In Milwaukee’s thrilling 15-8 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday night, shortstop Willy Adames made a significant impact, hitting two home runs and reinforcing what is shaping up to be the best season of his career.

Adames’ standout performance began in his second at-bat of the game where he hammered a first-pitch sweeper 379 feet to left field for his first grand slam of the season, extending the Brewers' lead to 8-0 in the second inning. This grand slam was not only his first of the season but also the Brewers' ninth, the second-most by one team in the majors, just behind the Diamondbacks who have 11.

He followed this with a powerful shot in his next at-bat, crushing a slider for a 386-foot home run over the right-field wall, which pushed the Brewers’ lead to 12-0.

This display of power has brought Adames' RBI total to 107, leading the National League, and ranking second in the majors, trailing just Aaron Judge (130).  With 32 home runs on the season, Adames surpassed his career-high of 31, set in 2022. Adames’ performance underscores his pivotal role in the Brewers’ lineup as they prepare for October baseball.

As September draws to a close, the Brewers face a challenging slate of opponents, including the Diamondbacks, Phillies, Pirates, and Mets. Despite this tough schedule, their magic number has been reduced to just three with 14 games remaining. 

As of today, Milwaukee is one game behind the Dodgers for the No. 2 seed in the NL and three games back of the Phillies who hold the No.1 seed with the best record in baseball. Securing a bye to the NLDS, which they haven’t achieved since 2021, remains a realistic goal.

Off the field, the Brewers are facing a critical decision regarding Adames’ future. As he enters the final year of his contract, his standout season has significantly increased his market value. Operating with a small-market budget, the Brewers face a considerable challenge in retaining him for the 2025 season.

As the Brewers navigate the pressures of a high-stakes playoff race and off-season planning, Adames’ contributions remain crucial. His performances not only boost his market value, but also fuels Milwaukee’s championship aspirations, making him an indispensable asset in their quest for postseason success.