The San Francisco Giants have captured attention across baseball with a strong start to the 2025 regular season. With a current record of 12 wins and 5 losses, they’re showcasing their potential. However, they find themselves competing in a challenging National League West, where the San Diego Padres lead with a remarkable 14-4 start, and the Los Angeles Dodgers are close behind at 13-6.

Challenges Ahead

Maintaining momentum will prove to be difficult for the Giants, especially given the high level of competition presented by their divisional rivals. Yet, there are several indicators that suggest the Giants could remain in contention for a playoff spot as well as a shot at the NL West title.

Hope in the Lineup: Willy Adames

A significant point of optimism for the Giants is the performance of their prized free agent acquisition, shortstop Willy Adames. Despite his underwhelming statistics early in the season, there is room for improvement. In 76 plate appearances, Adames has recorded only one home run and three doubles, leading to a .206/.276/.294 batting line and a -0.5 WAR, far below expectations following his seven-year, $182 million contract inked over the winter— the largest in franchise history.

Signs of a Breakout

Though Adames’s start has been disappointing, indications of a turnaround are starting to emerge. He began to show flashes of his power potential on Monday against the Philadelphia Phillies, marking his first home run of the season and ending a streak of 68 plate appearances without a home run. The energy and capability shown in his previous season, when he hit a career-high 32 home runs (14 of which were to center and right fields), attests to his offensive prowess.

Unlocking Potential

Adames is well-regarded for his ability to spread the ball across the field, which could be key to unlocking his offensive capabilities. Historically, many of his doubles have been hit in similar spots to where he has previously launched home runs, indicating the potential for significant power production. Early on this season, however, he has not been hitting with the same versatility he displayed in 2024. Yet, the beauty of baseball lies in its unpredictability— with just a couple of strong performances, a player’s statistics can shift dramatically.

Outlook

Willy Adames remains one of the most productive shortstops in baseball, despite his slow start. The Giants’ early season performance has been promising, and as Adames heats up, fans and analysts alike can expect exciting developments as the season progresses. The realization of his full potential could be vital in the Giants’ pursuit of a successful 2025 campaign.