The Milwaukee Brewers face a significant challenge this offseason: finding a replacement for their cornerstone shortstop, Willy Adames. Since joining the team midseason in 2021, Adames has become a fan favorite and rewritten the record books for his position in franchise history.
In 2024, Adames delivered an outstanding performance, hitting .251/.331/.462 with 32 home runs, 112 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases. His 32 home runs set a new franchise record for shortstops, surpassing his previous mark, while his 112 RBIs broke Robin Yount’s long-standing record. He also became the first shortstop in team history to achieve a 30-20 season.
While his historic season was thrilling to watch, it has priced him out of the Brewers’ budget for a contract extension. With Adames departing, the Brewers will need a new shortstop for 2025, adding another gap to fill on their roster.
Joey Ortiz Will Start at Shortstop for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2025
Before the 2024 season began, the Brewers traded 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for rookies Joey Ortiz and DL Hall. Both players made Milwaukee’s Opening Day roster, though Hall struggled initially and spent much of the season on the injured list.
Ortiz, meanwhile, became one of the Brewers’ most reliable contributors. Though primarily a shortstop, he transitioned to an everyday role at third base, finishing the season with a .239/.329/.398 slash line, 11 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases over 142 games.
2024 NL Manager of the Year Pat Murphy has indicated that Ortiz is expected to move back to shortstop in 2025, as Willy Adames is unlikely to return. While this shift addresses the defensive vacancy left by Adames, it opens up a new need at third base and leaves the team searching for a way to replace Adames’ offensive production.
There is, however, one intriguing trade proposal that could solve both issues.
The Milwaukee Brewers Could Trade Devin Williams to the Philadelphia Phillies for Alec Bohm
In a recent article for The Athletic, MLB insider Jim Bowden responded to trade proposals submitted by readers. One intriguing suggestion involved the Milwaukee Brewers trading All-Star closer Devin Williams and a prospect to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm.
Bowden praised the proposal, calling it a win for both teams. He explained:
“The Phillies need an elite, right-handed, high-leverage closer, and this deal makes a lot of sense for them. It would also allow them to pursue Alex Bregman or Willy Adames as replacements for Bohm at third base, given that prospect Aidan Miller likely won’t be ready for the majors until 2026 or 2027. While there’s speculation about their interest in acquiring Nolan Arenado from the Cardinals, that would require St. Louis to absorb a significant portion of his contract.
“From the Brewers’ perspective, this trade is equally appealing. Bohm would address their need at third base and replace Adames in the lineup. This would allow Eduardo Ortiz to take over at shortstop, with Brice Turang staying at second base.”
However, recent reports suggest Milwaukee has no intention of trading Williams this offseason. If they decide to part with him, it’s more likely to happen closer to the 2025 trade deadline.
The appeal of such a deal for Milwaukee is clear. Bohm, who made the NL All-Star team last season, hit .280/.332/.448 with 15 home runs and 97 RBIs. His 2023 numbers were similarly impressive: .274/.327/.437 with 20 home runs and 97 RBIs. Additionally, Bohm remains under team control through 2026 and offers versatility with experience at first base, aligning with the Brewers’ preference for flexible players.
Despite its merits, this trade is unlikely to materialize before the season, as Milwaukee appears committed to keeping Williams for now. For the time being, it remains a hypothetical scenario.
Be the first to comment