a massive seven-year, $182 million contract with the company San Francisco Giants. The deal is currently the largest contract ever signed in Giants history, which dates back to 1883. It is also the third-largest contract ever signed by a Dominican-born player. Albert Pujols and Robinson Cano are the only players to receive larger contracts during their careers.
Adames’ decision to leave Milwaukee was not unexpected. When the Brewers didn’t trade him before the 2024 season, everyone knew it would be his last season. And did he ever make it memorable!
Former Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames left his mark on the franchise
As fans will recall, Adames was acquired by Milwaukee in a mid-season trade during the 2021 campaign. The team was struggling offensively and desperately needed the bat to revitalize their lineup. When the team traded for Adames, he was hitting .197/.254/.371 with five home runs and 15 RBI for the Tampa Bay Rays.
But he found his stroke when he landed with the Brewers. In 99 games with Milwaukee this year, he hit .285/.366/.521 with 20 home runs and 58 RBI. He was so productive that he even received NL MVP votes.
In 2022, his first full season with the Brewers, Adames broke Robin Yount’s single-season franchise record for home runs by a low break. He hit .238/.298/.458 with 31 home runs and 98 RBI. Yount had previously set the record with 29 home runs in 1982.
2023 was a down year for Adames, who hit just .217/.310/.407 with 24 home runs and 80 RBI. But he wasn’t livid and the Brewers certainly thought he was too valuable to trade. And he rewarded that faith.
Last season, Adames had the best season of his career, hitting .251/.331/.462 with 32 home runs (a modern franchise record), 112 RBI and 21 stolen bases. He also became the first shortstop in team history to have a 30-20 season.
And he created himself too Very Dear.
Willy Adames wrote a farewell post to Milwaukee Brewers fans
Although he was only a member of the Brewers for three and a half seasons, Adames made a huge impact on the organization. Milwaukee, the city and the fans also had a large impact on him. Today, a week after signing with the Giants, Adames sent his farewell message to Brewers fans:
“After the last few days, I wanted to take a breather and let it all sink in.
“Milwaukee, you opened your heart and soul to me when I was feeling low after the exchange. You became a place of comfort and gave me the confidence to shine and be myself. From the moment I stepped onto the field, I knew the Brewers fans were there supporting me.
“This week was something special for me, but it also closed a chapter in my career that I will always remember.
“From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU – #Milwaukee @brewers for giving me the same love and energy that I gave to you. You will be in my heart forever. Until we meet again. WillyWaukee IS LEAVING.”
While it’s unfortunate that Adames will no longer wear a Brewers uniform, it’s hard to blame him for signing a contract much richer than anything Milwaukee could (or would) offer him.
Let’s hope he has a long and successful run with the Giants (except when he faces the Brewers).
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