Shortstop Willy Adames has played with the Tampa Bay Rays for the past two seasons.
The Detroit Tigers signed Adames in 2013 when he was 17 years old, and he played his first professional season with the Dominican Summer League Tigers, where he hit .245/.419/.370 in his debut season.
Despite his lack of experience, he managed to draw 56 walks in 60 games, a remarkable display of plate discipline. Starting in 2014, the Tigers stepped up his development by promoting him to the Midwest League with the West Michigan Whitecaps.
He hit .269/.346/.428 in 98 games as a result of the trade, which paid off. He had 14 doubles, 12 triples, and six homers, while being more than three years younger than the average player in the league, and drawing a lot fewer walks.
As soon as the Tampa Bay Rays learned that they would have to move ace pitcher David Price at the trading deadline or risk losing him for just a draft pick, they insisted on acquiring young Willy from the Detroit Tigers.
Despite being paired with Drew Smyly and Nick Franklin, it was evident that he was the most talented of the three. To close out the season, he hit .278 in 27 games with the Bowling Green Hot Rods, giving him an overall slash line of .271/.353/.429 in 125 contests.
How Old Is Willy Adames?
Willy Adames is 26 years old. He was born on September 2, 1995.