The New York Mets have made a significant move in the offseason, edging out the Los Angeles Dodgers to secure a key free agent. Both clubs, among baseball’s wealthiest, had shown strong interest in infielder Willy Adames, known for his powerful bat and defensive prowess at shortstop. As the Mets look to boost their offense along with starting pitching, they saw Adames as a prime target, offering a reported $160 million over seven years.
However, Adames is known to prefer the shortstop position, and with Francisco Lindor firmly in place there for New York, the Mets proposed a move to third base. If Adames joins the roster, the Mets plan to shift Mark Vientos from third to first base, as Pete Alonso’s free agency leaves the position open. In a scenario where Alonso returns, either he or Vientos could assume the designated hitter role, allowing for a flexible lineup.
The Dodgers, meanwhile, are also in need of a player with Adames’ skillset, particularly as they seek a long-term solution at shortstop. Should they land Adames, he could take over that spot outright, aligning with his preference and solidifying the infield for the Dodgers.
Adames brings formidable numbers to the table: in 2024, he posted 32 home runs, 112 RBIs, and a .793 OPS, standing out as one of the most productive free agent infielders this offseason. While his future destination is not yet confirmed, the addition of a player of his caliber would make a substantial impact for either team as they strive to strengthen their rosters for the 2025 season.
The Mets’ bid underscores their commitment to adding both offense and defense, as they hope to make a deep postseason push. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are still very much in the running, which keeps this high-stakes offseason rivalry alive.
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