At the MLB Trade Deadline, the Milwaukee Brewers are expected to acquire a two-time All-Star third baseman.
Despite losing to one of the best teams in Major League Baseball right now, the Houston Astros, the Milwaukee Brewers still hold the top spot with a 26-18 record. Right now, they lead the Pittsburgh Pirates by six games and the Craig Counsell-led Cubs by two complete games. Additionally, Milwaukee leads the Cincinnati Reds by seven and a half games and the St. Louis Cardinals by seven games.
The Brewers’ dominant relief pitching and other players’ offensive contributions have allowed them to secure first place. The team’s many young players have filled up the voids in the lineup while veterans Christian Yelich, Willy Adames, and William Contreras—who might be a contender for National League MVP—have all had strong starts.
A rookie sensation for the Milwaukee Brewers is Joey Ortiz.
The Brewers dealt their ace, 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes, before spring training had started this season. Milwaukee got infielder Joey Ortiz and left-handed pitcher DL Hall in exchange. They were both added to the Brewers Opening Day roster.
In Milwaukee, Ortiz has flourished while Hall has battled and sustained injuries. With a recent hot streak at the plate, his season averages have increased to.296/.397/.561. In addition, he has shown flashes of power, with five home runs and fifteen RBI.
Oliver Dunn and Ortiz shared third base responsibilities during the first half of the season. But Dunn was recently demoted to Nashville’s Triple-A team, giving Ortiz additional playing time. He has played shortstop, second base, and third base in addition to his primary position.
Given that Adames is in his contract year and that Milwaukee is unlikely to be able to pay for him the next season, Ortiz is a strong candidate to be the Brewers’ shortstop of the future.
