As the Boston Red Sox, alongside several other teams, intensify their pursuit of generational talent Juan Soto, the club is exploring contingency plans in case they fail to secure this offseason’s marquee prize.
In addition, Red Sox President Sam Kennedy has emphasized the team’s “extreme urgency” to contend for the American League East title in 2025 and make a significant playoff push. This sense of urgency suggests that the team’s latest move could signal their intent to complement Soto in the lineup if their pursuit of the former New York Yankee proves successful.
According to a reliable Red Sox news account on X (formerly Twitter), Boston Strong, the Red Sox recently held a “productive” meeting with former Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames, one of the most sought-after non-Soto position players in free agency this winter.
Adames’ Price Tag Could Surpass $230 Million
Earlier this week, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that the Red Sox had scheduled an “upcoming meeting” with Adames, expressing “strong interest” in the 29-year-old shortstop from Santiago, Dominican Republic.
What would it cost the Red Sox to sign Adames? SpoTrac, a sports business site, estimates his market value at approximately $152 million over a six-year contract. However, other projections suggest his price could be considerably higher.
According to Baseball Trade Values, which uses an algorithmic model to forecast player values, Adames’ price tag could soar to $231 million over eight years, or $211 million over seven. “That might make your eyes water,” writes Chris Landers of Fansided, “but $30 million should be the floor for an All-Star shortstop entering his age-29 season, especially with teams like the Dodgers, Braves, and Giants driving up the bidding.”
Adames was signed as a 17-year-old international free agent by the Detroit Tigers in 2013, before being traded to Tampa Bay the following year as part of the deal for former AL Cy Young winner David Price. After a rocky start in Tampa, Adames found his groove with the Milwaukee Brewers after being traded there in 2021, hitting at least 20 home runs in each of his four seasons, with a career-high 32 home runs in 2024. He became a free agent after declining the Brewers’ qualifying offer on November 19.
Adames’ Potential Role and Position Switch
If the Red Sox were to sign Adames, his fit at shortstop would be complicated, as the team already has Trevor Story in that position. After three injury-plagued seasons, Story appears healthy and ready for the fourth year of his six-year, $140 million contract.
Adames has reportedly shown a willingness to switch positions, potentially moving to third base. However, the Red Sox already have their highest-paid player and franchise star, Rafael Devers, at third base. According to Nightengale, Boston officials have “internally discussed moving Devers off third base,” potentially shifting him to first base or making him a full-time designated hitter.
