Newly signed Giant Willy Adames is already out on the recruiting trail in hopes of luring one of his former teammates to join him in San Francisco.
The 29-year-old shortstop, who just signed a seven-year, $182 million contract last week, said in his introductory press conference that he would do his part in trying to recruit his former Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Corbin Burnes to the Giants and it sounds like he has followed through.
On KNBR 680’s “Murph & Markus” show Monday, Adames said he has contacted the free-agent pitcher in an effort to persuade him to join the team.
“I hope we can make that happen because that would be an incredible addition to the team. I think when you have a guy like Corbin on this team, that’s like a 99% (chance) that you’re winning that day,” Adames said.
“That’s a guy that I love to play for, I love to play defense for him and he’s one of the most competitive guys that I ever played with. If we could add him to the team, obviously it would be an insane move but you know, we’re hoping and we’re doing our part in every department, so hopefully we can make it happen.”
As for how he felt about the recruitment pitch, Adames said, “It went really, really positive. I think that’s the only thing I can say right now, but it went really, really positive.”
Burnes, 30, is one of the best free agents on the market. The Saint Mary’s alum is still one of the game’s top pitchers as he has made four consecutive All-Star appearances and won the Cy Young in 2021.
He was traded from Milwaukee to the Baltimore Orioles in February, making 32 starts. He finished the year with 181 strikeouts and pitching to a 2.92 ERA while going 15-9.
Adames and Burns were teammates for three seasons where they helped the Brewers win the NL Central and make it to the NLDS where they eventually fell to the eventual World Series champion Atlanta Braves.
Adames said he is already getting antiquated with the Bay Area and felt the love from the fans last week when he was in town for his introduction.
“The way they treated me that week, they made me feel special and that, for me, is the best thing ever,” he said. “When you go somewhere that is going to be your home for the next seven and who knows if I just stay there for the rest of my life, the way that they showed me love, it was impressive and it was special for me and my family.”