The Boston Red Sox, alongside several other teams, remain aggressively pursuing generational free agent Juan Soto. However, the team is also exploring backup options in case they are unable to secure the offseason’s most sought-after player.
Meanwhile, Red Sox President Sam Kennedy has expressed a strong sense of urgency for the team to compete for the American League East title in 2025 and make a deep playoff run. This urgency could suggest that the club is not only targeting Soto but also looking to bolster the roster further if their efforts to sign the former New York Yankee succeed.
A prominent Red Sox news account, Boston Strong—with over 70,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter)—reported on Thursday that the Red Sox had a “productive” meeting with former Milwaukee Brewers shortstop, one of the most coveted non-Soto free agent position players on the market this offseason.
Adames’ Price Tag Could Run Above $230 Million
Earlier this week, veteran USA Today baseball reporter Bob Nightengale reported that the Red Sox had an “upcoming meeting” with Willy Adames and were showing “strong interest” in signing the 29-year-old shortstop from Santiago, Dominican Republic.
What might it cost the Red Sox to land Adames? While SpoTrac, a sports business site, estimates his market value at around $152 million over six years, other projections suggest his total price could be significantly higher.
According to Baseball Trade Values, which employs an algorithmic statistical model to evaluate player market values, Adames could command as much as $231 million over eight years or $211 million over seven.
“That might make your eyes water, but $30 million should be the baseline for an All-Star shortstop entering his age-29 season,” wrote Chris Landers, Brewers correspondent for Fansided. “Especially with teams like the Dodgers, Braves, and San Francisco Giants likely driving up the bidding.”
Adames was originally signed by the Detroit Tigers as a 17-year-old international amateur free agent in 2013. The following year, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays as part of the deal for former AL Cy Young winner David Price. After three seasons with Tampa Bay—where he struggled at times but flashed the potential the Tigers had seen—Adames was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers during the 2021 season.
Signing Adames Would Mean Position Switch for Devers
Adames truly found his stride as a shortstop, emerging as one of the league’s top-hitting middle infielders by hitting at least 20 home runs in each of four consecutive seasons. His time in Milwaukee peaked with a career-best 32 home runs in 2024 before he entered free agency, declining the Brewers’ qualifying offer on November 19.
If the Red Sox were to pursue Adames, he wouldn’t slot in at shortstop, as that position is held by Trevor Story. After three injury-marred seasons, Story appears healthy as he heads into the fourth year of his six-year, $140 million deal.
Adames has reportedly shown a willingness to change positions, potentially shifting to third base. However, that position is currently occupied by Rafael Devers, the team’s highest-paid player and franchise cornerstone. Yet, as reported by Nightengale, Red Sox officials have internally discussed transitioning Devers to another role, possibly first base or full-time designated hitter.
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