Willy Adames knows what it takes to make it in Major League Baseball, and now he’s ready to pass that knowledge down to the next generation. The 30-year-old Giants shortstop recently opened up about his desire to mentor the team’s top international prospects, a move that signals a deeper commitment to building a winning culture in San Francisco.

Adames’ own journey to the majors started when he was just 16 years old, signing a minor-league contract with the Detroit Tigers back in 2012. Now, more than a decade into his professional career, he wants to help young players navigate the same path he took. “I want them to be the best version they can be. So, when they get here, they are really prepared to help the team win championships”, Adames explained.

The Giants have been aggressive in recent years about signing elite international talent. The organization has brought in Venezuelan shortstop Jhonny Level, Dominican shortstop Josuar Gonzalez, and this year’s top international prospect Luis Hernández from Venezuela. Both Level and Gonzalez are already ranked highly in the Giants’ prospect rankings, Gonzalez came in second and Level fourth on MLB Pipeline’s 2025 list of the organization’s top 30 prospects.

Adames has already shown his commitment to these young players. Just months after signing his massive seven-year, $182 million contract with the Giants, he was present for Gonzalez’s signing, setting an early example of the kind of leadership the organization values. Now he wants to take that involvement further by actively guiding these prospects through their development.

“I want to get involved with them when they get a little bit more comfortable here in the States and try to guide them, teach them the right way: how we work out, how we prepare for the season”, Adames said. “Just kind of like the work ethic that you should have as a big leaguer, for you to establish yourself in the big leagues”.

The transition to American baseball can be challenging for international players, especially those who grew up in different baseball cultures. Beyond the on-field adjustments, young prospects often face language barriers, cultural differences, and the pressure of living up to high expectations. Having an established star like Adames in their corner can make a real difference in how smoothly they adapt.

Adames also acknowledged that making it to the majors has become increasingly difficult. “This is hard; to establish yourself nowadays, I think, is harder than what it was before just because of how the game has changed so much”, he noted. That’s exactly why having a mentor who understands the modern game and the challenges these young players face is so valuable.

With Hernández likely to crack the Giants’ top prospect list very soon, it’s clear that San Francisco is betting big on international talent. And with Adames ready to help guide them, these prospects will have the support they need to succeed.