Willy Adames – San Francisco Giants Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Willy Adames has carved out a reputation as one of Major League Baseball’s top shortstops. He brings a blend of defensive skill and pretty serious pop at the plate.

He started out with the Tampa Bay Rays, but really made his name with the Milwaukee Brewers. There, he became a key piece of the roster.

In December 2024, Adames took a huge leap in his career by signing a seven-year, $182 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, which included a $22 million signing bonus.

Before this blockbuster deal, Adames played under a much smaller contract in Milwaukee. He signed a one-year, $12.5 million deal with the Brewers in January 2024 to avoid arbitration.

That jump in salary really shows how much teams value elite shortstops these days—and how steady Adames has been.

Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

Willy Adames’ journey to the majors started in the Dominican Republic. His determination and raw talent pushed him from humble beginnings to the big leagues.

Background and Youth Career

Willy Rafael Adames was born on September 2, 1995, in Santiago, Dominican Republic. In his country, baseball isn’t just a pastime—it’s a pathway to a better life.

As a kid, Adames played on dusty fields with whatever gear he could find. He honed his skills in daily pickup games with local kids.

People noticed his sharp hand-eye coordination and athleticism early on. Local coaches saw his smooth fielding and the power in his swing.

By his early teens, Adames was already one of the top youth prospects in Santiago.

Unlike some Dominican players, Adames managed to keep up with school while chasing his baseball dreams. That helped him grow on and off the field.

Signed as a Prospect

The Detroit Tigers signed Adames as an international free agent in July 2012, when he was just 16. They offered him a $420,000 signing bonus—a life-changing sum for his family.

Scouts liked his projectable frame, strong arm, and baseball instincts. Sure, he still had some rough edges, but he seemed mature for his age, especially in how he handled at-bats and defense.

The Tigers’ international scouts saw him as a high-upside project who might take a while but could make a real impact in the majors.

That signing opened the door to pro baseball, but his time with the Tigers didn’t last long.

Development in Minor Leagues

Adames made his pro debut in 2013 with the Dominican Summer League Tigers. He hit .245 and showed decent on-base skills.

In 2014, the Tigers traded him as part of a big three-team deal to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Once he joined the Rays, Adames started moving up quickly.

• 2015: He hit .258 with 4 home runs at Single-A.
• 2016: He reached Double-A at just 20 years old.
• 2017: He landed in Triple-A with the Durham Bulls.

He went from raw prospect to polished player during this time. His power numbers rose, his contact improved, and his defense at shortstop became a real asset.

Baseball America kept him near the top of the Rays’ prospect lists. They liked his all-around game and leadership, both of which pointed to big league success.

Professional Career Highlights

Willy Adames made his mark as one of the game’s best shortstops. He brings steady offense and standout defensive play.

His path from prospect to MLB star includes big moments with two teams and plenty of playoff games.

Tampa Bay Rays Tenure

Adames debuted in the majors with the Tampa Bay Rays on May 22, 2018. The Rays got him from Detroit in the 2014 David Price trade.

His rookie year showed real promise—he hit .278 with 10 home runs in 85 games.

In 2019, he stepped up as a key player. He posted a .254 average, 20 home runs, and 52 RBIs, plus solid defense.

During the shortened 2020 season, Adames helped the Rays win the AL pennant. He hit .259 with 8 home runs in 54 games and anchored the defense.

His time in Tampa Bay made it clear: he could hit for power and lock down shortstop. The Rays traded him to Milwaukee in May 2021.

Milwaukee Brewers Success

The May 2021 trade to the Milwaukee Brewers changed everything for Adames. He quickly became the team’s emotional leader and hit .285 with 20 home runs in just 99 games.

In 2022, he set career highs—31 home runs and 98 RBIs. That kind of production at shortstop is rare and made him a fixture in the Brewers’ lineup.

He kept it going in 2023, hitting 24 home runs with 80 RBIs. Adames’ steady bat kept Milwaukee in the NL Central race.

He wrapped up his Brewers run in 2024 before signing a seven-year, $182 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, including a $22 million signing bonus.

Playoff and World Series Performances

Adames always seems to step up in the postseason. In the Rays’ 2020 World Series run, he hit clutch home runs in the ALDS against the Yankees and the ALCS against the Astros.

His defense during those playoffs stood out. He made several highlight-reel plays that saved runs when it mattered most.

With the Brewers, he helped them reach the playoffs in 2021 and 2023. Milwaukee didn’t make the World Series, but Adames still played well in the spotlight.

His playoff experience in both leagues has given him a cool, steady presence in big moments.

All-Star and MVP Considerations

Adames finally got his first All-Star nod in 2023. Many analysts felt he’d earned it earlier. His mix of power, defense, and leadership finally caught the spotlight.

He’s received MVP votes in several seasons, which speaks to his impact beyond just stats. His defensive numbers often put him among the best shortstops in the game.

His estimated net worth of $15 million as of 2025 shows just how far he’s come. With his new contract, Adames will earn a base salary of $10 million in 2025 plus part of his signing bonus.

Baseball insiders widely see Adames as one of the most complete shortstops in the league. His power, defense, and leadership make him an MVP-caliber player.

Contract Details and Transactions

Willy Adames’ value has soared as he’s moved through different teams and contract situations. His rise from rookie deal to a nine-figure contract shows his growth as a top-tier shortstop.

Initial MLB Contract

Willy Adames kicked off his pro career by signing with the Detroit Tigers as an international free agent in 2012. The $420,000 signing bonus was a big vote of confidence from the Tigers.

After the 2014 David Price trade sent him to the Rays, Adames kept developing on his rookie contract. He made his MLB debut with Tampa Bay on May 22, 2018, while still earning a pre-arbitration salary.

In his early Tampa years, Adames made close to the league minimum. The Rays, who always watch their payroll, got a lot of value for the money.

Major Trades and Transitions

On May 21, 2021, the Rays traded Adames and pitcher Trevor Richards to the Milwaukee Brewers. In return, Tampa Bay got relievers Drew Rasmussen and J.P. Feyereisen.

This trade kicked off a new chapter for Adames and the Brewers. He immediately boosted his offense, hitting .285 with 20 home runs in 99 games.

The Brewers took advantage of his pre-free agency years, keeping him under team control through arbitration. His strong play in Milwaukee raised his profile and set him up for a huge payday.

Current Contract Status

In December 2023, Adames signed a seven-year, $182 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, including a $22 million signing bonus.

This contract pays him about $26 million per year through 2031. The Giants clearly see Adames as a franchise cornerstone as they rebuild.

Before this deal, Adames had agreed to a one-year, $12.5 million contract with the Brewers for 2024 to avoid arbitration. The Giants’ offer changed everything, leading to a trade and a new long-term deal.

The contract comes with no-trade protection and puts Adames among the highest-paid shortstops—up there with stars from the Phillies, Dodgers, and Red Sox.

Free Agency Considerations

Adames’ path to free agency took patience. After seven years in pro baseball, he finally landed his first big contract.

Several teams reportedly showed interest before he signed with the Giants. The Yankees, Blue Jays, and Mets all kicked the tires on Adames.

He hit the market at just the right time—one of the top shortstops available, and a bunch of big-market teams needed help at the position. That competition helped drive up his contract.

Now that his free agency is settled until the 2030s, Adames can just play baseball without worrying about contracts. His deal might become a benchmark for other shortstops and future free agents.

Season Performance and Playing Style

Willy Adames has built a reputation as one of the game’s best shortstops. He balances defensive excellence with real power at the plate.

His playing style is athletic and steady, making him valuable to any lineup.

Defensive Skills at Shortstop

Adames stands out for his range and arm strength at shortstop. He moves quickly and covers a lot of ground, and his throws usually turn tough plays into outs.

During his Brewers stint, Adames put up solid defensive numbers, especially in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS). He’s got a knack for turning double plays, thanks to his quick hands and sharp footwork near second base.

Coaches talk about his high baseball IQ and smart positioning—he often seems to know where the ball’s going before it’s hit. With the Giants, Adames still anchors the defense and brings a sense of calm up the middle that pitchers really value.

He’s vocal, too, and that leadership keeps the infield on the same page.

Batting Average and Home Runs

At the plate, Adames brings real power. His batting average usually sits around .250, but the home runs are what set him apart.

He’s hit 20 or more homers in several recent seasons, which isn’t easy for a shortstop. His swing creates a ton of bat speed, letting him drive the ball to all fields.

Adames handles fastballs especially well. He can turn on inside pitches, but he’ll also push outside ones the other way.

In Milwaukee, he used American Family Field’s hitter-friendly setup to boost his home run totals. Now that he’s with the San Francisco Giants, Oracle Park gives him a new challenge—it’s definitely more pitcher-friendly.

RBIs and Offensive Metrics

Adames drives in runs at a steady clip, usually topping 80 RBIs when he stays healthy. He’s clutch with runners in scoring position, making him a fixture in the middle of the lineup.

Advanced stats like wRC+ usually show him as an above-average hitter. His on-base percentage gets a boost from a decent walk rate, since he works counts and sees pitches well.

He’s not your classic leadoff guy, but he’s quick enough to take the extra base and swipe one here and there, which adds some value.

His deal with the Giants really reflects his ability to drive in runs. He can hit for power all over the park, making him a tough out for any pitcher.

Strikeouts and Areas for Growth

Adames does run into trouble with strikeouts—he’s topped 150 K’s in a season more than once. Breaking balls away from the zone trip him up, and he’ll chase pitches that start in the zone but dart outside.

His plate discipline could use some work, especially against top-tier pitching. When he faces elite velocity, he sometimes struggles to make contact, which leads to cold stretches at the plate.

If he cuts down on strikeouts, his average and OBP could see a real jump. At 29, he’s still got time to tweak his approach and keep the power that makes him so valuable to the Giants.

Net Worth and Off-Field Endeavors

Willy Adames has built up real financial security through his MLB career, and he’s gotten involved in endorsements and community activities off the field.

Estimated Net Worth

By 2025, Adames has reached an estimated net worth of $15 million. Most of that comes from his baseball contracts, but things really took off after his major contract signing.

His financial picture changed overnight when he signed a 7-year, $182 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, including a $22 million signing bonus. That’s a huge leap from his previous salary.

Before this deal, Adames was making about $8.7 million per year, so the jump is pretty wild.

Sponsorships and Endorsements

Adames has a handful of endorsement deals, though he keeps things more low-key compared to some other MLB stars. Most of his sponsorships involve gear companies.

He’s popped up in local ads in Milwaukee and now San Francisco, using his growing profile and easygoing personality. These deals usually focus on regional businesses and brands that connect with the community.

With his new contract, people expect his endorsement opportunities to pick up in the next few years.

Community Involvement

Adames puts real effort into community work and shows up for a lot of charitable causes. He often attends youth baseball clinics, working directly with kids and sharing what he knows.

In Milwaukee, he supported local children’s charities and joined the Brewers’ outreach programs, especially for underserved youth and baseball diversity efforts.

Since moving to the Giants, Adames has said he wants to keep that community focus in the Bay Area. He’s even talked about starting a foundation to help youth baseball in both the Dominican Republic and the U.S.

He seems to get that being a pro athlete gives him a platform, and he’s using it to try to make a difference off the field.

Major League Relationships and Notable Associations

Over his MLB career, Willy Adames has built strong relationships with teammates and rivals. These connections have shaped his development and career in some pretty meaningful ways.

Teammates and Notable Players

Adames made close bonds with teammates on the Rays and Brewers. He learned a lot from Joey Votto during spring training, especially about hitting. Veterans often mention Adames’ upbeat clubhouse presence and leadership.

When the Brewers brought in Corbin Burnes, Adames quickly connected with him. Their infield communication helped boost the team’s defensive stats.

In 2023, Adames and Jose Ramirez shared the All-Star infield, forming one of the league’s top middle-infield duos. Their friendly rivalry pushed both to step up their game.

Comparisons With Elite MLB Stars

Analysts often compare Adames’ power to shortstops like Alex Bregman and other top infielders. Bregman gets the edge in OBP, but Adames has posted better power numbers lately.

During the 2024 free agency, Adames hit the market with Juan Soto, though their contracts reflected different strengths. Soto’s on-base skills brought a premium, while Adames’ power and defense got him his seven-year, $182 million contract with the Giants.

Compared to Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, Adames doesn’t match their offensive numbers, but his defense and leadership keep him in the conversation.

Injuries and Influences in Career

Adames has mostly stayed healthy during his career, dodging those long injured list stints that have sidelined guys like Mike Trout.

After he tweaked his ankle in 2021, Adames and his trainers put together a new conditioning program. It’s really kept him on the field.

In 2023, his shoulder started acting up for a bit, so he called in some specialized trainers. They helped him tweak his throwing mechanics, and honestly, he’s looked sharper on defense since then.

You can tell he doesn’t just wait around for problems—he tackles them head-on, always looking for ways to stay healthy.

During rehab for a quadriceps strain, Adames ended up in physical therapy with Tommy Kahnle. The two got to talking about the mental side of recovery, and those chats definitely shaped how Adames thinks about staying consistent.

At 6’1″ and 214 pounds, Adames has held up better than most middle infielders. He puts a lot of emphasis on flexibility and core strength instead of just bulking up.

Sports medicine folks say that’s a big part of why he’s avoided the typical baseball injuries. It’s not flashy, but it works.