With the baseball world making its way to the Winter Meetings and anticipating Juan Soto’s decision, another free agent decided against waiting on the superstar any longer.
As the meetings unofficially began in Dallas on Sunday, Soto had offers from the Yankees and Mets in a $710-$730 million, record-setting range, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman. Heyman added that the Mets’ offer was believed to be slightly higher as of Saturday night and that the Red Sox, Blue Jays and Dodgers remained in the bidding as Soto neared a life-changing choice.
Some of those clubs could have benefited from Willy Adames’ services, including the Yankees and Mets, as the slugging shortstop was willing to play third base. But instead of becoming a Plan B for one of Soto’s suitors, Adames agreed to a seven-year, $182 million deal with San Francisco on Saturday, according to multiple reports. The contract, pending a physical, is the richest in Giants history.
Adames, 29, had a career-high 32 home runs and 112 RBI for the Brewers last season. The former Ray also hit .251/.331/.462.
While Adames had reportedly expressed a willingness to play the hot corner — a change he would have had to make in New York with Anthony Volpe and Francisco Lindor in town — he can stay at short in San Francisco. The Giants already had Matt Chapman at third.
The Yankees could have moved Jazz Chisholm Jr., who just learned third himself last season, back to second or center had they inked Adames. Mark Vientos was the Mets’ primary third baseman last year. He can also play first, something to keep in mind as longtime Met Pete Alonso also weighs his future on the open market.
RETURN OF THE KRAKEN
Gary Sánchez is returning to the AL East, as the former Yankees catcher agreed to a one-year, $8.5 million deal with the rival Orioles on Saturday, per Heyman.
Sánchez began his career with the Yankees, playing in the Bronx from 2015-2021. He enjoyed a meteoric rise in pinstripes before his poor defense and a few down offensive seasons made him a lightning rod. The 32-year-old was traded to the Twins in the Josh Donaldson deal in March 2022, and he’s since played for the Mets, Padres and Brewers.
The Orioles also agreed to a three-year, $49.5 million contract with power-hitting outfielder Tyler O’Neill on Saturday, per multiple reports. The pact includes an opt-out after the first season for O’Neill, who crushed 31 homers for the Red Sox in 2024.
SASAKI POSTING SOON
Japanese ace Roki Sasaki is expected to be officially posted during the Winter Meetings, according to multiple reports. From there, he will have 45 days to sign with a major league club.
Many have pegged the Dodgers and Padres as favorites for the 23-year-old, but the Yankees and Mets, among others, are also expected to pursue Sasaki. Because of his age, he’ll be limited to international signing bonus pools, which range from $5.1 million to $7.55 million.
