Dodgers, Mets Among Top Suitors for Two-Time 30-HR Hitter

Two-time 30-home run hitter Willy Adames, a pending free agent, will garner attention from contending teams. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets are both possible suitors for the Milwaukee Brewers shortstop. The Dodgers and Mets continue to battle it out in the National League Championship Series, with Los Angeles a win away from a berth in the World Series.

Heyman writes “the people around the league see the Dodgers as a possible favorite” to land Adames, who has been a frequent trade target of the Dodgers, Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants.

Dodgers, Mets Favorites to Land Willy Adames

Heyman points out that Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has a familiarity with Adames, having acquired him during his tenure in Milwaukee. The connection between the two could pave for a reunion in Queens, potentially involving a positional shift for Adames at third base. Doing so could possibly send Mark Vientos to first base if Pete Alonso were to depart. Alonso is also a free agent after this season.

Adames has never played third base in his major league career that began in 2018. Other than 10 games at second base as a rookie, Adames has spent his entire career at shortstop.

The Dodgers have emerged as favorites to land Adames, driven largely by their urgent need for stability at shortstop. A series of setbacks has exposed the team’s vulnerability at the position.

Gavin Lux, initially penciled in as the Opening Day shortstop, struggled defensively and was relegated to second base. Lux’s difficulties were compounded by his recovery from a serious knee injury that sidelined him for all of 2023. Mookie Betts, despite lacking major league experience at shortstop, filled the position admirably in the first half. However, upon returning from a hand injury, the Dodgers prioritized his return to right field, where his presence was more crucial due to thinner outfield depth.

If Adames decides to sign elsewhere, the Dodgers have Tommy Edman as a fallback option. Acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals at the trade deadline, Edman’s versatility – including his ability to play center field – provides flexibility. Should the Dodgers sign Adames, Edman could seamlessly transition to center field.

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