Willy Adames 2019 Outlook: Young Shortstop Still Developing Skills
6 years agoWilly Adames took the long road to get to his destination but ultimately, he will enter 2019 as the Tampa Bay Rays starting shortstop. He started off 2018 tremendously slow with a .216 batting average. Adames' slump was cured with a demotion mid-season. Following a return from Triple-A, he hit .305 with seven homers and five stolen bases. Adames offers a mix of both power and speed that will currently provide just enough for double-digit homers and steals. He needs to continue to improve on his plate discipline as he had a 27% strikeout rate even in the better of two halves last year. He attempts to offset that with an increased number of walks (9%). His ground-ball rate (52%) is something to monitor as he develops. Adames currently has an ADP of 218, which gives a solid value for a backup infielder in the 18th round of drafts.