Ideal Dodgers Free Agent Signs $150 Million Contract With Hated Rival

For the past six months, the Los Angeles Dodgers have reportedly had their sights set on Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames. Adames was seen as a potential trade component for Los Angeles, but the Brewers never seemed to consider the possibility.

Now that Adames is a free agent, the Dodgers have an opportunity to sign him. What is stopping them?

Los Angeles recently signed Tommy Edman to a big contract extension, while also apparently sending Mookie Betts back to the infield. These are two indications of a concession in the Adames free agency sweepstakes.

According to Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report, Adames is still expected to leave Milwaukee for the National League West. However, Reuter expects that the Dodgers’ biggest opponent, the San Francisco Giants, would sign the star infielder to a six-year, $150 million contract.

“The top shortstop on the market this winter and one of the best all-around shortstops in baseball the past several seasons, Willy Adames is a lock to become the ninth active shortstop playing on a $100 million deal,” Reuter wrote. “The ugly early returns on the matching six-year, $140 million contracts that Javier Báez and Trevor Story signed prior to the 2022 season could give teams reason for pause, but it won’t stop someone from paying up to add a middle-of-the-order run producer and quality defender at a premium position who has logged four straight 3-WAR seasons.”

The Giants are hoping to turn a page after welcoming franchise legend Buster Posey back to the Bay as president of baseball operations. Posey looks determined to enhance his shortstop performance in San Francisco.

Acquiring Adames would mean stealing a target from the Dodgers and bringing him to the Giants. San Francisco has won on two fronts. If the Brewers infielder is willing to sign for $150 million, the Giants must complete the transaction as quickly as feasible.