Willy Adames Excited to Team Up with Matt Chapman in Giants' Spring Training

Willy Adames has been preparing extensively for his new chapter with the San Francisco Giants, working out in Arizona for over a month to ensure a smooth transition. Despite the extra preparation, Adames found the team's first full-squad workout on Monday to be a thrilling experience.

'It gets to the point when you're practicing every day, it's like, 'I just want spring training to start,'' Adames shared. 'And then today was the first day. I can't complain. It's been great.'

The Giants' acquisition of Adames was a major highlight of their offseason, following a disappointing 80-82 record last year. Adames, a veteran shortstop, signed a lucrative $182 million, seven-year contract with the Giants after spending over three seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Adames is no stranger to transitions, having been traded twice in his career. This experience has helped him adapt quickly to new environments and build relationships with his teammates. 'After getting traded twice, I think it makes it easier to try to get along with everybody and just try to get comfortable,' Adames explained.

In 2024, Adames showcased his all-around skills, setting career highs with 32 homers, 112 RBIs, 93 runs scored, 153 hits, and 21 steals in 161 games. However, he also committed a career-high 20 errors, six of which occurred during a nine-game stretch in August. Despite this, Adames regained his confidence by the end of the season.

Playing alongside third baseman Matt Chapman, a five-time Gold Glove winner, is expected to bolster Adames' performance. Chapman, who also signed a long-term deal with the Giants, has already reassured Adames about their defensive synergy. '[Chapman] already told me, like, you're not going to have to worry about the backhand,' Adames said. 'So I'm like, man, I just have to work on my glove side.'

Giants manager Bob Melvin is confident in Adames' ability to make an immediate impact. 'He's a unique guy, and that's why we targeted him,' Melvin stated. 'We felt like he can come in and make an impact right away.'