Tampa Bay Rays: Has Willy Adames saved his job as the starting shortstop?
By Sean Basile
In conclusion…
Coming into writing this article, I was very intrigued as to whether or not the numbers would add up to what I originally had thought that Adames was playing his way into keeping his job. But after I delved deep into the numbers like a nerd, it’s apparent that even though Willy Adames is a big force in this Rays lineup this year, it appears as though Wander Franco’s inevitable presence is going to kick Adames out of his starting shortstop role.
That doesn’t go to say it’s “sayonara” to Adames in a Tampa Bay Rays uniform. The Rays have team control over him next year and then Adames will be eligible for arbitration in 2022 through 2024 before becoming a free agent in 2025.
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Based on what he’s shown this year, which I believe has been pretty good stuff outside of his high strikeout rate, I think he fits into the future plans of this Rays offense. Remember, the Rays move guys around the field like no other team does in baseball right now. Third base and second base seem awfully attractive if a guy like Wander Franco is going to come up next year and lockdown shortstop. Adames has a really good arm, so third base might not be such a bad experiment.
Has Willy Adames saved his job as the starting shortstop of the Rays for years to come? I would say no. It was a valiant effort. He really stepped up this year and became one of the leaders in this Ray lineup, but once Franco is ready to come up, they’re going to have to find another spot for Adames. he still belongs in the lineup in my opinion. Maybe just not a starter over the number one prospect in baseball’s position.