It is hard to believe this is only Willy Adames’ third Opening Day with the Tampa Bay Rays. The 22-year-old shortstop has become as popular among Rays fans as he was with trade rumors over the offseason.
In part, the middle of the infield is crowded on the organizational depth chart, especially with top prospect Wander Franco inching closer to the big leagues with an expected arrival this season.
Adames hit .259/.332/.481 with a .813 OPS in 205 plate appearances last season. He continued to show some signs of power in his bat with 15 doubles which ranked ninth in the American League.