Promising Beginnings

The San Francisco Giants have made a noteworthy impression in the early part of the current baseball season, achieving a strong 21-13 record. This performance places them in close competition with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres in the highly competitive National League West.

Offensive Contributions

While the Giants’ offense has seen positive contributions from key players such as center fielder Jung Hoo Lee, third baseman Matt Chapman, second baseman Tyler Fitzgerald, right fielder Mike Yastrzemski, and designated hitter Wilmer Flores, the team faces challenges. With Fitzgerald now sidelined due to a fractured rib, the Giants are in need of additional players to step up.

Catcher Patrick Bailey and first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr. have both struggled in the batting department, each posting averages below .165 and OPS+ numbers of 32 and 41, respectively. Boosting their performance could significantly enhance the team’s offensive capabilities.

Willy Adames: High Expectations

All eyes are on shortstop Willy Adames, a pivotal offseason acquisition who signed a substantial eight-year, $182 million contract, marking the largest deal in Giants’ history. The expectations that accompanied this signing were extensive, as Adames was brought in to be a major offensive contributor.

However, as of now, he has not met those expectations. His current statistics reveal a .215/.302/.300 slash line with only two home runs and five doubles across 34 games and 149 plate appearances.

Concerns Around Performance

Adames’ struggles have not gone unnoticed, with some league executives labeling him the most disappointing player of the season’s first month. “Early struggles on both sides have stood out more, given the expectations tied to being a key addition for the Giants this offseason,” noted an AL executive in a piece by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

While his offensive downturn is alarming, it is important to consider his previous performance history. Pressures associated with a significant contract and transitioning to a new team can often impact a player’s early-season play. Adames may eventually find his rhythm.

Defensive Struggles

Even more concerning than his offensive performance has been Adames’ defense. Known for his Gold Glove-caliber abilities in 2022 and 2023, which featured a +20 Run Value, his defensive output has sharply declined in 2024, continuing into 2025. Currently, he has recorded a -4 Run Value in just 289 innings, positioning him in the first percentile for Fielding Run Value.

An NL executive commented, “The Giants have to be worried already about how this signing will age.” Although there was prior consideration of Adames playing third base, the presence of Chapman means that option isn’t viable. If Adames does not improve defensively, the Giants may need to explore other shortstop options sooner than anticipated.