It is anticipated that the Milwaukee Brewers will lose shortstop Willy Adames in free agency this off-season. With that, a void opens up at shortstop.
One candidate that has emerged as a favorite to takeover is Joey Ortiz; who was a shortstop by trade before settling in nicely at third base last year. Here we pump the breaks on this idea and go over three reasons why a position change shouldn’t happen.
Three reasons why the Milwaukee Brewers should keep Joey Ortiz at third base in 2025
Joey Ortiz proved to be a gold glove caliber third baseman in 2024
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Despite having minimal experience at the hot corner entering last season, Joey Ortiz was statistically one of the best third baseman and there is an argument that he was snubbed of being gold glove finalist. He has the arm and athleticism to succeed at shortstop at the big league level, but why change something that worked exceptionally well a season ago?
Joey Ortiz has more to prove offensively and adding the pressure of shortstop could potentially interfere
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May 9, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Joey Ortiz (3) hits a home run during the fourth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
As mentioned in 2024 Joey Ortiz’s glove and arm work at third base was incredible, but offensively he was streaky. As a rookie that isn’t all that surprising, but changing positions could potentially interfere with this.
Luis Urias is an example of a recent Brewers shortstop who struggled with the switch from third base to shortstop and as a result he pressed offensively. Allowing Ortiz to remain at a position where he excelled may be the best thing for his offensive development.
The Milwaukee Brewers can look externally to address shortstop in 2025
Replacing the production that Willy Adames provided throughout his tenure with the Brewers is unlikely, but the club can look externally to fill his spot.
The 2024-2025 free agent class isn’t all that strong, but trade speculations around Bo Bichette are guaranteed to heat up this off-season as he is entering his final year of team control. GM Matt Arnold has a reputation for sneaking his way into trade talks, so who knows what he might have up his sleeve this winter.
To conclude, Joey Ortiz was phenomenal at third base last year and has the tools to succeed as a big league shortstop, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that is what is best for him. Making the move to a premier position such as shortstop may add additional pressure and it could interfere with his offensive production; which was already streaky a season ago.
