Shortstop ranks high on that list, as the Dodgers had a Gold Glove outfielder in Mookie Betts playing the position for half the season before trading for shortstop/center fielder Tommy Edman. Both are options to take over the position again in 2025, but having a classically trained shortstop would be the best option of all.

Enter Willy Adames, the Milwaukee Brewers’ slugging shortstop who is entering free agency after blasting a career-high 32 home runs in 2024. Not only is Adames a great option for the Dodgers, but he fits well with the rival San Francisco Giants who are on the hunt for a new shortstop in free agency.

Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report believes the Dodgers will win the day. Miller recently named L.A. as the number-one free agent fit for Adames, ahead of number two, San Francisco.

“The Dodgers’ current projected tax payroll for 2025 is $272 million. That’s $31 million above the luxury tax threshold for 2025, but it’s more notably about $68 million less than they spent this past season—without including the expected impending tax payment of around $90 million. So, if they want Adames, they can go get him,” Miller said.

“There’s a bonus incentive of screwing over a rival, too. San Francisco has already made it clear that upgrading at shortstop is one of its biggest priorities this offseason. Outbidding the Giants for Adames would make it much harder for them to achieve that goal.”

With a solid glove, a .794 OPS, and outstanding leadership qualities, Adames would be a great fit for the Dodgers. They seem to have the Giants’ number in most free-agent sweepstakes in recent years, but we’ll see if that principal holds true this winter.