After needing several months to settle in during his first year with the San Francisco Giants, shortstop Willy Adames believes familiarity and offseason adjustments will help him produce more consistently in 2026.

Speaking during Spring Training in Scottsdale, Arizona, Adames openly acknowledged the extended adjustment period he experienced last season. As reported by Maria Guardado of MLB.com, Adames joked about how long it took him to find his rhythm after signing his franchise-record deal.

“A little time?” Adames said. “Four months!”

San Francisco brought in Adames to anchor the middle of the lineup, but his production lagged early as he posted a .680 OPS before the All-Star break.

The veteran shortstop rebounded in the second half, recording an .828 OPS over his final stretch and finishing with a team-leading 30 home runs. His power output marked the first 30-homer season by a Giants hitter since Barry Bonds accomplished the feat in 2004.

Now entering his second season with the organization, Adames said comfort with both the ballpark and the city should make a noticeable difference.

“I believe so,” Adames said. “You go into the offseason, you go and work hard, make adjustments. This is going to be my second year now. I don’t have to impress anybody.”

While the power numbers were strong, Adames emphasized consistency as his primary focus for 2026. He spent the offseason simplifying his mechanics, standing more upright in the batter’s box and reducing his leg kick to improve timing against increasingly high-velocity pitching.

“I’m trying to make some adjustments,” Adames said. “The game is evolving… I’m trying to eliminate as many movements as I can.”

Giants hitting coach Hunter Mense noted that Adames has long experimented with different approaches but continues to produce because of his ability to maintain rhythm.

“If he's able to create some rhythm, it's going to be really good,” Mense said.

The Giants are counting on a more balanced offense this season, with multiple power threats expected to support Adames, including Matt Chapman and Rafael Devers.

Adames also expressed excitement about building chemistry with new double-play partner Luis Arraez, who joined the club during the offseason.

“We’ve been doing everything together,” Adames said. “A lot of early work… just to get comfortable with each other.”

If those adjustments translate into a quicker start, then the Giants could see their lineup stabilize earlier than it did a year ago—something Adames is determined to make happen.

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