Willy Adames is a name that will be mentioned a lot in regards to the Atlanta Braves this offseason. He’s far and away the best free agent shortstop available, and the Braves have a clear need at the position, hoping to upgrade over Orlando Arcia.
However, Joel Reuter doesn’t see it as a fit. In his recent piece for Bleacher Report highlighting the best and worst landing spots for the top free agents this winter, the Braves were named the worst landing spot for the Brewers shortstop.
Worst: Atlanta Braves
The Braves already have $197.8 million on the books for 2025 and $140 million for 2026, so they may be hesitant to add another long-term contract, especially on the position-player side of things.
If the Atlanta front office is going to spend big this winter, it will likely be to upgrade the starting rotation. Incumbent Orlando Arcia is signed for $2 million next year with a matching club option for 2026.
Willy Adames obviously would fit like a glove in the Braves lineup and be a massive upgrade over Orlando Arcia, who is the weakest link on the team. So, I have a difficult time believing Atlanta could possibly be the worst fit.
With that being said, I understand where Joel Reuter is coming from. Without making any moves, the Braves payroll continues to rise, as the contracts of guys like Michael Harris II and Spencer Strider increase. Chris Sale’s salary also comes back on the books after the Red Sox paid nearly all of his salary this year.
The Braves already have a ton of money committed to their current roster and probably aren’t in the market to add a shortstop that’s going to demand a 6-7 year deal worth $150-200 million, similar to the one Dansby Swanson signed a couple of years ago.
Money is the reason I don’t see the Braves and Willy Adames as a fit, even if the fit on the field couldn’t be more perfect. However, Alex Anthopoulos has already said that payroll will continue to rise in 2025. If the funds are there, Adames will certainly receive consideration.
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Photo: Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire
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