The Red Sox are being linked to several top free agents and appear poised to spend money this winter.
One player Boston is reportedly interested in signing plays a position the club isn’t necessarily in need of as the roster currently stands.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Red Sox (among other teams) are “expected to make a push” for Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames. It’s been floated that Adames could move to third base or second base upon signing, but Feinsand said that “would be surprising.”
Given that Boston employs Trevor Story at shortstop and franchise player Rafael Devers at third base, signing Adames would be a surprising move that comes with a massive ripple effect. If Adames were to remain at shortstop, that would have to mean the Red Sox would be moving Story to second base (where he played in 2022) or moving on from the player entirely.
On the other hand, if Adames were to make the move to third base, that would have to mean Devers would become Boston’s designated hitter. Masataka Yoshida was the team’s primary DH this past season, but the organization has reportedly tried to trade him in the past. Yoshida’s future with the team is uncertain after a 2024 season that saw an injury and no playing time in the outfield that left the player somewhat disgruntled.
While the latter move would make more sense on paper, that would also mean the Red Sox would be paying Devers $300 million to solely bat and no longer play the field. It’s unknown whether Devers has any interest in becoming Boston’s DH and retire from playing the field.
Regardless, a move to ink Adames would be interesting. It wouldn’t be cheap, either.
MLB insider Jim Bowden recently predicted that Adames will sign a six-year, $150 million contract. Spotrac currently projects the player to sign a six-year, $152 million deal.
The 29-year-old is coming off a season in which he batted .252 with a .793 OPS. Adames achieved numerous career-high statistics in 2024, including doubles (33), home runs (32), RBI (122), and walks (74). With that, though, he did strike out a career-high 173 times.
Adames also stole the most bases in his professional career by a wide margin. His 21 swiped bags this past year were the first time he’s reached double digits in the category.
Adding Adames would make the Red Sox better, but it remains to be seen if the team is willing to shake up the left side of its infield by doing so. It also remains to be seen whether or not Boston is willing to open its wallet for the first time under chief baseball officer Craig Breslow.
