ESPN calls the Atlanta Braves the best choice for Willy Adames

The Atlanta Braves needs a major upgrade shortstop. Luckily for them, they could be best suited for the best option on the open market. ESPN’s David Schoenfield called the Braves the best fit for free-agent shortstop Willy Adames.

Schoenfield wrote that while their current shortstop, Orlando Arica, has the better glove, Adames’ bat has an advantage that far outweighs the defense. Even then, Adames’ gloves are more than serviceable.

“Arcia is the better defender, but Adames is great at shortstop and brings a lot more offense,” Schoenfield wrote.

The bigger question was whether the Braves can meet the contract Adames will likely have on the books. The brave are ready to spendso that can’t be a problem.

Adames would fill a big hole with an impact bat that the team desperately needed last season. He cut .251/.331/.462 and had 31 home runs and 112 RBIs. Those both topped his previous career highs of 31 home runs and 98 RBIs in 2022.

His greatest value comes when there are runners in scoring position. Adames hit .293 with a 1.072 OPS. Eighteen of his home runs and 93 of his RBIs came in this situation. Both were the best in the MLB last season.

Meanwhile, Arcia was the worst qualified hitter with runners in scoring position in 2024. In this situation, he hit .155, had a .400 OPS and hit zero home runs and had only 23 RBIs.

However, the Braves could choose not to pick up certain club options, and that will create more cap space to spend on Adames. Schoenfield stated Travis d’Arnaud ($8 million),Aaron Bummer ($7.25) andLuke Jackson ($7 million) as “a bit pricey for role players.”

He also said Max Fried’s departure on a free agent basis could free up more room to spend.

“If you don’t bring back all those players, there is room to sign Adames,” Schoenfeld wrote.

Bummer and Jackson are two options that should definitely be rejected, but d’Arnaud is worth keeping. That’s him undoubtedly a bargain under that contract than if it had been signed voluntarily.

To provide a devil’s advocate with the argument to keep d’Arnaud, they have have a great catching prospect in Drake Baldwin who could be ready to take on a role at the Major League level.