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Buster Posey gives frank assessment of Willy Adames’ future as Giants shortstop
Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey expects Willy Adames to rebound in 2027, despite the shortstop’s worst season and persistent back trouble. His assessment matters because Adames is a major investment for San Francisco, and the club must decide how to manage his workload and defensive role.
Adames, 31, posted career lows including a .289 on-base percentage and .713 OPS, while recording 18 errors; his back problem ended his season in August. The Giants owe him $155 million over five years and say they will listen to trade offers, including amid reported interest from Toronto. If he stays, Posey plans scheduled days off and changes to his training, while the article notes that advanced defensive metrics rated him poorly.
In short
- Posey expects Adames to rebound in 2027.
- Back trouble and poor numbers cut short his 2026 season.
- The Giants may trade him, but still owe $155 million.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The Giants have reason to expect a rebound: Adames has performed better in earlier seasons, and a back injury that ended this one could help explain his career-low hitting numbers and defensive struggles. With a substantial investment in him, the club could preserve his value by adjusting his training, scheduling rest and giving him another season to regain form.
The case against
The case for exploring a trade or reducing Adames’s role is that his poor results were pronounced, including 18 errors and weak defensive metrics, while his back trouble raises questions about his ability to stay healthy. Given the cost and length of his contract, relying on a rebound could limit the Giants’ flexibility if his performance or availability does not improve.