Dodgers have clear advantage in Willy Adames chase over predictable new foe

The Dodgers aggressively pursuing Willy Adames in his free agency was basically a forgone conclusion this offseason. They were reportedly interested in him throughout his last few years as a Brewer, but Milwaukee always ended up hanging onto him. The Crew has been postseason contenders for six out of the last seven seasons and haven't had much incentive to sell at the trade deadline.

But now Adames is a free man, and the Dodgers are free to offer him all the money in the world to finally get him to LA.

They, of course, won't be the only ones. There are a handful of rich teams in baseball, but none match both the wealth and aggression of the Dodgers quite like the Mets. At this point, it seems like Mets owner Steve Cohen is ready to write personal blank checks to players if it'll get them to come play in Queens.

The Mets are rumored to have made Adames an aggressive offer already — seven years and over $160 million. However, the Mets don't need a shortstop; Francisco Lindor has (and should have) that spot secured through the rest of his 10-year deal. Adames signing in New York would mean a position switch over to third base, of which he's reportedly "not convinced."

Apparently, he also has an offer from the Dodgers on the table, and coming to LA wouldn't require a position switch.

Dodgers have the upper hand over Mets in Willy Adames chase for one obvious reason

The Dodgers picked up Miguel Rojas' club option for 2025, which will give them a solid defensive backup at shortstop. They're moving Mookie Betts back to the infield next season, but it will presumably (hopefully) be at second base and not short. They could move Tommy Edman to short full-time, but if there's already an offer to Adames on the table, it's clear that moving Edman from center field would be a last resort.

Even if the Dodgers aren't willing to go quite as far as seven years and upwards of $160 million (most predictions put him at six years and $160 million flat), the position that Adames got MVP votes for playing in 2021 is open in LA, and it can't be in New York.

Cohen's will is fierce and his pockets are apparently endlessly deep, and it's not as though position switches for the sake of money have never happened before (see: Alex Rodriguez's move from shortstop to third when he went from the Rangers to Yankees), but if Adames ultimately isn't willing to sacrifice his comfort at a position he's played throughout his entire career...the Dodgers are right there.