The San Francisco Giants have multiple All-Stars in the middle of their lineup, but those hitters have yet to perform at their best simultaneously.

This season, Rafael Devers heated up late, while Matt Chapman suffered a severe core muscle injury and sports hernia before he could find his rhythm. The Giants’ record at the end of the year reflected that lack of continuity.

Willy Adames’ 2026 season cannot escape scrutiny, either. The shortstop has not lived up to expectations since signing with San Francisco and took a step backward during his second year with the franchise. 

Adames hit .225 with 30 home runs, 87 RBIs and a .740 OPS in 160 games in 2025, and finished this season hitting .230 with 21 home runs, 51 RBIs and a .713 OPS in 121 games.

Considering his salary, the Giants cannot afford another year of similar production. Injuries provide important context, however. Adames ended the season on the Injured List because of a left elbow injury, while back trouble also bothered him during the summer.

San Francisco received the Best Farm System of the Year award in 2026 following the development of several top prospects.

Two of its most prominent young players are shortstops Josuar Gonzalez and Luis Hernández, ranked first and second in the system, respectively. Both have impressed offensively and defensively.

With those prospects progressing and Adames coming off a difficult year in the field, president of baseball operations Buster Posey was asked whether the veteran could eventually move to second base.

Posey made it clear that he continues to view Adames as a shortstop, according to NBC Sports Bay Area. He also indicated that Adames’ movement suggested his back was affecting him throughout the season.

Posey noted that Adames would not use the injury as an excuse because that is not his nature, and expressed hope that improved health would help his defensive metrics return to their career norms.

“I see his future as a as a shortstop,” Posey said..

“To speak for Willie, there’s no doubt the way he moved this year that his back was bugging him. And he’s not going to sit up here and say this because that’s not his nature," Posey continued.

“So I am hopeful that if he gets into a better place physically that some of those metrics that you were talking about will move back to what he’s done throughout his career.”

Adames remains a dangerous power hitter and has entered MVP discussions twice during his MLB career. Getting him healthy would strengthen the Giants as they attempt to contend in 2027.

Gonzalez and Hernández may eventually receive their opportunities, but Posey continues to consider Adames his shortstop.

Adames is under contract through 2031. Gonzalez and Hernández have estimated MLB arrival dates of 2029 and 2030, respectively, leaving San Francisco time to evaluate how all three players fit together.

Beyond his power, Adames brings energy, confidence and durability when healthy. He plays with visible emotion and has experience handling the daily responsibility that comes with shortstop.

His refusal to publicly blame physical discomfort also reflects accountability, even during a disappointing year.

Adames can influence a lineup through more than home runs. His aggressive presence forces pitchers to remain careful, while his experience gives younger teammates someone familiar with handling expectations and adversity.

Recovering physically should help restore his mobility, timing and consistency. The Giants need that version of Adames before considering a positional change driven by one injury-affected season.