MLB Player Grabs Attention With Kate Martin Move on Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated May 16, 2025 9:03 PM ET

After spending her first WNBA season with the Las Vegas Aces, Kate Martin was selected in December's expansion draft, joining the Golden State Valkyries in their inaugural season.

Injuring her hand during the preseason, Martin has been made available for the regular season opener as the Valkyries host Kelsey Plum and the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday night.

Many San Francisco-based sports teams, such as the NBA's Golden State Warriors and the NFL's San Francisco 49ers, have shown support for the new WNBA team. But there was one athlete who took it to the next level.

Both of the Bay Area's MLB teams were in action on Friday night as well as the San Francisco Giants hosted the Oakland Athletics. Entering the stadium, Giants shortstop Willy Adames was seen rocking a Martin jersey, celebrating the Valkyries' first-ever game.

"Willy Adames rocking a Kate Martin jersey ahead of the @valkyries season opener tonight ," the SF Giants wrote on X.

Willy Adames rocking a Kate Martin jersey ahead of the @valkyries season opener tonight pic.twitter.com/PxO0J2tcrg
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) May 16, 2025

WNBA and MLB fans took notice of Adames donning Martin's black and purple Valkyries No. 20 jersey, taking to social media to leave their thoughts.

"Adames knows how to win the Bay Area over," one fan said.

"my shortstop rocking my fave valk’s jersey," added another.

"we're matching," claimed a third.

"oh i love him for this," wrote a fourth.

"Wow didn’t think I could be more in love but here we are," commented a fifth.

"Oh my god this is my favorite human of all time," posted a sixth.

While Martin and the Valkyries are seeking their first win in franchise history, Adames and the Giants are sitting at 25-19 entering Friday night, good for third-place in the NL West. San Francisco will host the Athletics in a three-game mini-series before the Kansas City Royals come to town on Monday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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