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Willy Adames' Power Outage and the Giants' Infield Pipeline | Tarik Skubal's WBC Decision: Balancing Patriotism with Pitching Priorities | Braves' Joey Wentz Out for Season with ACL Tear | Can Juan Soto Upset Ohtani for the 2026 NL MVP? | Ceddanne Rafaela Gains Experience and Insights at the World Baseball Classic | Harry Ford's Home Run and Royal Guard Celebration at the World Baseball Classic | Braves Stars Shine in 2026 World Baseball Classic | Joseph Contreras: Following in His Father's Footsteps to the MLB Draft | Byron Buxton's Place in Twins History: Analyzing His Legacy and Future | Willy Adames' Power Outage and the Giants' Infield Pipeline | Tarik Skubal's WBC Decision: Balancing Patriotism with Pitching Priorities | Braves' Joey Wentz Out for Season with ACL Tear | Can Juan Soto Upset Ohtani for the 2026 NL MVP? | Ceddanne Rafaela Gains Experience and Insights at the World Baseball Classic | Harry Ford's Home Run and Royal Guard Celebration at the World Baseball Classic | Braves Stars Shine in 2026 World Baseball Classic | Joseph Contreras: Following in His Father's Footsteps to the MLB Draft | Byron Buxton's Place in Twins History: Analyzing His Legacy and Future

MLB / Giants

Willy Adames' Power Outage and the Giants' Infield Pipeline

San Francisco Giants' shortstop Willy Adames, the team's largest free-agent signing in history, has experienced a concerning drop in performance. Simultaneously, the Giants are looking to the future, potentially adding to their infield pipe...

San Francisco Giants Slugger’s Power Outage Could Be Because of One Statistic Drop
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Willy Adames' Power Outage and the Giants' Infield Pipeline Image via Sports Illustrated

Key Insights

  • Willy Adames' swing speed has decreased by 1.7 mph, one of the largest drops in MLB this season, contributing to a power outage.
  • Despite a slow start, Adames is showing signs of improvement in May with a .276/.344/.517 slash line.
  • The Giants are considering drafting Kayson Cunningham, a high school shortstop, as a potential future infield option.
  • Cunningham is compared to Kevin McGonigle and praised for his pure hitting ability.
  • The Giants have a history of drafting infielders, including recent picks like Bryce Eldridge and Patrick Bailey.

In-Depth Analysis

Willy Adames, who signed a seven-year, $182 million deal with the Giants, hasn't met expectations. His OPS+ and Rbat+ are slightly below average. A notable drop in swing speed is a potential factor, as analyzed by Eno Sarris of The Athletic. This decline contrasts with his career year in 2024, fueled by increased swing speed.

In May, Adames' performance has improved, but his overall numbers remain below par (.230/.308/.371). Veteran Wilmer Flores has helped offset Adames' struggles.

Looking ahead, the Giants may draft Kayson Cunningham, a high school shortstop. Baseball America projects Cunningham as a top-half first-round pick, praising his hitting ability. Scouts believe he may transition to second base at the professional level.

The Giants' recent draft history reflects a focus on infield talent, including Bryce Eldridge, currently in Double-A, and Patrick Bailey, now a key defensive catcher in the majors. These moves signal a dual approach: maximizing current investments while preparing for the future.

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FAQ

What is causing Willy Adames' power outage?

A decrease in swing speed is a likely contributing factor.

Who is Kayson Cunningham?

A high school shortstop prospect the Giants may consider drafting.

When is the 2025 MLB Draft?

July 13-14 during All-Star Weekend in Atlanta.

Takeaways

  • Monitor Willy Adames' performance and swing speed as the season progresses.
  • Understand the Giants' strategy of blending current player development with future draft prospects.
  • Recognize the importance of infield depth and long-term planning in MLB.

Discussion

Do you think Willy Adames will turn his season around? What do you think of the Giants' draft strategy? Let us know!

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Sources

Disclaimer

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