San Francisco Giants fans are becoming increasingly uneasy about the early-season struggles of shortstop Willy Adames, who joined the team on a hefty 7-year, $182 million deal during the offseason.
So far, nearly two months into the season, Adames is batting just .208 with five home runs and has posted a -0.3 bWAR, sparking doubts among the fanbase.
Posey addressed the situation directly:
“I’d tell fans to be patient. It’s not unusual for star players to struggle early after signing big contracts. We saw it with Trea Turner, Francisco Lindor, and even to some extent with Juan Soto this year. Willy’s a gamer—he’ll figure it out.”
Manager Bob Melvin echoed Posey’s reassurance, noting that Adames may simply be pressing too hard at the plate. After Adames went hitless in four at-bats during the Giants’ recent series-opening loss to the Tigers—a series they were ultimately swept in—Melvin explained that the shortstop might be trying too hard in key moments.
“Sometimes in big RBI spots, guys push a little too much. Willy’s known for hitting those three-run homers, and I think he’s just trying to make something happen. It’ll come around,” Melvin said after the game.
A Major Financial Commitment
Adames may only rank fifth on the team in terms of annual salary—behind Matt Chapman, Robbie Ray, Jung Hoo Lee, and Justin Verlander—but his $182 million contract is the largest ever handed out by the franchise. The previous record-holder? Buster Posey, whose 2013 extension now sits in second place.
The Giants brought in Adames not just for his power at the plate but also to serve as a central figure in their push for playoff relevance in a competitive NL West.
Despite his early-season slump, Adames has continued to be a steady presence in the clubhouse.
“I take pride in my work ethic and bringing energy every day,” Adames said during Spring Training on MLB Network Radio. “I just try to show up with the same attitude and compete.”
Still Time to Turn It Around
Adames, 29, has been one of the league’s more productive shortstops in recent years, having hit at least 20 home runs in every season since 2021. He’s coming off a career-best campaign in 2024, where he crushed 32 homers, drove in 112 runs, and finished 10th in MVP voting.
While he’s still in his athletic prime, Adames will need a major turnaround to replicate that success this season. His next opportunity to spark a hot streak comes this weekend as the Giants face the Miami Marlins in a three-game road series at loanDepot Park.
As June approaches, Giants fans are hoping Adames can catch fire at the plate and help dig the team out of its early-season hole in the NL West.