Tampa Bay Rays: It is time for Willy Adames
One of the Tampa Bay Rays brightest prospects is ready for the majors. It is time to make a move and bring him to Tampa Bay.
The centerpiece in the trade that sent David Price to the Detroit Tigers, Willy Adames has been a player that Tampa Bay Rays fans have eagerly awaited. He has been a consensus top 100 prospect in each of the last four seasons, steadily improving as he climbed through the system. Heading into 2018, Adames was a top 25 prospect for the second consecutive year, a player expected to play a key part in the Rays future.
After a solid stint in his first season in AAA last year, Adames has been on fire in 2018. He has rebounded from a slow start, producing a .308/.391/.453 batting line with nine extra base hits. At nearly five years younger than the average AAA player, Adames has more than held his own, showing that he is ready to make his debut at the major league level.
The problem is that there does not appear to be a spot on the roster for Adames, at least presently. Joey Wendle has been a revelation at second, producing a solid .300/.345/.420 batting line and saving five runs in the field. Adeiny Hechavarria has not provided that same level of offense, but has been an excellent defensive shortstop, something that the Rays covet.
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However, Hechavarria is not likely to be a part of the Rays future. He is slated to be a free agent after this season, making $5.9 million this season. While he has been his typically solid self with the glove, saving two runs at short, his .261/.296/.330 batting line, worth an OPS+ of 75, leaves a lot to be desired. As the Rays are sliding down the standings, Hechavarria is not providing the type of value they need.
It is possible that Tampa Bay looks to move on from the former Marlin at the trade deadline. A team in need of defensive help in the middle of the infield could well consider Hechavarria as a possible target at the deadline. It is also possible that, even though a solid amount is left on his contract for the season, the Rays simply move on from the offensively challenged shortstop.
At this point, it would not hurt to give Adames a chance. The Rays desperately need a spark, and bringing one of their top prospects to the majors could provide just that. While Adames may not be great in any one area, his solid all around game could be just what the Rays need in the lineup.
Next: Longoria suggests Rays need to move
Willy Adames has nothing left to prove in the minors. It is just a matter of the Tampa Bay Rays finding a place for him in the lineup.