In a team that came close to the World Series, being called the “weakest link” sounds like a death sentence.
But for Joey Ortiz, the story at the Milwaukee Brewers this spring isn’t as simple as the numbers on the statistics sheet.
Ortiz played 149 games in the 2025 season. Of the 11 Brewers players with at least 200 plate appearances, he’s the only one with a wRC+ rating below 100. For many, that’s clear evidence: the shortstop position should be open to competition. And the name most frequently mentioned is Jett Williams—a young talent being given a chance in spring training.
That sounds reasonable.
But a deeper look reveals a different picture.
Ortiz isn’t just an average shortstop. He boasts an OAA (Outs Above Average) of 13—the fifth-highest ranking shortstop in MLB last season. In a team that prioritizes pitching and defense, that number isn’t a small detail.
And that’s where the story begins to take a turn.
The Brewers made a series of offseason trades, including the departures of Caleb Durbin, Andruw Monasterio, and Anthony Seigler. The departures didn’t just create a void on the depth chart—they created a real gap at third base.
The public is talking about a “shortstop battle.” But internally, Milwaukee might be looking at a different problem.
Jett Williams is reportedly taking reps at third base during spring training. That’s no coincidence. Instead of a direct shortstop takeover, the Brewers are likely considering how to keep both players on the roster—by restructuring the position.
Ortiz could remain at shortstop.
Ortiz could also move to third base if needed.
But what if he were completely removed from the roster? That doesn’t fit the Brewers’ approach to roster building.
There’s a big difference between “not outstanding offensively” and “replaceable.”
In a lineup with a lot of firepower, sometimes a team accepts a less effective offensive link in exchange for defensive stability. The Brewers didn’t fail last season because their shortstop wasn’t slugging enough. They failed because crucial moments weren’t capitalized on—and that’s the story of the whole team, not just Ortiz.
Spring training is always a breeding ground for rumors. A few good hits, a few impressive practice sessions, and fans start picturing a roster overhaul. But the locker room doesn’t operate on social media sentiment.
The Brewers may be experimenting. They may be expanding their options. But that doesn’t mean Ortiz is on the verge of being dropped.
If there’s a real “battle,” it might be in the third base—where the void left by the winter trades is waiting to be filled. And that’s where Jett Williams could find his way into the starting lineup.
The problem is: the “Ortiz being replaced” narrative sounds far more appealing than “Brewers undergoing a flexible restructuring.”
And sometimes, the most misunderstood thing is the long-term strategy.
Ortiz may not be the brightest stick in the lineup.
But for the Brewers’ defense, he could be the anchor that keeps them balanced.
The question isn’t whether he’ll be replaced.
It’s: if the Brewers really let him out of the shortstop, are they willing to sacrifice something that helped them become one of the best defensive teams last season?
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