The Potential Tools: 60 arm, 55 hit, 50 run, 50 glove

Strengths: Average athleticism; should add valuable strength; moderate lateral agility at shortstop; average first step and reactions; soft, clean hands when fielding; potential average glove; smooth transfers; plus arm; plus bat speed; selective at the plate; linear swing path but ability to lift inner-half pitches to pull side; above-average raw power; can get extended on pitches outer half; will use all fields; natural feel for the barrel; average run; stays low and athletic with long strides.

Weaknesses: Patient at plate but needs work on plate discipline; swing has length; has trouble with velocity in the zone; run will slow with added weight; below-average range at shortstop; future defensive home is at third base; power yet to play in-game – could fall of projected game power; torque-heavy swing limits true barrel control; will expand zone down with offspeed offerings; body could potential get soft and be high maintenance as he matures.

Role Ceiling: 55; above-average major league regular third baseman
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Risk: High; defensive home in question; power projections needs to develop in upper minor leagues.

Summary: When David Price was traded from the Rays to the Tigers, many questioned who the headliner from the Tigers would be. Adames was the name that emerged, and he has a very good chance to become the best player that headed to the Rays in that trade. He shows plus bat speed, patience at the plate, and a linear swing path that give him above-average barrel control through the zone. While his swing is not geared for over-the-fence power, Adames has the strength and above-average raw power to tap into some more in-game power than some project. In the field, he has average athleticism but makes up for his clean actions and reactions when fielding and transferring to his plus arm. He’s not a burner, but as he fills out he should keep his athleticism and be an average runner at full maturity. There are questions surrounding whether Adames has the range to stick at shortstop but if he doesn’t, he has the ceiling at the plate to play third base on an everyday basis.