40 Facts About Willy Adames

Early Life and Career

Willy Adames' journey to MLB stardom began in the Dominican Republic. His early years laid the foundation for his future success.

1. Willy Rafael Luna Adames was born on September 2, 1995, in Santiago, Dominican Republic.
2. He signed with the Detroit Tigers as an international free agent in July 2012.
3. Adames was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays on July 31, 2014, in a three-team deal.

Minor League Experience

Before making it to the big leagues, Adames honed his skills in the minors, showcasing his potential.

4. He played for teams like the Bowling Green Hot Rods, West Michigan Whitecaps, Charlotte Stone Crabs, and Montgomery Biscuits.
5. In 2014, he batted .271 with eight home runs and 61 RBIs in 125 combined games between West Michigan and Bowling Green.
6. Adames was selected to the World Team in the 2016 All-Star Futures Game.

Major League Debut and Early Career

Adames' debut in MLB was nothing short of spectacular, making an immediate impact.

7. He made his major league debut on May 22, 2018, with the Tampa Bay Rays.
8. In his first game, he hit a solo home run against Chris Sale.
9. After his debut, he was optioned back to Durham but was recalled on June 11, 2018.
10. Adames experienced a breakout in the second half of the 2018 season, hitting .329 over the final two months.

Breakout Season and Achievements

Adames' performance continued to improve, earning him recognition and accolades.

11. He ended the 2018 season with a .278 batting average, 10 home runs, and 85 games played.
12. In the shortened 2020 season, he played 54 games, batting .259 with eight home runs and 23 RBIs.
13. The Rays won the American League pennant in 2020 but lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.

Trade to Milwaukee Brewers

A significant trade in 2021 brought Adames to the Milwaukee Brewers, where he quickly became a fan favorite.

14. Adames was traded to the Brewers on May 21, 2021, alongside Trevor Richards.
15. He hit .285 with 20 home runs and 58 RBIs in 99 games for the Brewers in 2021.
16. His performance helped the Brewers win the National League Central Division.

Contract Extension and Career Highs

Adames' success with the Brewers led to a contract extension and record-breaking performances.

17. On March 22, 2022, he signed a $4.6 million contract with the Brewers, avoiding salary arbitration.
18. In the 2022 season, he set career highs in plate appearances (617), home runs (31), and RBIs (98).
19. His 31 home runs broke Robin Yount's record for most home runs hit by a shortstop in a season for the Brewers.

Leadership and Team Dynamics

Adames is known for his positive energy and leadership on the field, making him a key figure in the Brewers' lineup.

20. He has been credited with magnifying the team's claw celebrations after base hits.
21. Adames' presence in the clubhouse is described as a unifying force.
22. His joyous energy and positivity make him a beloved figure among Brewers fans.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond baseball, Adames has a rich personal life and interests that endear him to fans.

23. Adames is single and enjoys cooking.
24. He once demonstrated how to make tostones, a traditional Dominican dish, on a television show.
25. He stands at 6 feet tall and weighs 219 pounds.

Career Statistics and Advanced Metrics

Adames' career statistics highlight his significant contributions to his teams' success.

26. As of the end of the 2024 season, he has a career batting average of .254 with 53 home runs and 289 RBIs in 332 games for the Rays.
27. For the Brewers, he has a batting average of .243 with 109 home runs and 449 RBIs in 484 games.
28. His career OPS (On-Base Plus Slugging) is .740 with the Rays and .771 with the Brewers.
29. Adames' WAR (Wins Above Replacement) is 20.4.

Future Prospects and Free Agency

As Adames enters free agency, he is expected to command a significant contract, making him a highly sought-after player.

30. Teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants have the financial resources to offer him a $200 million deal.
31. Despite trade rumors, the Brewers front office remained steadfast in keeping him.
32. Adames has expressed his desire to stay with the Brewers, saying, "I would love to be here next competing with my boys again."

Record-Breaking Performances and Comparisons

Adames' achievements have placed him among the elite shortstops in MLB history.

33. He is one of only 26 MLB shortstops with at least two seasons of 95+ RBIs.
34. Adames tied with Ken Griffey Jr. for the most three-run home runs in a single season.
35. His home run and RBI numbers are comparable to those of Hall of Famers like Alex Rodriguez.

Legacy in Milwaukee

Adames has left an indelible mark on the city of Milwaukee and the Brewers franchise.

36. He has set multiple franchise records for the Brewers, including the most home runs hit by a shortstop in a season (31).
37. Adames' love for the team and the city of Milwaukee makes him a key figure in the team's dynamics.
38. His leadership qualities and on-field performance have made him a beloved figure in the baseball community.
39. Manager Pat Murphy acknowledged that Adames' departure is likely, stating, "Chances are, that's his last regular season game in a Brewers uniform."
40. Owner Mark Attanasio expressed his happiness for Adames and his family, acknowledging that he will receive an enormous free agent contract.

Willy Adames: A Legacy in the Making

Willy Adames has carved out an impressive career in Major League Baseball. From his early days as a minor league prospect to becoming a key player for the Milwaukee Brewers, his journey is nothing short of remarkable. His leadership, energy, and consistent performance have made him a fan favorite and a crucial part of his team's success. With career highs in home runs and RBIs, Adames has set records and left an indelible mark on the Brewers' franchise. As he enters free agency, his future remains uncertain, but his impact on the game and the city of Milwaukee is undeniable. Whether he stays with the Brewers or moves on to a new team, Willy Adames' legacy will continue to grow, inspiring fans and players alike. His story is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the love of the game.