DENVER – It may have been the turning point in the National League Central last year. Two teams in the division had a need at shortstop and one acquired Willy Adames on their way to a division title while the other team stood pat and missed the playoffs.
The Milwaukee Brewers acquired Adames from the Tampa Bay Rays on May 21, in exchange for pitchers Drew Rasmussen and J.P. Feyereisen. The Brewers were 21-23 at the time of the trade, but Adames quickly became their sparkplug and a clubhouse leader. Adames earned NL MVP votes at the end of the season.