"Willy Adames taught Jackson Chourio to be a pro" - MLB insider sees Dominican as 'culture-setting player' for Toronto if Blue Jays pursue him

After spending the last three seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, Willy Adames is now looking for a new team as he enters free agency. Several teams are expected to show interest in Adames, including the Toronto Blue Jays.

MLB Insider Robert Murray, on The JD Bunkis Podcast, discussed whether the Blue Jays should pursue Adames (24:43):

“The Blue Jays to me If you want to end up having a culture-setting player, you go out and get Willy Adames. Cause I was around him in Milwaukee when I was on a beach, and I also was around them during the postseason when they were in it.”

“The one thing that I kept hearing is how instrumental he was in that clubhouse. I heard it from players, coaches, broadcasters, and media members — everyone loved Willy Adames.”

Willy Adames made his MLB debut in 2018 with the Tampa Bay Rays. In 2021, he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers. Discussing Adames and the Blue Jays further, Murray said:

“Jackson Churio who is Brewers star player, he really struggled coming up in the majors right away. Adames taught him to be a pro. He took him under his wing and Churio immediately thrived.

“Of all the baseball players I have been around I would say Adames is probably the most respected one and If you are the Blue Jays I think you absolutely go and make that phone call and check in to see exactly what it will take to acquire Adames.”

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MLB insider Robert Murray discusses about teams that could target Willy Adames

In the 2024 season, Adames has posted a .251 batting average with 32 home runs, 112 RBIs and a .794 OPS. Discussing teams potentially interested in Adames, MLB Insider Robert Murray said (23:57):

“I have not heard any Adames and Blue Jays but that doesn’t mean they haven’t checked in. But I have not heard that on my end. The things I have heard connected to Adames have been either the Dodgers you look at the Mets. I think the Red Sox can make a lot of sense. I think the Braves makes a lot of sense as well.”

Murray also noted that if Adames is willing to move from his shortstop role, it could 'open up a different level of suitors for him.'