In a stunning turn of events, Gold Glove shortstop Willy Adames has backed out of his deal with the San Francisco Giants and will instead sign with the New York Yankees — the team he now says he truly wanted all along.
Adames had initially agreed to a seven-year, $182 million contract with the Giants in early December, but sources close to the situation say he had lingering doubts even after committing. Those doubts grew stronger over time, and after continued conversations with Yankees officials, Adames ultimately decided to follow his heart.
“San Francisco was where I thought I wanted to be,” Adames admitted, “but deep down, the Yankees were always my dream. I realized I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to wear the pinstripes.”
The shortstop had been in advanced talks with the Yankees before finalizing the deal with the Giants. At the time, New York was heavily involved in negotiations with Juan Soto, making it difficult for them to commit fully to Adames. Once Soto signed with the Mets, the Yankees reopened communication with Adames, and the dialogue rekindled his desire to play in the Bronx.
“I’ve always been a huge fan of Derek Jeter, and the Yankees were the team I grew up watching,” Adames said. “That conversation we had — it wasn’t about numbers or stats, it was about me as a person. That stuck with me.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed excitement at the unexpected addition.
“We were impressed with him from the start,” Boone said. “This is a guy we’ve always liked, and we’re thrilled he’s decided to be part of what we’re building here.”
The Giants, blindsided by the reversal, have yet to comment on the situation publicly. League sources indicate they are exploring options to address the sudden hole at shortstop.
With Adames now heading to New York, the Yankees are expected to shuffle their infield — potentially moving Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to third base — creating a dynamic and athletic left side.
For Adames, the decision may have come late, but it’s one he’s confident about.
“I respect the Giants organization a lot,” he said. “But when it came down to it, this was about doing what felt right. And for me, that’s being a Yankee.”
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© 2025 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved. Original story published April 13, 2025.
